Maud LELOND

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LELOND: Maud Ingil Lelond (nee McConnell) passed away September 18, 2015 at Morley House Personal Care Home. Maud was born November 22, 1915, in the farmhouse her father Duncan McConnell and mother Margaret (McKenzie) had homesteaded a few years earlier. She was the middle child having four siblings. After completing high school she worked out, as it was the beginning of the Great Depression. She eventually made it to Saskatoon where she completed a hairdressing course. In the fall of 1936, her future husband Douglas and a cousin of Maud’s were travelling across the prairies doing harvest work. They stopped at the McConnell farm and the rest is history. Maud travelled to Arrow River and found work. Douglas and Maud were married on October 8, 1939. They lived on the home farm at Arrow River with Douglas’s parents Jed and Louise Lelond sharing the house. In 1943 they got the entire house as parents moved to Miniota and family was growing. Maud had a brilliant mind, writing her Grade 9 when she was twelve, staying home for two years to look after her baby sister as their mother was ill. She completed her Grade 11 when she was 16 which included living in town, working for her room and board and missing 3 of the 10 month term. She was a lifelong learner – getting her Grade 12 after daughters Margaret and Elsie were away teaching. Later she would take University courses, taught herself how to play button accordion, violin, and piano. She said that she needed to play the piano for her kindergarten students, a position she had in Miniota for 5 years in the 60’s. In the 70’s she served on the Brandon University Board of Governors. She was a very hard worker and expected the same from her children, grandchildren and everyone else. She lived in an era where you had a large garden, your own fruit trees, raised your own chickens, laying hens and cured your own pork. When hydro came through in the late 40’s she was one of the first to have a deep freezer, electric washing machine, converted electric cream separator and electric sewing machine, great time saving devices. Her home, along with Douglas was a welcome haven for many. Maud always served a bountiful meal no matter how many sat down to enjoy it. Douglas and Maud retired to Miniota in 1990 where they continued entertaining family and friends, many bridge games played. Maud loved to write, having three books published, ‘Skits and Monologues’, ‘An Apple for the Teacher’ and her ‘Memoirs’ which were published at age 90, with help from granddaughters Rhonda and Elizabeth. Her ability to put words together and make them nonsense was a true gift. She will be forever remembered for that, so many concerts for which she wrote plays and poems. Her fun loving nature showed through, and she brought joy to so many with this talent. Her work in the United Church, UCW, Women’s Institute, 4-H leader for 40 years plus and her very active work in politics with the New Democratic Party will be forever remembered. She taught so many young people the art of public speaking, something they continue to talk about today, and the art of demonstrating. Maud had the innate ability to talk and think at the same time, a true gift. She believed women had a place in the home but outside the home as well. It could be said she never had an idle hand. She loved to sew, making new dresses and coats for her three girls at Christmas and Easter, in particular. She also made many quilts which were given away. She knit, but crocheting was her forte. Crocheted articles will be a legacy for years to come as family, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren received some article from Grandma Maud. Many nieces, nephews and their families also received some memento. Maud loved her family and would do without so they could have what she wanted them to have – education was very important to her. She wanted her family to serve their community and farther afield just as her and Douglas had done. Maud and Douglas celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 1999. Maud loved to celebrate special birthdays and anniversaries as they aged, milestones she called them. When Douglas passed away in 2002, their house was sold and Maud moved into Parkissimo Lodge. She thoroughly enjoyed living there, taking part in all activities, also the Drop-In Center and taking part in card competitions in surrounding area. Having a competitive nature she was not always an easy partner to play with. Maud is survived by her five children: Margaret (Marvin) Elder, Elsie Dickenson, Faye Campbell, Mac (Pat) Lelond, Edward (Beth) Lelond; 17 grandchildren; 39 great- grands and 17 great-great grands; sister Jean Brotzell, Redcliff, AB; brother-in-law Jim Beedie (Ina) of Brandon, MB; and many nieces, nephews and their families. They will all miss her spirit, love of life and smile. She was predeceased by her husband Douglas (2002); her son-in-law Ray Dickenson (2004); and her sisters Elsie (George) Oakley, Ina (Tom) Mitchell; brother Sid (Dorothy) McConnell; brothers-in-law Art Brotzell, Jack (Lee) Durrant, Wilfred (Edna) Lelond; sisters in-law Kathleen (Alfred) Gieb, Evelyn (Elymer Clark, Wes McKenzie); nephews Fred Gieb, Cliff Clark, Bill Clark, Morris Durrant, Arthur Brotzell; and niece Carolyn McConnell. The legacy this woman leaves is perfectly summed up in this poem.LifeThe adventure of life is to learn.The purpose of life is to growThe nature of life is to change.The challenge of lifeis to overcome.The essence of life is to care.The opportunity of life is to serve.The secret of life is to dare.The spice of life is to befriend.The beauty of life is to give.A service to celebrate Maud’s life was held at the Miniota United Church, Miniota, MB on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 2:00pm. Interment was held at 1:00pm at the Arrow River Cemetery prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maud’s memory to the Miniota United Church Memorial Fund; Miniota Community Hall; or Miniota 4-H, Miniota, MB, R0M 1M0. Messages of condolence and/or photos can be shared at www.campbellfuneralhome.ca.Campbell Funeral Home, Hamiota are in care of arrangements. (866) 620-2744.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 26, 2015