Agnes STILWELL

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STILWELL: On Saturday, August 13, 2016, Agnes McGill Stilwell (nee Aitken), age 90 years, passed away at her residence, Oakview Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Born in Glasgow, Scotland on February 1, 1926, Agnes was one of four children. She graduated high school in Glasgow and enjoyed an adventurous and fun-filled youth. During the war, times were hard with food rationing and nightly air raids that rattled, and on one occasion, shattered their windows. Mom often spoke of running to air raid shelters and spending the nights there, where they would sing and dance to pass the time. One evening a dance was held to entertain Canadian soldiers on leave. She quickly caught the eye of a dashing young Canadian soldier, John "Jack" Stilwell, who swept her off her feet. The romance blossomed and, near the end of the war, the two were wed before Jack returned to the front line. It was the perfect match and a union that would last for more than 67 years. Agnes' gardens were always full of flowers and the house regularly had numerous potted plants that flowered throughout the year. Feeding and watching the birds was a hobby that she kept to the end. A joyful part of her life was music, and she loved to play the little keyboard she had. In particular, she loved her Scottish songs and of course, there was nothing better than the bagpipes! Mom was a quiet person with a huge heart. No one ever passed through her door without being offered "a wee drap a tea" or to stay for lunch. Coming home from school we would be greeted with the smell of fresh baking that mom always had ready, be it bread, pies or cookies. We’re not sure how she found the time, but she always had jars and jars of preserves every year that would keep us going throughout the entire winter. Agnes and Jack built a family cottage at Pelican Lake where the family spent many happy times. Mom and Dad worked hard, but always found time to take the family on a vacation every summer. A kind, gentle, loving mother, Agnes was completely devoted to her family. We are sad that she is gone but honoured that we knew her. While she may be gone from us, we know she is with Jack now, sharing a cup of tea… in a china cup. Agnes will be lovingly remembered by her children: Annie (Werner) and children Heather, Sean, & Stephen; Andrew (Penny) and children Scott & Greg; William (Evelyn) and son Tyler; great grandchildren: Connor, Emma, Hannah, & Ray; brother Tom (Marion) Aitken; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Annie (Mills) and Andrew Aitken, husband John D. (Jack) Stilwell, brothers Andrew and James. The Funeral Ceremony was held at Memories Chapel on Friday, August 19, 2016 with Rev. Fr. Seán Beahen officiating. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Brandon Area Community Foundation, for the Elgin Community, Box 22096 Brandon, MB R7A 6Y9.Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 27, 2016