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NILA MACFARLANE (DENNIS)
Born: Jun 12, 1951
Date of Passing: Mar 29, 2022
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NILA MACFARLANE
(nee DENNIS)
June 12, 1951 - March 29, 2022
Nila MacFarlane passed away peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital on March 29, 2022, with Keith at her side. She had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a year ago.
She leaves her husband of 48 years Keith, daughter Laurel Murphy (Nick), son Graham, and grandchildren, Charlotte and Nolan Murphy.
Nila grew up in Riverview, and she remained close with her girlfriends from Lord Roberts School and Churchill High School throughout her life. She was in the second graduating class of the BN nursing program at the University of Manitoba, and entered into the emerging field of infection control. When Misericordia Hospital hired her, her first assignment was to write her own job description. As a pioneer of infection control nursing within the province, she was involved in establishing numerous protocols that became standard practice, and she was a respected expert within her field. She worked at St. Boniface Hospital for 27 years alongside many cherished colleagues. Nila liked to be active. Winters were spent skiing and skating, and summers were spent canoeing, sailing, and camping. Yet family life did not feel hectic, because she cultivated an easygoing and comfortable home. As retirement approached, Nila took up new activities. She started playing the flute (because it was the instrument most unlike those the rest of us in the family played), and she practiced it diligently. She started weaving at her loom again. She joined a book club, which brought yet another circle of friends into her life. She never did stop making new friends, nor nurturing old friendships; it was a special gift she had.
The family extends its sincere thanks to the incredible team at the palliative unit of St. Boniface Hospital.
A funeral service will take place Friday, April 8, at 2:00 p.m. at the United Church in Meadowood, where Nila was a long time member. Double vaccination and masks are required of attendees. Due to Covid precautions, there will be no reception after the service. A live video stream will be broadcast via the church website, ucim.org.
THOMSON "IN THE PARK"
204-925-1120
Condolences may be sent to
www.thomsoninthepark.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2022
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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Thank you for that lovely memorial service. It was truly good to see Nila remembered with such humor and dignity that reflected her beauty. Nila was my friend at Silver Winds at Monica Bailey's music studio on Tuesday afternoons where a group of us shared our love of music and flute and, together, spent many afternoons and years making harmony and laughing and learning. Her insights, calmness, surety when speaking and ability to listen to others were a beautiful influence on those afternoons and her flute tones added so much to the whole. Her voice and presence will be missed in so many ways from fluting to chatting after recitals to having a good time at our wind up lunches. I woke up today picturing Nila laughing and twirling a rose under her nose and knew I better get on-line and remember her this morning! As I listened to her children remember her I understood how fitting my inner "picture" of Nila was, smiling, flirting, enjoying life, seeing others and moments together. My heart goes out to everyone in Nila's family, especially Keith and her children, as you mourn her leaving you. I can't imagine her other than having excitement and anticipation at her next adventure and waiting patiently for when you will join her but wanting you to enjoy every moment of your lives together. That would honor her. And her presence and love for you will be with you all your lives and leaves a legacy for her grandchildren. Take care of yourselves and be well and keep washing your hands! God bless! Liz & Dan Gauthier - Posted by: Elizabeth Gauthier (Friend) on: Apr 11, 2022
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Keith, Laurel, Graham and family, my heart is with you at this very difficult time. Nila was a kind, generous and loving person who will be missed by all. The world, and especially those in the health care field, benefitted greatly by her skill and tenderness. Everyone who knew her will miss her greatly. - Posted by: Bruce MacFarlane (Family) on: Apr 09, 2022
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I knew Nila from Church, Curling and the New Horizon’s band. Nila was such a caring individual. She was always generous with her time and positive thoughts. I shall always be grateful that I had the pleasure knowing her. - Posted by: Dee Dee Budgell- Short (Friend ) on: Apr 04, 2022
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Nila had a beautiful soul. Gracious and loving to each person she encountered. Conversations with her were always uplifting and you came away feeling so good because her laughter and positivity put a huge smile on your face. Even while enduring this devastating journey she made your visit touch your heart. We became friends during nurses training, sometimes losing touch over the 45+ years, but she was always in my thoughts. When we'd reconnect, it was always so refreshing. I think we had a special bond that kept us united in thoughts and prayers. I will cherish my last visit and last phone call forever. Rest in peace my friend. - Posted by: Loree Simcox (friend) on: Apr 03, 2022
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Dear Keith and Family. We were shocked and saddened to read of Nila’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Keith on some planning projects at the HSC, and through Keith, met Nila. She was a delightful person, with a lovely smile and a great laugh, and I enjoyed the family times we shared. Thinking of you and sending sincere condolences on the loss of this very good woman. Richard & Karen Howell - Posted by: Richard Howell (Friend ) on: Apr 03, 2022
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I met Nila at New Horizons band and as a fellow flute player we were all learning a new instrument at a later age of our lives. Nila excelled, she practiced well, joined another group for lessons and loved it. We were part of the band and went on to belong to the Friday Morning Concert Band and to form a sextet called 'Flutes of Fancy'. She was always an enthusiastic and caring woman and will be missed by many friends and mostly Keith and her family. 🙏 - Posted by: Morgan Comrie Willacy (Friend) on: Apr 02, 2022
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Sincere condolences to Nila’s family We knew Nila through highland dancing. We spent many days visiting during dance competitions and concerts - Posted by: Pat Walker (Friend) on: Apr 02, 2022
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