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ETHEL APRIL DAE MAIR (MAGNUSSON)
Born: Apr 07, 1948
Date of Passing: Dec 20, 2020
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ETHEL APRIL DAE MAIR
(nee MAGNUSSON)
She is sadly missed by her husband of 49 years, Jim; daughters, Melissa (Kevin) and Andrea (Andrew); son Ian; grandchildren, Axel, Annabelle and Aaron. She is also missed by brother Chris Magnusson of Gimli, MB, sister-in-law Gladys McKinnis of Clifton, Colorado, "sister" Joy McIvor of Port Coquitlam, BC, Uncle John Cowie of Torrance, Scotland, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was predeceased by parents, Axel and Betty Magnusson, in-laws, Glenn and Jarroldine Mair, brother-in-law Jerold Mair, and sister-in-law Barb Magnusson.
Ethel was born on April 7, 1948 in Winnipeg but grew up in Selkirk, MB. In 1971, Ethel completed a teaching degree at the University of Manitoba, and in April 1971 she met the love of her life, Jim, at an education conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They were married in Selkirk in August 1971. They spent their first year of marriage teaching in God's Lake Narrows. They later lived and worked in Fort Alexander/Sagkeeng and in Winnipeg. In 1979, Ethel, Jim and their oldest daughter Melissa moved to Thompson, where Ethel taught for four more years. After Andrea and Ian were born, Ethel operated a home daycare for 10 years. She always had a special ability to relate to children and early childhood education was one of her passions.
In 1997, the family moved back to Winnipeg. Ethel unfortunately was diagnosed with thyroid cancer earlier that year, but true to her nature approached the diagnosis with optimism and curiosity. Thankfully her treatment was successful, and she was able to live many more years.
In Winnipeg, Ethel continued to work in various positions that allowed her to apply her strengths in supporting children and youth, including as a day care teacher, CFS emergency support, and educational assistant (EA). As an EA, she was particularly sought out for her ability to work effectively and compassionately with students with special needs.
Outside of her paid work, Ethel was a dedicated volunteer. Over the years Ethel was involved in La Leche League, Scouts Canada, tutoring adults learning to read, various church groups, and refugee sponsorship, in particular with the North End Sponsorship Team (NEST). Dozens of families and individuals have had the love and support of Ethel as they came to Canada for their new life. She was a second mother to many.
After Jim retired in 2010, Ethel and Jim were very fortunate to travel almost around the world to Costa Rica, Scotland, England, France, Australia, India, and Iceland, along with many other trips to the States and all over Canada. Many of the trips were to visit relatives that Ethel had maintained contact with over the years.
Ethel was a strong woman who did not shy away from making her opinions known. And she was incredibly kind, patient, compassionate, and optimistic. When she was diagnosed with ALS in July 2019, Ethel did not see her diagnosis as a death sentence, despite the reality of the disease. As ALS progressively took away more of her abilities - speaking, eating and some mobility - she took each of these changes in stride.
The family would like to thank the WFPS Paramedics and the doctors and nurses at St. Boniface Hospital ER and ICU; the health care team at the Motor Neuron Clinic at Deer Lodge Centre and the ALS Society of Manitoba for all their support over the last several years; and finally, the hundreds of family and friends who have sent condolences.
A service will be held at a later date when all of the immediate family can attend, and, hopefully, others. Notice will be sent out by social media.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Society of Manitoba, Messiah Lutheran Church, North End Sponsorship Team Inc., or Hospitality House Refugee Ministry Inc.
NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 02, 2021
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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I worked alongside both Jim (from exotic Durango!) and his new wife Ethel during the 1971 -1972 school-year in God's Lake Narrows. I was from Brandon, just married and on my first teaching job, but my wife had stayed back south to go to nursing school in Winnipeg. Solid people ... no surprises ... and it was a challenging place to work. I remember that that their home was attached to the little schoolroom ... just across the 50 metre channel from the island where all the "amenities" were. - Posted by: Ron Drysdale (Former colleague from 50 years ago ... :)) on: Mar 21, 2023
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Our condolences to Jim and all the family. May the memories you have of Ethel always be a blessing in your lives. Love and hugs to the Mair and Magnusson families from Wanda ( Jonasson) and Brian Widsten. - Posted by: Wanda and Brian Widsten (Friend) on: Jan 04, 2021
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God bless you, Mair family. You are walking through the valley of the shadow of death, and our Good Shepherd is with you. We are praying for you, and we commend Ethel to our heavenly Father, a sheep of his own flock, a sinner of his own redeeming. - Posted by: Peter Lurvey (friend) on: Jan 03, 2021
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Ethel was a caring and compassionate woman who noticed when people or situations needed some loving attention. And then she did what she could to provide it. We were blessed to have her among us. - Posted by: Rev.Carol Janke (former pastor) on: Jan 03, 2021
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I am deeply sad to hear about Ethel's passing. Ethel was always interested in people and enjoyed spending time with them. She took me under her wing when my family moved to Thompson and we were neighbours and friends for many years until her family moved to Winnipeg. I last saw Jim, Ethel and Ian when they attended Doug's memorial service. She had just been diagnosed with ALS that week but was still cheerful, with that big beautiful smile of hers. My prayers and best wishes go out to Jim, Melissa, Andrea and Ian. - Posted by: Anne Marie Crookes (Friend) on: Jan 03, 2021
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I just now saw that Ethel has passed. I am in shock! She was such a lovely, caring lady. She and NEST would provide lunches at the Citizenship Ceremonies at the VIA Rail Station for new Canadians. My heart full of prayers goes out to Jim and the family and all her friends and Church friends. RIP Ethel Mair. I'm sure she is volunteering right now in Heaven. Bless you, it was a privilege to know you. - Posted by: Rosalie Larcombe (Friend thru Citizenship Canada) on: Jan 02, 2021
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I am sad to hear of Ethel's passing she was such a beautiful woman always smiling when I saw her at work and around the community, she was always so kind to me and others. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Lana Bouteiller (Past Co-worker ) on: Jan 02, 2021
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My heartfelt condolences go out to Jim, Melissa, Andrea, & Ian, as well as partners & grandkids & friends on the loss of Ethel. What a beautiful tribute to Ethel is written here. Our families intermingled in many ways in our lives in Thompson. Ethel & Jim’s family was one of those that became ‘family’ to us as we all lived in the north, distanced from our own kin families. Ethel’s generosity, compassion & support could always be counted on. Blessings to you as you live with memories of this wonderful woman. - Posted by: Verna Stecy (Friend from Thompson, MB) on: Jan 02, 2021
