MONA CATHERINE (MATHESON) RUTHERFORD

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MONA CATHERINE (MATHESON) RUTHERFORD Heading toward her 93rd birthday, Mona died peacefully at Golden West Centennial Lodge, Winnipeg, on April 23, 2015. Mom/Mona to: Ken (Jane), Ross (Dori), Nancy (Rick), Bruce (Bambi) and Beth (Sherri), Grandma/Grams/Mona to: Sara (Aaron), Stacey (Ian), Courtney (Dennis), Stephanie (Todd), Brittany (Kurt), Signy, Kate, Josh (Caitlin), Johann (Heather), Sam, and Bjorn. GG/Great-Grandma to: Avery and Lili; Aunt, cousin and friend to: Many. Predeceased by her husband Bob, her parents, Lila and Alex Matheson, her siblings Ruth, Jean, Helen, Alex and Ross, brother-in-law Ken Sisson and sister-in-law Mildred Matheson, Mona's death brings to a close her immediate family's generation. Born June 20, 1922, in Stonewall, Mona's life began on the family farm where she spent her childhood and early adult years. Her early and high school education was received at Tecumseh and Stonewall schools. Following Grade 11 graduation, Mona was at home for six and a half years helping her own mother on the farm before embarking on a career in the secretarial world. Having saved enough money to enable 18 months of training, she completed all requirements of a two year course at Success Business College within her budget and her timeline. Upon graduation she was offered a position to teach shorthand at the college - a skill she continued to use the rest of her life, leaving notes that her children still remain unable to decipher! In 1950, she married Bob Rutherford, and together they began to build their life on the Rutherford farm in Rosser, and their family with the birth of the first three of their five children. In 1955 they moved to the Matheson farm in Grassmere, and there welcomed the birth of their last two children in 1956 and 1960. Returning to her home community and on the familiar road with family and lifelong friends nearby, made the transition easy and the next 43 years full of contentment and joy. In 1966, with her five children settled in school, Mona re-entered the working world taking a position at Trans-Air Airlines. Over the next 25 years she worked in Winnipeg in various administrative and executive assistant positions, finally retiring at the age of 69. In 1998 Mona and Bob chose to leave the farm, and relocated to Winnipeg where they made new friends in their building (Lindenlake Terrace) and in Crestview United Church. With Bob's death in 2005, Mona, at 82 years, experienced living on her own for the very first time in her life. Mona was a faithful and active member of the United Church her entire life. She offered her time, talent and treasure, to each of the church communities in which she participated through the years, namely, Grassmere, Rosser, Stonewall and for the last 13 years, a member of Crestview. An active community person throughout much of her life, particularly while living on the farm, Mona was a leader in the Tecumseh 4-H; pianist/accompanist for Tecumseh school concerts; choirs and soloists at Rockwood Festivals ; a member of the Tecumseh Ladies Aid; an amateur playwright, costume designer, and overall coordinator of annual community plays, to name but a few. She loved that through the years her home was often the place for coffee, celebrations, family and community showers, anniversaries, birthdays and special occasions. Family and friends were always important. Her children's lives were shaped by her values. She was the one turned to for support and guidance, even in adulthood. Her joy as a grandma knew no bounds and when they were young she loved the fact that her role was to "spoil you and send you home". As they grew she could be counted on to attend all sports, dance recitals, gymnastics, and school concerts that were in and around the city. Grandma always tried to keep the cookie tins in the freezer full and waiting. The gift of technology and her willingness to learn it, allowed her to stay connected to grandchildren who lived far away and those who grew up and moved away. She was constantly amazed yet grateful for the ability to instant message and email. When her first great-grandchild was born, she was thrilled and she had some time to get to know her before life changed. Asked once to describe her personality traits Mona wrote, "shy and optimistic". She neglected to mention funny, fun, wise, compassionate, intelligent and strong. Over the last 5 years Mona's life was altered with the onset and progression of dementia. As the disease progressed so did her needs, necessitating the move from her own home, to assisted living, to supportive housing, and the last 19 months until her death, in the supportive and attentive care of the 3rd floor staff of Golden West. There is a saying that God created human beings because God loved stories. Mona's life was a story filled with rich experiences, joys, sorrows, frustrations and celebrations. So it is with thanksgiving and tears we invite family and friends to gather with us and celebrate her story on Tuesday, April 28, at 1:30 p.m. at Sturgeon Creek United Church, 207 Thompson Drive, Winnipeg. Flowers gratefully declined but if friends so wish, donations may be made to Crestview United Church, 316 Hamilton Ave. Winnipeg, MB R2Y 2H5. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 27, 2015