RUTH VICTORIA CARMAN

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RUTH VICTORIA CARMAN February 1, 1923 - June 15, 2015 On June 15 2015, just as the Sun was setting to rest, as so did our beautiful Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, Ruth Victoria Carman journeyed peacefully "Home" to reunite with loved ones who had crossed before her. Family kept a vigil watch over her, surrounding her with love during the brief period when Mom was preparing for her Spiritual Transition. Mom was blessed with a long and amazing life filled with many attributes, as a child growing up in the Depression she was fortunate to receive the opportunity to learn piano, violin, ballet and given voice lessons. Mom possessed an abundance of charisma and talent. Mom expressed much enthusiasm in all she approached. In her mid to late teens she worked as a florist. During the Second World War Mom was thrilled to be hired at the "Cordite Plant" right here in Winnipeg to assist in the War effort. She forever displayed respect, along with a grand sense of pride when honouring our Veterans, (after all both of her husbands were Veterans!) Ironically, shortly after the passing of her first husband in 1965 she was employed by Deer Lodge Hospital, which back in the day focused entirely around treatment and relief for the Veterans of War. Mom had numerous favourite pastimes. Her earlier years were consumed with baking, embroidery, gardening, sketching, painting, breeding Canaries, ceramics, too numerous to mention. Upon retiring she bowled in two different bowling leagues twice a week, right up until in her 80s. She made numerous trips to the U.K. where she had relatives. Our mother had a lifelong affinity for animals. Never was her house without a pet! You could often arrive at her home and find simmering on the stove a pot filled with marrow bones and beef stew for her 4-legged, furry children - her dogs. The pets were definitely pampered and came first. In her sunset years she anticipated the arrival of the warm weather. She could then escape to the sanctuary of her backyard, and watch from her lawn chair the beauty of nature. She would play host to the squirrels, bunnies, birds and numerous other critters by always having offerings of seed and shelled peanuts. The bird feeders had to always be filled throughout the seasons, and a fine helping of shelled peanuts in their designated areas. Amazingly the animals always frolicked about her never fearful. Our mother had the spirited essence of a child, always a twinkle in hers eye. She celebrated all the "fun" holidays by preparing special packages for her grandchildren. Never a Valentine's Day, an Easter Morning, a Halloween or Christmas Day would pass that she did not create her magic in the token packages which contained candy, crafts, trinkets, and of course her love. They were always wrapped and tied with "curly" ribbon. On birthdays and Christmas, gifts would always contain a toy and piece of clothing. She loved a good family gathering especially on Christmas Eve when the family came together as one with much frolicking and merrymaking, "Eat, Drink, and be Merry!" She also insisted that after the meal on Christmas Day, everyone must participate in playing the card game "Penny Ante" and of course her wish was granted. She was quite the Matriarch. Her remarkable, spunky spirit and strong constitution shall forever be etched in the pages of our minds. Through the rough patches Mother forever faced adversity with great fortitude. Mom lived a long, adventure filled life. Never a dull moment! She fashioned life on her terms, and in her way. Mother's cup runneth over. She maintains her dignity even in her passing. She is passionate and courageous, standing true by her faith, displaying love, kindness and affection in the areas which she holds close to her heart and that which resonates with her soul, never swaying. Mother's colourful personality with flecks of radiant sparks made for a most magnificent display. She knew her own way, made her own way and often created her own trail rather than following the trodden path. Forever will be treasured our precious hours spent together. We love you Mother, Thank you for all of our "life lessons", they have made us stronger individuals and supplied to us much character. XOXOXO Mom was predeceased by her first husband Wallace Christensen (1965), second husband W.S. "Budd" Carman (1994), daughter Faith Joa (2010), and sister Evelyn Reid (2011) Left to keep Mother's memories are: her sons Wallace (Kathleen) Christensen, Oliver (Sharon) Christensen, daughter Joey (Don) McFadyen, son-in-law Lyle Joa; grandchildren: Don (Joa), Donnie (McFadyen) Jolene, Wally Jr., Michele, Tanya, Danielle, Justin, Shea, Keeley, Oliver Jr. and Tammie; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and of course Mother's loving 4-legged fur baby, her dog Oscar A.K.A Bowser. Oscar misses you dearly Mother. To express the love, concern and admiration Mom felt for her Oscar, the last words she spoke as she walked from her home that Sunday evening were "Make sure that Oscar is fed and has his meat on his dish, and make sure he gets his bone." Mom, Oscar will be well taken care of and lavished with love and attention. Oh yes by the way, just to allow you to have peace of mind, yes your plants have been watered. We know you are safe, secure, and happy, go ahead and celebrate. Sending our love wrapped in Sunshine and tied with a Rainbow. The family wishes to extend a thank you to Dr. McTaggart, Mom's family physician, her receptionist Jetta. Also to Dr. "Z" (you know who you are) and Alison, Mom's attending nurse at Grace Hospital. Your concern, care and compassion was greatly appreciated. You are all beautiful unique individuals with radiant energy and gentle kind souls. Namaste' A celebration of our mother's life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2015 at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue (across from Brookside Cemetery) with viewing at 12:30 p.m. If one so wishes a charitable donation can be made to an animal shelter of one's choice. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Jun 20, 2015

RUTH VICTORIA CARMAN Peacefully on Monday, June 15, 2015, after a brief illness and with family by her side, Ruth passed away at the Grace Hospital at the age of 92 years. Longer obituary will follow. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Jun 18, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2015