Alice RUSSELL

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RUSSELL: Alice Mae Russell of Birch Lodge Personal Care Home, Hamiota, passed away August 3, 2009 at her residence. Alice was born February 18, 1912 at Dunstable, Alberta, the oldest of six children of Walter and Evelyn Trewin. The family moved to Manitoba where they farmed at Waskada, Hamiota and then Bradwardine. Because their father was handicapped (had only one arm), the children had to work extra hard, especially the oldest, Alice. Times were hard, and Alice started working at age thirteen to help support the family. She later worked at Hamiota Hotel for $5.00 a month. She wasn’t able to go beyond grade 6 at school, but continued to learn through reading. In 1934 Alice married Jack Russell who had emigrated from Scotland. He worked first at farm jobs and then became night watchman in Hamiota. Alice was a wonderful homemaker. She was well known for her baking which she generously shared with family and friends. When the children were older Alice became involved in community activities. She was a 4-H leader, seamstress, and later a child care giver and home care worker. She was a member of Eastern Star, the Legion Auxiliary, and for many years collected for the Canadian Bible Society. She also enjoyed music, dancing, curling and lawn bowling. Alice was a devoted church member with a strong faith, and as long as she was able, a visitor to the sick and shut-ins. She was proud of her family and their accomplishments, and happy that they had the educational opportunities which she had missed. Alice was blessed with artistic talent which she developed by taking lessons through the Hamiota Art Club. She has left several paintings for her family to enjoy. Alice is survived by sons John (Shirley) of Rivers, Manitoba, Alex “Sandy” (Marilyn) of Edmonton Alberta, daughter Edith Ann (Bob) Walker of Niagara Falls, Ontario, grandchildren Colin (Alice) Russell of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Naomi Russell of Brandon, Manitoba, Hugh Russell (Craig Terry) of Chicago, Illinois, Ian Russell (Moira Shannon) of Creston, British Columbia, Patricia (Don) Reeve of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Kristine Sawry of Stonewall, Manitoba, Jamie (Cindy) Walker of Toronto, Ontario, Lori Ann Walker of Crystal Beach, Ontario, Lisa (Bruce) Mair of Ridge way, Ontario. There are 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brother Jack (Merle) Trewin of High River, Alberta, brother-in-law Bob McConnell of Hamiota, Manitoba and several nieces and nephews. Alice was predeceased by her parents Walter and Evelyn Trewin, husband Jack, sisters Val (Vic) Anderson, Edythe (Roy) Gerrard, Dawn McConnell, nieces Vicki Broughton, Bev Clarke, nephew Garry Trewin. A celebration of Alice’s life took place August 11, 2009 at Hamiota Pentecostal Church with Pastor Paul Gosselin officiating. Music was provided by Naomi and Hugh Russell and Craig Terry. Scripture reader was Patricia Reeve and eulogist was Naomi Russell. Pallbearers were Don, Eric, Thomas and Steven Reeve, Taylor and Travis Hagen. All but Don Reeve are Alice’s great-grandsons. Interment was in Hamiota cemetery. Arrangements were by Campbell Funeral Home of Hamiota. For those so desiring, donations may be made in Alice’s memory to the Canadian Bible Society, 952 St. Mary’s Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2M 3R8 or to Birch Lodge Activity Fund, c/o Hamiota District Health Centre, Hamiota, Manitoba, R0M 0T0.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 05, 2009