Rena TOWNSEND

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TOWNSEND: With her family by her side to the end, it is with great sorrow and sadness that we announce the passing of Rena Lyn Townsend (nee Campbell), her battle with cancer ended July 14, 2010. Rena is survived by: her loving husband Bud and parents Bill and Evelyn; two children, Larry (Melanie) four grandchildren, Kiya, Bryer, Kynesha, and Wyllow and a daughter Melissa and grandson Zachary. She also leaves, brother Tom (Rae), nieces, Debbie (Scott), Brenda (Rob), brother-in-law Larry (Carol) nieces, Melanie and Jacqueline and four great nieces, Rebecca, Ava, Maggie-Rae and Bella and two great nephews, Cory and Jacob. Each had a special place in her heart. Family was always important to Rena. Rena was born in Killarney, Manitoba in 1952. She lived on a farm until 1967, when Bill changed careers and moved to town. She started her schooling in the Oakridge School Division and completed her high school at Killarney Collegiate. Rena had several summer time jobs, working as a waitress for the Erin Inn Hotel and the drive in restaurant. Everyone loved to have her as a waitress because she was always so cheery. She met her true love Bud at the log cabin which was located at the Souris turn off on the number 10 highway. They moved to Brandon and were married July 7, 1979. Rena gained more than just a husband that day; she became a Mom to Larry and Melissa. Rena was a stay at home Mom for the first seven years, followed by selling clothing, jewelry and even motorcycles before she found her calling at the Dinsdale Nursing Home in 1986. Working as a housekeeper for the first number of years and then applied for the position in the maintenance department. Her first priority in the nursing home was the residents whom she dearly loved, and their well being came first before anything else. She always maintained that the staff was a guest in the resident's house and that the staff should treat their home with respect. Rena could cover more area in one day than most could cover in a week. She had a very high level of energy and she always had a desire to learn on the job. Rena was an animal lover, with her beloved cat Merlin topping the list. Two of her favorite past times were being with family during Flywheel and gambling. She would talk Bud into taking her on a gambling trip which would involve, Casinos in Minnesota, Ontario and Manitoba. She always seemed to do quite well when it came to gambling. We hope she is looking on us now and sharing the luck. Rena struggled with illness through most of her adult life. In 1980 she took very ill and started losing weight, not knowing what it was and after seeing many doctors. A doctor in Killarney suspected she had Crohn's disease, it was not common at the time and few people knew what it was. He sent her to a specialist in Winnipeg who later confirmed the diagnosis. Rena suffered for many years and many operations refusing to allow the disease to get the better of her, always wanting to get back to work. This last Christmas, she developed a cough and was treated for bronchitis and pneumonia. In the first of March she was diagnosed with lung cancer. In her final days, her son Larry was by her side every day along with best friends, Donna Mosson and Beryl Fardoe. Donna was her confidante, Beryl raised her spirits and Larry was her rock. She had all her family by her side as she said good bye. She was small in size but had a large presence and will leave a lasting impression with all of us. We love you so much Rena, you will forever be missed. Thank you to the care givers at the Brandon Regional Health Centre and special thank you to the nurses on the 3rd floor Palliative Care Unit where Rena and family received great care and support! The Ceremony to Celebrate Rena's Life was held at Memories Chapel on Saturday, July 17, 2010 with Capt. William Preston and Major Velma Preston officiating. Interment followed in the Killarney Cemetery, Killarney, Manitoba. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 24, 2010