MERNA MAY MCCLELLAND (MCARTHUR)

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MERNA MAY MCCLELLAND (nee MCARTHUR) It is with deep sadness the family announces the passing of Merna on September 10, 2013. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her devoted husband George, and children Elaine (Paul) Gaultier, Shirley (Robert) Godkin, Mona (Gordon) Brown, Larry (Lorraine Benson) McClelland, Eric (Alon Cohen) McClelland and Merilee (Orval Procter) McClelland; sister Mary McNab; brother Bob (Barb Latimer) McArthur; sisters-in-law Irene Milne, Genevieve Manikel, Bernice Bedsworth, Margaret England and Marion McClelland. Her grandchildren were a special part of her life and they will always cherish her: Ryan (Cat), Jodi (Darrell), Jeremy Gaultier; Jennifer (Ryan), and Daryl Godkin; Aaron (Devon) and Meagan Brown; Robyn, Bradley and Adam McClelland; Daniel, Arielle, Ethan Cohen; Courtney and Corey Procter; and four great- grandchildren whom she adored: Madeleine, Silas, Brayden and Mila as well as special friends Gladys and Denis Cadieux. Merna was born June 13, 1930 at Snowflake Manitoba. The eldest child of Elgin and Gertie who farmed between Snowflake and Star Mound, Merna attended school at Snowflake and spent much of her time helping with the horses and chores, playing ball as well as playing with her Booker, McArthur and Fairburn cousins. When she was seven she became a big sister to Mary and later Bob. In 1948 she attended normal school at United College and on graduating taught school at Glendenning. Merna met George in 1949 and it was love at first sight. They married January 20, 1951 and honeymooned in California, spending time with George's family. They returned to the Marais where they built a successful farm and comfortable yard site. Mom loved children and as she had only six, she became grandma Merna to many in the community. George and Merna raised their family in the Marais / Letellier district and Merna was active in the United Church, Marais Ladies Aid, Rebecca's of the Eastern Star, Marais Community Group, curling and socializing. Merna was not only supportive of George's farming endeavors but an active participant as "the truck driver" during harvest. Family was extremely important to her and family gatherings included weekends at Snowflake, picnics in Morden and St. Malo, hotel weekends in the winter, car trips to California, camping at Detroit Lakes, motorhome trips and most importantly the annual family week at Andy Lake. Merna adored her grandchildren and made each one feel special. Merna loved to bake and provide for her family. She canned, pickled and froze provisions for the winter. Merna was an accomplished seamstress, sewing most of her children's clothing, prize winning carnival costumes and over one hundred Christmas stockings! George and Merna shared a love of adventure and travelled extensively. Wherever they went they made lifelong friends as Merna was genuinely interested in and cared about others. Like her mother, she was a "people person" who took pride in remembering family and friends with birthday cards, letters and phone calls. They wintered at Serendipity Park, Florida for over twenty years. Merna was "in her element" as the unofficial social convener for the park. The grandchildren loved visiting Florida and helping George pick oranges off the tree so grandma could make fresh orange juice. In 2001, George and Merna moved to Vasa Lund Estates and their condo became the new meeting place for family and friends. They survived hard times and illness without complaint and celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in January of 2013. Merna was a joy to anyone lucky enough to know her. She made people's lives special and taught her family to work hard but to take time to love and be loved. Her grandchildren were inspired by her unfailing generosity and big heart in which she tucked the unending love she had for each of them. Merna loved babies and especially delighted in each new grandchild and great- grandchild. Deep in our hearts your memory is kept, To love, to cherish, to never forget. Today, tomorrow, our whole life through We will always love and remember you. We would like to thank Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Homecare staff and Riverview Palliative Care staff for their kindness to Mom and the family. We invite you to celebrate Merna's life at Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Boulevard, on Monday, September 16, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. Video tribute prior to service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Merna's memory to Headingley United Church, 110 Bridge Road, Headingley, MB, R4H 1G3. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 14, 2013