JOSEPHINE MARY (PURVES) TAIT (nee WALKER)

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JOSEPHINE MARY (PURVES) TAIT (nee WALKER) Peacefully on September 26, 2002 after a short illness at Pinawa Hospital near the family summer home at Lac du Bonnet, MB. Predeceased by her first husband, David Purves, Jo leaves husband Logan Tait; her three children, Minto (Marianne) Stewart, Marlow (Richard Borthwick) and Allan (Kathy) her adopted family, Jim Shore, Lisa Shore, Cynthia Burton (Ron) and David Shore (Brigitta). She also leaves grandchildren, Jim and Laura Shore, Kristen, Erin and Lee Nuttall, Tyler Bedford, Kaleigh Burton, Samuel, Jessica and Sarah Borthwick, Willem and Lauren Purves and Chloe Shore. Jo was born to Reginald and Elsie Walker in Saskatoon, SK. At a tender age, they gave up the prairie life and moved to Vancouver where Jo attended school, eventually graduating for Kitsilano High School and the Vancouver General Hospital School of Nursing, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1956. From there she went on to work as a flight attendant for Canadian Pacific Airlines, travelling the world and making friends everywhere, many of whom she kept in touch with throughout the years. During this time, she met and married David Purves and moved first to Montreal and then settling in Winnipeg where they raised their family until David retired and they moved to Vancouver in 1990. David passed away in 1997 and Jo became reacquainted with high school beau, Logan Tait whom she married in March 2000. They have been calling Lethbridge, AB home, although they have travelled extensively together visiting with friends and family from coast to coast and beyond. Jo had a tremendous ability to bring people from all walks of life together. Whether it was for Friday night hamburgers at their home in Winnipeg, or one of the many celebrations at any of their homes, everyone was welcome and even when there was no special occasion, there was always chocolate chip cookies in the cookie jar. Jo never forgot a birthday and once she knew when yours was, you could always count on receiving a card. Jo never forgot her training as a nurse, although she gave up her career in the workforce to raise her family. She regularly cared for friends and family alike through illnesses and tough times. Many times, she and David and the family welcomed those in need into their home, their lives and their hearts. Jos legacy is the number of people whose lives she has touched. Countless friends will miss her from coast to coast. A very special thanks to the staff of the Pinawa Hospital for their help and support to Jo and the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association, 131C - 43 Bruyere St., Ottawa, ON, K1N 5C8, the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2B7 or the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 5215 West Jean-Talon, Montreal, QC, H4P 1X4. A memorial service celebrating Jos life will be held on Tuesday, October 1 at 2:30 p.m. in the St. Georges Anglican Church, 168 Wilton St., Winnipeg. Arrangements have been entrusted to: EDWARD J. COUTU LTD. 680 Archibald Street 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 30, 2002