- The Carillon Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
MOLLY (MARY EMMA FRANCES) MCLENNAN (PHAIR)
Born: Oct 17, 1917
Date of Passing: Sep 26, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMOLLY (MARY EMMA FRANCES) MCLENNAN (nee PHAIR) Molly (Mary Emma Frances) McLennan (nee Phair), passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, September 26, 2014 in the company of her caregivers secure in the comfort of her unshakeable faith. She was born on October 17, 1917, the only child of H.E. (Bert) Phair and Alice Mary Delphine Phair. Late in life, she was united in marriage to Douglas McLennan in 1988. Together they spent many happy years travelling and enjoying life until prevented by his failing health. Molly was predeceased by her parents, her husband, a stepson-Tony McLennan, and innumerable close friends. She is survived by a stepson-Ian McLennan, her godson Phillip McLean, Tony's wife Heather, his daughter Saylor and her children Jayden and Rachel. Molly's life was freely and generously spent in the service of others including her family. Church, community, friends, and country. During the Second World War she was recruited to work in New York for British Intelligence under Sir William Stephenson (Intrepid). One of her prized possessions was a letter from him commending her for her war service. That letter hung inconspicuously on a wall in her home as she was far too modest to point it out to visitors to her home. Molly was an independent and adventurous person who was well read and had travelled extensively. She could hold her own in virtually any conversation. She was an accomplished cross-country skier who at the age of 70 completed a grueling cross-country skiing trip to Norway. She loved interacting with people-especially children, and enjoyed attending or hosting social gatherings. She had outlived many of her oldest and dearest friends but had a great capacity for making new friends wherever she went. She loved the cabin that she shared with Enid Thompson, and Edith Williams and had many fond memories of her time spent there. After the death of her husband in 2003, she became a member of the "Chicken Delight Church Group" which convened after the daily 11:00 a.m. mass at St. Ignatius Church. She credited this group of close friends for keeping her going. If it could be said that she had a failing, it was that she found it difficult to accept help once some was required by her failing health. She was far more comfortable helping than being the one who was helped. She was lovingly cared for by Seniors Comfort including Erica, Maralie, Della, Annie and Olga. She received compassionate care from her doctor Dr. Paquin and support from her remaining friends-especially Gaila and John Burns. In addition, her days were brightened by regular visits from neighbourhood children- Allie, Anna and Piper. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius Church, 225 Stafford Street, Winnipeg, with Rev. Fr. Joe Newman S.J. officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Building Fund of St. Ignatius Church or to an appropriate charity of your choosing. Near the end Molly remarked that she had no regrets in life and would be happy to live it all over again. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements, 204-775-2220
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 29, 2014
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
-
My husband and I met Molly through her late husband Doug. I always delighted in her intelligence and good humour. I had hoped to be in better contact with her in her last years but was not able to do so. Molly was a "force". I am glad that I knew her. - Posted by: Judy Little (friend) on: Nov 12, 2014
-
It is very touching and interesting to read the lovely comments and stories posted here. I had the pleasure of caring for Molly for a couple of years when she was in her mid nineties. Her house held an abundance of little treasures, stories and adventures untold. I often wished I could have known her sooner. She was a dear and special lady. One for whom I count myself blessed to have known. - Posted by: Cara Woodard (caregiver/friend) on: Oct 06, 2014
-
When I was writing a book about my parents Molly shared her memories of them over a thick scrapbook she had kept full of newspaper clippings, invitations and even dried corsages. I was so taken with the history in that book that I asked if she would leave it to me in her will. When I launched the book in 2006 she came to the reading with the scrapbook and presented it to me. I treasure it as living history. She was a kind, fine role model for women of all ages. Susan Riley, Vancouver - Posted by: Susan Riley (Friend) on: Oct 02, 2014
-
Molly, Mabel and Mr. and Mrs. Phair were the best of neighbors. We were a family of 6 children and each of us were touched by the kindness of the Phair family. Molly was an inspiration to me and my sister. She was glamorous, intelligent, witty, and adventurous. What a role model. Needless to say, we are all very grateful to have had the Phairs as a part of our lives all those many years in Winnipeg. They will be fondly remembered. - Posted by: Diane Peloquin (Neighbor) on: Oct 02, 2014
-
I am so happy that my children were able to meet Molly this past summer while we were visiting my mom in Winnipeg. She responded to my children's voices and my children in turn held her hand and kissed her forehead. She has been a longtime neighbour of my mother's. I remember Molly's father, Mr. Phair when he would go for walks down the street. His birthdays were always marked with a big party that Molly would have for him. Molly was a lovely lady who lived a full life. I am happy she was able to live and die peacefully in her own home. - Posted by: Renata Hobbs (Family friend) on: Oct 01, 2014
-
For Molly and Mr. McLennan's wedding, I painted a picture of 'a wedding' for her gift. Apparently, when she accepted the gift, she explained to me that she would give it back to me on my wedding day. My 4 year old response to this lovely gesture was to say 'no thank you, you will be dead when I get married'. She kindly told me that I was wrong and I could expect the painting back one day. Over the years, every time I came to her home, Molly would walk me over to the painting (hung on the wall amongst all the other fascinating paintings, photos and letters that we all admired) and she would re-tell the story and laugh with me.. She made me feel special and loved.. and silly. In 2011, I got married, and with the help of her caretakers and my mom, Molly gave me the painting back. :) Funny thing, the painting is now sitting on a shelf that holds a television. Tonight, my husband Dan and I had to move the TV so that we could hook up a cable wire. In moving the TV, the shelf jostled and the painting fell right onto my foot (like.. hard, it hurt!) - then not 5 minutes later I read the email announcing the news of Molly's passing. I cant help but think it was her quirky way of officially saying 'I told you so!'. Molly was a beautiful soul - legendary in her own right. Much love, Erin - Posted by: Erin Polakoff (Family Friend) on: Sep 29, 2014
-
Oh Molly! You were always a sprite among the general population, witty, educated, well read and well(out?)spoken, you also turned heads until you got caught by Doug. You inspired and cherished others and made such a wonderful mark in my life. I am ever so grateful I got to share a small part of your life. Be well and safe and thank you. Love and blessings....Sidney - Posted by: Sidney Macaw (family friend) on: Sep 29, 2014