Winnifred BAKER

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BAKER: Winnifred Isabell (née Watt) was born February 26, 1936 in the Rounthwaite District. Winnie passed away October 23, 2009 at the Assiniboine Centre after a courageous battle with cancer. Winnie grew up on the family farm and attended Delton School. As school was not her forte, she left to enter the workforce in Brandon where she worked as a housekeeper and later went on to waitressing. In 1951, she met her husband to be, Ronald Baker, and the two were married August 29, 1953. Together they raised six children (three sons and three daughters). Winnie was a stay at home Mom until November 1978 when she began working in the housekeeping department at the Victoria Inn, later becoming the Seamstress for the Victoria Inn as well as the Royal Oak Inn. She retired after twenty-one years due to her health. Ron and Winnie lived in Brandon for 35 years prior to moving just west of Kemnay in 1988 (fulfilling a dream of owning their own property). Family was very important and she always looked forward to visits, especially when the "whole crew" would get together. She enjoyed following her grandchildren's activities by attending events as often as she could as well as keeping a scrapbook of newspaper clippings of their achievements. She also enjoyed getting together with friends to bowl, play Bingo or over a cup of coffee. Winnie enjoyed activities such as sewing, crocheting, knitting and quilting (many gifts we treasure). She also did a lot of canning and freezing in the fall. Over the last few years as her health deteriorated, she could be seen scooting around the yard in a golf cart painted John Deere colours checking on the garden or seeing what the guys were doing. Winnie is survived by her husband Ronald of 56 years, son Bob (Angie Pacholek), grandchildren Shanna (Kyle) Lawrence and great-granddaughter Denai; Allan, Morgan, Abby and Sadie; daughter Beth (Garry) Lowdon, grandsons Chris and Rob Palfenier (Lindsey Randall) and great-grandchildren Tianni, Luke, Kaylee and Ethan; son Danny (Deb), granddaughters Kellie and Jodie; son Bruce; daughter Joan Creighton (Jeff Murray), grandchildren Ashley and Chad; daughter Laurie (Dave) Higgs, grandchildren Matthew and Jordyn and her beloved Siamese cat Mickey. Winnie is also survived by many extended family members and long dear friend, Margaret Shelvey and close neighbours and friends, Donna and Jim Mosson. She was predeceased by her parents Bill and Florence Watt, brother George, daughter- in-law Charlene Baker, four brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law. A celebration of Winnie's life was held on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at Brockie Donovan Funeral Chapel with Mona Franklin officiating. Son-in-law Dave Higgs gave a heartfelt eulogy followed by granddaughter Jordyn Higgs playing "Somewhere over the Rainbow" on the organ. Pallbearers were six of her grandchildren: Chris and Rob Palfenier, Allan Baker, Ashley and Chad Creighton and Kellie Baker. A private interment at Rosewood Memorial Gardens was followed by a reception held at Central United Church with family and friends. For those who desire, donations in memory of Winnie may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2W8. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 07, 2009