EILEEN MESTERY

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EILEEN MESTERY (Frances) Eileen Mestery passed peacefully, after an extended illness, on December 4, 2012 at the age of 81 years at Kildonan Personal Care Home with family by her side. Mom is survived by her children and grandchildren Kathy, John (Sandy), Chris (Ron); grandkids Kyle, Mike (Kristin), Stacey, Eric, Joel, Travis, Cory and Milana. Mom was predeceased by her daughter Dale in 2002 and beloved husband John in September 2012. John and Eileen were rarely far apart during their marriage of 62 years; even in death, they follow each other closely in time. They shared many common interests such as golf, art and music. Mom was unquestionably and always her own woman, however, and pursued intellectual (writing, Board memberships), spiritual (Church activities and study groups) and athletic pursuits (canoeing, snow shoeing) on her own, meeting new friends and colleagues along the way. She was an accomplished piano teacher of Royal Conservatory curricula for over 25 years, and held annual recitals to showcase her students' talents. Mom was a loving woman who showed great strength, compassion and grace throughout her personal and professional life in times of joy and in times of adversity. She was passionate about social issues and spent much of her life, whether it was in Winnipeg, Beausejour or Pinawa, working to address poverty and literacy, support access to family planning, and assist families and youth in trouble. Mom/Grandma was an enduring model of lifelong learning for her children and grand-children through her memberships at the museum; and participation in sign language, ceramics and writing classes. Her greatest joy was in spending time with family and friends, whether it be on Greene Avenue, at the cottage in Lac du Bonnet or their beautiful home in Pinawa. Mom often spoke eloquently of others' talents and abilities. Her own significant abilities and accomplishments remained quietly in the background, without fanfare, her entire life. She was a doer who sought to fill a need when she saw one. We will miss her great heart and true spirit, and will remember her in love always. A service to celebrate her life will be held on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street, Winnipeg. An obituary will also appear in the next edition of The Paper in Pinawa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society Manitoba, 10 - 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4G2 Phone: (204) 943-6622 Email: alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca. Seasons Funeral Chapel - OakBank

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 08, 2012