MYRNA GAIL HOUSTON

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MYRNA GAIL HOUSTON

(nee DAKIN)

Myrna passed away on May 3 in Kelowna, where she lived for the last 30 years. She was predeceased by husband Jack in 2020, and by grandson James Fitzhenry, sister Brenda Laird and parents, Art and Doris Dakin. She is survived by her children, Maureen (Carl), Michael (Kim) and Philip, as well as eight grandchildren.

Myrna was born in Bissett, Manitoba on June 16, 1939. She spent her teen years in Winnipeg and trained as a nurse at Winnipeg General Hospital. She married Jack in 1962 and moved to Boissevain, Manitoba, where he and his father owned the drugstore.

Mom excelled at all creative activities: from sewing, knitting, crafts and baking to building and fixing. Her many beautiful quilts were literal works of art. One of her crowning achievements was building an elaborate wooden deck for her cabin at the lake. She loved nature, camping, canoeing and sailing. She was a great cook and gardener. She was also a determined powerhouse who was virtually unstoppable when her mind was made up – whether it was building the Lake Max cabin, getting electricity to the island, or choosing a house in Kelowna.

Mom was very proud of being a nurse, working as a young woman in Canada, Bermuda and England, and touring Europe with her nursing friend Dodie Cupeiro (née Houston) – who later became her sister-in-law. Mom was also an excellent curler with many notable victories, including making it to the Provincials and at least one eight-ender.

Mom loved to laugh, socialize and entertain, enjoying many shenanigans with Miles and Shirley Phillips and other friends. She looked forward to parties and happy hours, travelling with Dad, and golfing with her friend Annie Jones. She made every Christmas a memorable family occasion. She made every child's birthday a special event, complete with amazing homemade cakes.

Tragically, dementia began to dim her bright light by her mid-60s and we lost a little more of her each year before she finally moved to a nursing home in 2018. She has been greatly missed. Many thanks to the wonderful staff at Mountainview Village in Kelowna and to Dr. Larry Bobyn.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Boissevain at a date TBD. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 04, 2024, May 04, 2024