GWYNNETH LYNNE STEEDS MACPHERSON

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GWYNNETH LYNNE STEEDS MACPHERSON

Lynne was proper and dependable. But she was also a 20-something who solo-travelled Europe in the 60s, red kerchief tied around her head and a backpack stitched with a Canadian flag slung over her shoulder.

She studied Home Economics at the University of Manitoba and began her career in human resources with the Hudson's Bay Company and later The Children's Hospital of Winnipeg.

Faith and service, especially supporting those in need, were woven into Lynne's story from the beginning. She followed in the footsteps of her parents, Mary and Les, and her grandfather Jones, who served as a Salvation Army minister. Lynne was active with the Salvation Army church in Winnipeg, and after moving to Charleston, became deeply rooted at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

She married Rod in Winnipeg in 1976, and together they built a life that moved to San Antonio, where our youngest sister, Heather, was born. Next stop was Columbia, South Carolina, and then Charleston, where they lived for 40 years.

At Westminster, she served wherever she saw a need. She regularly helped at the homeless shelter (often with young Heather in tow), taught Vacation Bible School, visited older members of the congregation at the Summerville Nursing Home, and mastered Charleston's back roads delivering Meals on Wheels. Through Hands of Christ, she thrifted thousands of school uniforms for families who needed them.

As Preschool Director at Westminster for more than a decade, Lynne became an anchor in the church community. After retirement, she continued monthly lunches with the other teachers to share stories and a laugh (and maybe a bit of church gossip).

Lynne was a member of the Westminster choir for 40 years. Even when her mind was failing, and we had to take away her car keys, she'd somehow find a way to make it to Wednesday night choir practice. She learned to play hymns on the piano beside her mother, Mary, who unfailingly played the organ for her Winnipeg congregation for 70 years. For Lynne, music was not performance; it was devotion.

Lynne and Rod channeled their Canadian childhood at The Ice Palace, where they met weekly with a loyal and eclectic group of skaters for more than a decade. They sped and twirled around the ice, followed by a slice of something sweet and a good catch-up. Visiting children and grandchildren were proudly introduced to "The Palace", and putting on skates was mandatory.

She taught us to use the sewing machine as we tackled projects for each stage of life: prom dress, duvet cover for the dorm, wedding gown, and placemats for a first apartment. Using her sewing scissors for anything other than fabric was considered a felony.

She was steadfast in the kitchen. Shrimp creole, beef stroganoff, and three-ingredient chicken were staples. At least one son-in-law credits her for converting him into a vegetable eater with her spinach soufflé. Lynne had a gift for making ordinary things feel special.

And she wanted her grandchildren to feel special. She curated a collection of Disney movies and boasted a colourful selection of pool toys for their visits. When Heather went into labour, Lynne jumped into her car in Charleston and drove straight to Athens, Georgia, arriving in time to welcome her first granddaughter, Natalie. When Andrew took his first steps, Lynne stood beside Heather and cheered him on, ecstatic to be part of the milestone. A few days before Finn was born, she travelled to British Columbia to care for 18-month-old Adam and, together, they painted the most incredible Welcome sign to celebrate Finn's inaugural trip home.

Lynne loved (in no particular order); The Beatles, movie star sunglasses, politics, the 6:00 p.m. news, reading the daily newspaper, the latest novels, gardening (especially an overflowing pot of geraniums), order in the house, potpourri and colour-coordinated hand towels, kitchen gadgets, late-night I love Lucy reruns, Canadian Inuit art, an immaculate car, drowning bugs in Raid, baking Christmas cookies, eating radishes raw like an apple, Tupperware and labels, sleeping in and, salt - lots of salt! She was remarkably skilled at getting sunburned, and she faithfully giggled at every one of Rod's jokes and impersonations.

Lynne was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Rod; her sister, Janet Tittel; and her stepson, Roderick Macpherson.

She is survived by her brother Bill (Marsha) and nieces and nephews Graham, Ryan, Marc, Jennifer, and Christopher. Lynne also leaves five daughters and their families: Heather (Chris Parrott), Natalie and Andrew; Tamara (Alan Vukusic), Adam and Finn; Kerri (Gordon Stokes), Kav (Agustina) and Ian (Emily); Tracy (Brad Hutto) and Skyler (Lindsay); Sandi (Henry Hagenaars) and Rick (Danielle), Nellie and Addie.

Now that she has joined Rod, we feel certain she is finally making him the elusive Baked Alaska he teased about wanting for four decades. The tasting will be dramatic and showy. And, yes, it will make Lynne laugh.

In memory of Lynne and her dedication to serving others, please show a random act of kindness in her honour. Share a meal with someone in need. Read a book to a child. Or visit someone who needs a friend.

Join us for a virtual celebration of Lynne’s life on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET (South Carolina) / 1:00 p.m. CT (Winnipeg) / 11:00 a.m. PT

Please RSVP to hmacparrott@gmail.com to receive the link or to share a memory.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 28, 2026