Gertie MASON

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MASON: It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of a truly grand lady. Gertie Mason passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2013 at the Melita P.C.H. where she had been a resident for the past 4 years. Gertie is lovingly remembered by her son Barrie; daughter -in-law Irene and daughter Barb (Kim Rach). Also surviving are 7 grandchildren who all adored their grandma - Duane Mason (Colleen Wright), Sherri Murray, Dean Mason, Lisa Mason (Ross Donahue), Shanna Mason (Jay Williams) Jaclyn Etchevery (Josh) and Ashley Rach. There are also 5 great grandchildren - Justin and Matt Feenstra, Morgan and Brett Murray and Brayden Wright. She is also survived by nieces and nephews from the Mason, Underhill and Roblin families. She was predeceased by her son Sam (1977), husband Harry (1995) as well as her 3 siblings: Wes, Pearl Smith and Ethel Done. Mum was born on February 15, 1908 to Rueben and Eva Underhill at the family farm north east of Melita. After completing her education at Bernice School, she spent some years in Winnipeg and Winsor, ON. before moving back to Melita where she married her long time love interest Harry Mason in 1939. Gertie was always involved in the farm community which included the Elva W.I. and the Elva 4-H Club that she was instrumental in forming. Music always featured prominently in her life, from playing the organ at Bernice church, to playing for the annual Christmas concerts at Belfry School and at the personal care home for sing-a-longs and church services. Mum and Dad, along with the boys, also played for the Friday night dances that were held at the Elva Hall and Browns School. After retiring to Melita in 1971, Mum became involved with the Melita Drop-In Centre where she served as president for many years. She enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels and helping the Kinsmen Club with their annual Christmas dinner for the seniors of the town as well as actively participating at Victoria United Church U.C.W. (Unit 3). She also took up painting and continued with her life-long interest in quilting and continued to quilt well into her 90’s. Both Mum and Dad loved to gather with friends and neighbours for an evening of cards (500 and euchre). Mum had a great sense of adventure and was always up to trying something new. Going on a sea-do when she was around 90 provided lots of laughs and memories, as did her trampoline debut around the same time. Mum was a fabulous cook and a superb pie maker and it was not uncommon for her to make 3 or 4 different kinds of pie so that everyone could have a piece of their favourite(s) when we had a family gathering. She provided sustenance for many of the residents at the Melita Lodge where Mum lived for some years after Dad passed away. She always made sure homemade soups, stews, cookies, muffins and biscuits were delivered to anyone who was under the weather. The family would like to acknowledge the many people who were involved in the last 6-7 years, to the home care staff (her pill girls) who provided support while she lived at the lodge and to the exceptional staff at the Melita Personal Care Home. Your compassion and many acts of kindness were appreciated by Gertie and will not soon be forgotten by her family. Special thanks to Dr. Dizon who was always so kind and thoughtful. Although her failing eyesight, hearing and mobility changed how she lived her life, her sense of humour and her cheerful and positive attitude remained intact. The funeral service will be held from the Victoria United Church, Melita, MB. on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Allan Gairns officiating. Interment at the Melita Cemetery will take place at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations to the Melita Palliative Care Fund, Box 459, Melita, MB. R0M 1L0 or to a favourite charity would be appreciated. Arrangements in care of Redpath Funeral Home, Melita, Manitoba. (204-522-3361), Neil Redpath & Kurt Ardron - Funeral Directors. To send condolences or special memories to the family, please visit: www.redpathfuneralhome.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 10, 2013