ANNE BRUCE

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ANNE BRUCE 1920 - 2012 Our beloved mother, born April 13, 1920, died peacefully February 5, 2012, surrounded by her children, at the Selkirk General Hospital. Mom was predeceased by her husband Leslie Malcolm Bruce (1970), and by her many brothers and sisters. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Heather Erhard (Philippe), Malcolm Bruce, Shirley Taylor (Gerry), her four grandchildren, Matthew Erhard, Jillian Taylor, Braeden Taylor, Stephanie Gillies (Rick), and her many friends. Mom was born in Beausejour, Manitoba to Edward and Philipina Schmidt. She worked in Winnipeg as a young woman as a caregiver in River Heights. After meeting the love of her life, Leslie Bruce, they married and lived in Beausejour for several years before moving to Selkirk in 1959, a longtime dream of Mom's. They built a house at 147 Strathnaver Ave. where mom lived for the next 50 years. Her husband's death in 1970 was a very difficult period in her life. Her faith and strong relationships within the church (Bethel Chapel) were a great source of strength during this period and have always played a central role in her life. Mom was well known for her hospitality. She welcomed not only friends and relatives, but made many new friends by her invitations to dinner. She loved to bake and cook and entertain in her home. Her door was always open and there was usually someone visiting. She loved people and they loved her in return. She headed the social committee at the church for many years, organizing the potlucks and other events. She was also an avid fundraiser in the church - no one would get away with not giving when mom was collecting!! Mom loved to celebrate - she always found an occasion to bake a cake and have a celebration - be it St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, Easter and all the birthdays - she would find a reason. She loved to bring the families together. Every summer she would prepare a wonderful meal herself for all the relatives on Dad's side. For many years she organized a pool party at her niece Flora's for the relatives on her side. Bringing people together was a gift she had. Mom loved fashion and would always be dressed in a skirt or dress and heels. She greatly enjoyed working at Rifkin's Ladies Wear in Selkirk for 13 years. I am sure most of the sales came from her friends!!! As a mother she gave her children the wonderful gift of freedom and independence. She rarely gave advice or told us what to do, as she believed once you turned 18 you were an adult and could make your own decisions. However, if she did give unsolicited advice, you knew it must be important and she was always right!! Later in life, her dedication to her grandchildren was surpassed by none. A service to remember her life will be held Thursday, February 9, at 2:00 p.m. in the Bethel Chapel, 200 Main Street, Selkirk, MB. Viewing will take place at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Little Britain United Cemetery. The family would like to thank Carolyn Ratelle for living with Mom for two years, allowing her to stay in her home. We would also like to thank the staff at Red River Place and the Selkirk General Hospital for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mom's name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 07, 2012