ETHEL HAWKINS (COSTELLO)

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ETHEL HAWKINS (nee COSTELLO) December 4, 1928 - October 12, 2012 It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Mary Ethel Hawkins (nee Costello) on October 12, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. Ethel was born in Stonewall, Manitoba on December 4, 1928 to Valentine deLacy and Marie Josephine Costello, the sixth of seven children. She was predeceased by an infant son, her husband William Thomas Hawkins in 1973, her son William Todd Hawkins in 2006, her mother, father and all of Bill's immediate family. She is survived by her son Robert James (Debbie), son Keven George (Pat), daughter Margaret Anne (Robert Tagliaferri) and daughter-in-law Pat Hawkins. Also grieving her passing are grandchildren - Lori, Lauren, Colin, Nicholas, Caitlin, Brett, Derek, Ambyr, Justin, Joel and great-grandchildren - Laurel, Josephine, Morgan, and Lennox. She is also survived by her sister Joyce Rose and mother of Robert's children, Anne Marie Hawkins. Ethel graduated from high school in Stonewall in 1945, completed secretarial training at Success Business College, married in 1948 and shortly thereafter moved to Fallison with husband Bill to start their life. All four of their children were born in Crystal City, Manitoba, the closest hospital to Fallison. The family returned to Stonewall in 1955 for Todd to enter Grade One and she went back to work as a secretary, in 1961 for D.L. Campbell, then to Winnipeg in 1975 to work for Transair and subsidiaries until her retirement in 1985. In 1972 she ran for a seat on the Town of Stonewall Council and was the first woman to succeed. Running for a second term, she was defeated by a reactionary vote against the installation of town waterworks. Music was a big part of her life, starting at age 12 she played piano for the United Church Sunday School, then after the war with a group of musicians playing for town hall dances, then the United Church choir and for various services when needed. Through most of her life there was either a piano, organ or chord board in her home, so that whenever she felt the need for music, she could play. Baseball in her teens, in her 30s curling then golf and gardening became her passions later in life - living on the Sandy Hook Golf Course for ten years with her long time friend Margaret Hudson. Travel, starting in 1975 to warm places in the winter months, with Texas being a favourite, ending in 2008 when health issues prompted a move to Winnipeg and travel outside the country ceased. Ethel was especially proud of her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The accomplishments of each one gave her great pleasure, she loved them all. Gatherings at Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving were memorable times. The funeral service will be held on October 27, 2012 in the Stonewall United Church at 2:00 p.m., Reverend Leonard Oracheski presiding. Cremation has taken place, and a private family interment in the Stonewall Cemetery will be held after the service. Reception to follow in the Stonewall Legion club room. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations to a Port in the Storm or CancerCare would be greatly appreciated. MACKENZIE FUNERAL CHAPEL STONEWALL (204) 467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 20, 2012