JUNE MCDOUGALD

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JUNE MCDOUGALD

November 12, 1937- May 12, 2024

June McDougald (nee Fial) passed away, suddenly and peacefully, on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at Poseidon Care Centre in Winnipeg. She was 86.

Born and raised in the Fisher Branch/Broad Valley area of the Manitoba Interlake as the oldest of five children, June not only developed a knack for taking the lead, but also discovered early on a powerful appetite for knowledge, later proud of the fact that she eventually read every book in her school’s small library.

In her late teens, she left the family farm to continue her education in Winnipeg. After working in a few offices as a secretary, she landed at the University of Manitoba where she was in her element and made friendships that would last decades.

After marrying Donald McDougald in 1958, she departed on the adventure of four years of living in Europe as a military wife. Upon returning to Winnipeg, they settled initially in the North End and then in Elmwood where they were eventually joined by son Kevin, and where she continued to live until dementia required her to move into a care home in 2019.

After teaching swimming at the Centennial Pool for several years and working at the Canada Grains Commission, the University of Manitoba came calling again. Needing “someone who can keep those young doctors in line”, she worked at the Protein and Polypeptide Hormone Lab led by distinguished researchers Dr. Henry Friesen and Dr. Robert Shiu for more than 15 years until retirement.

A woman with a strong personality, equally strong opinions, a powerful sense of humour with a hint of irreverence toward the high-and-mighty, and a passion for doing justice, she gave back to the community in retirement volunteering at Lord Selkirk School and Holy Family Nursing Home, and as a member of the West Elmwood Residents’ Association.

She was predeceased by her parents Lena Slobidnyk and Michael Fial, sister Elizabeth Barillot and brother Frederick Fial, former husband Donald McDougald, and various relatives and longtime friends.

She is survived by her son Kevin McDougald, sisters Grace Hogg and Deanna Cummer, and extended family and close friends.

The family is profoundly grateful to the staff of Poseidon Care Centre for the kindness and support they showed June during her final years.

A service will be held at Wojcik’s Funeral Chapel, 2157 Portage Ave. at Sharp Blvd., on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Brookside Cemetery 3001 Notre Dame Avenue.

Those who wish to pay tribute to June are kindly asked to consider causes focused on justice, dignity, equality or skills development for those less fortunate in life.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 18, 2024, May 18, 2024