Josephine PETTIGREW

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PETTIGREW: Josephine Mary (Jo) nee Sparrow. March 26, 1922 - October 7, 2010. On a beautiful sunny autumn day, Josephine's (Jo) journey ended in this world, in the presence of her family. Her passing has brought both grief and peace. She lived a full and active 88 years. Mom was born at home in the Griswold/Harding, Manitoba area, on her parents' (James and Hohanna Sparrow) first wedding anniversary. When Mom was four her mother took her back to her homeland in Benwick, England, where Mom started school - and vividly remembered visiting her grandparents. As memories of that ocean crossing in 1926/27, Mom could not watch waves on the TV. Jo, being the eldest of five siblings growing up on the prairies in hard times, began a life filled with hard work, tending to the animals, driving the stoneboat, threshing, hauling grain, but she managed to keep up with her schooling in the districts of Harding and Roseneath, and gained her grade 12. Mom met our father, Delbert (Deb) Pettigrew, while she was working in Minnedosa, Manitoba. The married in 1941 in Winnipeg. Upon Dad's army discharge, he joined the C.P.R. - which would take them to Binscarth, Souris, and finally Kenora in 1964. Although Mom has been in Ontario for 46 years, her heart always stayed in Manitoba - fishing, camping at Ditch Lake, or picking saskatoons. Though never working outside the home (except for selling Beauty Counsellor) we kids were happy to come home from school to smell fresh-baked bread, and newly waxed floors. Even if Mom was glued to the old black and white TV keeping up a scoresheet as she watched the World Series, she would be knitting, having created over 50 "Mary Maxim" sweaters. It was not uncommon for her to knit a four-man curling team (plus their wives) matching sweaters. Ron still recalls having to hold up his arms at shoulder width while Mom unwound the skeins/hanks, which were then wound into balls. Every baby born to family or friends would receive a delicately knit sweater and bonnet. We cherish the little girls' dresses which were passed along. She also knitted mitts and socks and tams, as well as crocheting afghans. Mom was predeceased by Delbert (Deb) in 1987, sister Betty (Lawson/Knight), nephew Bob Lawson, and brother-in-law Bill Lawson of Brandon. Leaving to cherish her memory are two sons - David (Joyanne) Pettigrew of Lumsden, Saskatchewan; Ron (Lorna) Pettigrew of Kenora; and daughter (the caboose) - Linda (Rob) Freeman of Kenora. Also surviving are brothers Russell Sparrow (Leone) of Brandon; Edward Sparrow of Forrest, Manitoba; sister Olive (Ken) Toovey of Kenora; brother-in-law Bill Pettigrew of Minnedosa; sister-in-law Ena Sparrow of Brandon; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, with whom she kept in touch. Mom was most proud of her six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Mom kept our family/relatives in her lifeline and kept everyone in her memory as to what they were doing - she was the earliest Internet! Family reunions, however far apart (starting in Hamiota, Manitoba and in later years at the family farm in Forrest, Manitoba were a highlight. Mom was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion, (62 years service, auxiliary and associate), having joined in Minnedosa where she volunteered countless hours, holding various offices, dedicating many hours to the Poppy Fund. She was extremely proud of receiving Legionnaire of the Year from Command. Also, the long service medal. This past May she baked up her delicious cinnamon buns for the Mother's Day teas. Mom was an avid card (cribbage and Euchre) player, as well as a shark at Scrabble. Crossword puzzles began her day, as well as the cryptoqoute - no newspaper went unmarked. She enjoyed reading the obituaries and sharing in other's life moments, and knew many of her friends have gone before her, but she kept in touch with those who remained. According to Mom's expressed wishes cremation has taken place. She wished no funeral service. We teased her that it wasn't her party - it was ours! She still wouldn't go for it! "If you must bury something, let it be my faults and my weaknesses, but let my life continue on in you". A private memorial service and celebration of Mom's life will be held at a later date where we will all certainly remember countless stories of Mom, sister, aunty Jo, grandma, and "gramma great". Her ashes will be interned with Deb at the Lake of the Woods Cemetery. Floral tributes are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, Mom would be honoured in knowing that any donation in her memory be made to a charity of choice, so that others may benefit. We, the family are appreciative of the compassion and care Mom received from Dr. Kroeker, the nursing staff in Emerg, and ICU of LWDH. To ComCare/CCAC, we are ever so grateful for your assistance and support.When good friends walk beside us on the trails we must keep, our burdens seem less heavy, and the hills are not so steep. The weary miles pass swiftly, taken in joyous stride - and all the world seems brighter… when friends walk by our side. Goodbye Mom - rest in peace.Brown's Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at brownfuneralhomekenora.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 13, 2010