Mary ROLLINS

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ROLLINS: Mary Elizabeth “Molly” Rollins (Malinowski) died peacefully with family by her side at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Friday, April 22, 2011. Mary was born on April 5, 1926 in Bury, Lancashire, England. Hermother, Elizabeth Edwards was a maid and married the butler, her father Herbert Edwards. Her childhood was very happy. She adored her older siblings Jack and Joan who both predeceased her. She went on many family outings either by bicycle or train. She loved to dance and performed for the troops with her Highland dance group. Ironically, she met our Dad, Kazimer John Malinowski, a Canadian soldier serving in England at a dance. As a youngbride, she crossed the Atlantic to make her new home on the farm in Saskatchewan and just like her war bride sisters, got quite a shock. From running water and bathrooms (or water-closets as they were called) she managed with outhouses and water pails. It was a big adjustment, but mom always said she would never change a thing. After a few years, Christine and twin brother Kenneth were born. Kenneth died at birth. She began her life as a mother. Three years later, Barry was born. She loved being a mom and supported Barry and Chris in every way possible. After farming and living in small town Saskatchewan, our dad re-enlisted in the Army. Off to Winnipeg we went where mom made lifelong friends. Three years later, we were transferredto Germany, which enabled mom to visit family in England often and to travel Europe. It was a wonderful time. Our next move was to Camp Gagetown with the Army homes being in Oromocto, New Brunswick. Mom, Dad and I (Chris) all joined the United Church there and Mom began a life of dedication and devotion to the church. Dad’s last posting was Shilo, with us moving to Brandon, where mom joined the U.C.W. She held many positions in her unit. It was a joke when something was being baked, “Oh it must be for the church”. Mom enjoyed bowling in the Five Pin Thursday afternoon league for many years with Bob’s mom Stella and friends. Mom, along with her friend Helen Taylor, was one of the first volunteers to cook for Meals on Wheels. She volunteered at Prairie Oasis. Even after being confined to her wheelchair, she volunteered by collecting the money for the meals Prairie Oasis provided at Lions Manor each Wednesday. She always did as much as she could. After thirty four plus years of marriage, Mom lost Kaz becoming a very young widow, but with her personal motto of Faith, Family and Friends, she carried on, always trying to keep that wonderful smile. She travelled both with Chris, Bob and family, Barry and Karen and Club 77. She enjoyed trips to England, Disneyland, New Brunswick and a Caribbean cruise. She also had her grandchildren Rob and Ryan and a few years later Andrea to help occupy her time. She loved them immensely and took part in many of their activities. After church on Sunday, at lunch with some Club 77 friends, Rev. Lovering introduced her to Don Rollins. After ten years as a widow, she and Don married and enjoyed almost eight years of travelling, going to England, Niagara Falls and wintering in Victoria. They both loved spring, looking for crocuses and exploring Sprucewoods. In 1992, the first of her surgeries for vascular disease took place. Even after losing her legs, she retained her class, dignity and fashion sense. Her little house on Princess then became unsuitable and she and Don moved to Lion’s Manor. They both made many new friends and enjoyed all the Manor activities. After nearly 20 years together, Don passed away. We are so grateful for his love, care and compassion for our mom. Mom was able, much to the surprise of many, to remain at Lion’s Manor, with help from Chris, Bob and family and many visits from Barry on his bike. She remained independent except for help with Saturday baths. Finally after Christmas one year ago, she accepted help from Home Care to dress each morning. That gave her sixteen more months to be with her Manor family and War-bride sisters, the best place to live in Brandon she always said. The birth of her great-grandchildren Mollie, Matthew, Meagan, Kate and Sean gave her the extra will and fight to get through the tough times. Sue, coming into Barry’s life, made her very happy and she loved her. Mom’s beautiful smile and never complaining, is an inspiration to a lot of us. Rob her eldest grandson called her his “Hero”. We would like to thank Mary Kay for her friendship to Mom and taking her on many summer outings. Thank you to Karen (Andrea’s mother) for your visits and often bringing supper. Thanks also to Merv (Don’s son) for all the visits and treats. You were special to her. Also thank you to Erin and Karen for making her grandson’s lives so happy. She loved you so much. We are going to miss you Mom, Grandma, Nana but know you are at peace and have no pain wrapped in the arms of our Lord. We will always love you. Molly is survived by Chris (Bob) Jaska, Barry (Sue) Malinowski: her grandchildren and great grandchildren; Rob, Erin, Meagan, Kate and Sean Jaska, Ryan, Karen, Mollie and Matthew Jaska, Andrea Malinowski and fiancée Warren Butt; by Don’s family and special family, forever friends Ken and Dianne Turner, Ron and Val Panchuk, nieces and nephews. She also leaves many friends especially Renee and her war-bride sisters. The Ceremony to Celebrate Molly’s Life was held on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at Central United Church. Rev. Laird Russell-Yearwood and Rev. Shannon McCarthy officiated. Private interment was held at Rosewood Memorial Gardens prior to the ceremony. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Molly to the Central United Church BuildingFund, 327-8th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 3X5 or to a charity of choice.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 Apr 30, 2011