REGINA L. MCDONNELL

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REGINA L. MCDONNELL Peacefully, Regina McDonnell passed away May 23, 2014 at the age of 93. Born February 21, 1922, near Grande Clairiere, Manitoba, she was one of three siblings (Rene and Raymonde Bodin) and two stepsiblings (Maria and Vic Thiry). Regina was predeceased by her husband Jim (1999), leaving fond memories for their son Jim (Jamie), daughter-in-law Kathy Boyanisky and grandchildren Alex and Hayley. Reg was raised on a farm helping family and neighbours, learning the value of hard work at a very young age. Moving to Winnipeg in 1943 she worked making munitions in the Defence Industries in Transcona during the Second World War. While training as a nurse at St. Boniface Sanatorium Reg met a hockey playing navy man on a blind date. Reg and Jim married in 1947. Reg graduated from nursing in 1949 and by the early 1960s they settled in Charleswood where they lived for 40 years. Reg continued to do what she enjoyed most, homemaking, baking and gardening; and of course her pets! (Mitzi and Lucy x 2) Working part time at Eaton's for over 28 years in the lingerie department, Reg accumulated everything from furniture to linens, and of course lingerie. Reg and Jim loved to travel - Hawaii and West Coast - and made many trips to the lake and the farm. She treasured her family most of all - Auntie Gina, Nana and Reg - playing cards, picking berries, making jam - sharing her country wit and charm with us all! Even into her 90s Reg enjoyed simpler moments with her family - doing chores, playing games, enjoying the outdoors, shopping and going out for dinners. For the last four years Reg lived at the Rosewood Retirement Centre and we would like to thank the wonderful staff who cared for our mother and nana. A private interment has taken place and we would invite family and friends to a celebration of Regina's life on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Jim and Kathy's home. Please contact Chapel Lawn should you be interested in attending. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 26, 2014