JENNIE LILLIAN STEVENSON

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JENNIE LILLIAN STEVENSON It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Jennie Lillian Stevenson on September 5, 2012, eldest daughter of Harry and Edith (Smith) Purdy, born on March 6, 1921, in Belmont, NS. Jennie's memory will be cherished by her immediate family, grand-children, great-grandchildren, and all those who knew her. Jennie moved to Shoal Lake, MB with her parents in her first year, taking her schooling in Shoal Lake, then graduating as a Registered Nurse from the Winnipeg General Hospital School of Nursing. Her first position was at the Moose Jaw General Hospital, where she worked for a number of years. Returning to Shoal Lake, Jennie married R C (Dick) Stevenson in June, 1946. Jennie was predeceased by her husband Dick, her daughter Jean, her brother Smith Purdy, and sister Ilene Strickland. She is survived by her son Harry (Julie); her son-in-law Jack Wilson (Muriel) and daughter-in-law Bobbie Stevenson; three grandchildren Jason Stevenson (Sarah), Karie Karpowich (Chris), and Kris Wilson (Karen); four great-grand-children Shaymus and Brock Stevenson, Kaydence, and Ana Karpowich; and extended family, Lawrence and Marion Reles, Christine Schmidt (Alex), and Neil Gidney (Brenley) and their boys. Upon marrying, Dick and Jennie took up residence north of Ipswich. There they farmed and raised their family. In 1974 they retired and built a beautiful home in Shoal Lake on the water. Many family events were held there, with Grandma as the chief organizer and cook for these memorable occasions. Her initial retirement did not last long, as Jennie returned to school and renewed her nursing skills, working for a number of years at the Shoal Lake Hospital and Morley House. Jennie and Dick enjoyed their home and travelling in later years. Family and community were always very important to Jennie, be it a long trip to see the grandkids take part in a sporting event; serving as a Girl Guide leader (Brownies); serving as a member on the Shoal Lake Agriculture Society Executive; or as a member of the Police and Pioneers Museum Group. Jennie had the most unique ability to engage in conversation with any age group, and was much appreciated for her terrific butter tarts and carrot cake. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the caring doctors, nurses and staff at Morley House and the hospital in Shoal Lake for their tremendous care given to Jennie. Because of this, she was able to remain in Shoal Lake until the end, exactly as she had wanted. In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of her life will be held on October 6 at 2:00 p.m. in the St. Paul Anglican Church in Shoal Lake, followed by a luncheon and tea at the Shoal Lake Drop In Centre. All her friends are to be considered honorary pallbearers. Interment will follow at the Shoal Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lions Club North Shore Project: P.O. Box 278, Shoal Lake, MB R0J 1Z0; Morley House of Shoal Lake and / or The Shoal Lake-Strathclair Health Centre, P.O. Box 490, Shoal Lake, MB R0J 1Z0 or to a charity of your choice. Jennie will be lovingly missed by all as the one who remembered special days, volunteered tirelessly in the community, was at the center of family events, and loved her family and friends dearly. Remembrances and condolences may be emailed to raesfs@mymts.net Rae's Funeral Service of Shoal Lake and Erickson are in care of the arrangements. (204) 759-2160

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 29, 2012