We announce the peaceful passing of our mom who has joined the Love of her Life, John (Jack) Thomas McManus, for Eternity. She is predeceased by her parents Theodora Violet and Robert James Stewart and her sister Roberta Goertzen. She is survived by her brother Bill and her children Jim (Faye), Heather, Paula (John), Gord (Jen) and seven beautiful granddaughters, Danielle, Erin, Paige, Amber, Sara, Ashley and Taylor, to whom she passed her strength, values and independence.
From humble beginnings in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, she enjoyed a happy childhood with her parents, sister and baby brother, some 12 years her junior. With total determination, she put herself through high school and graduated at 18. She made plans to join the military to further her education but this was cut short when she was nominated by a friend for the Miss Frontier competition in Swift Current. This small town girl then became Miss Saskatchewan Roughrider in 1955 and it was here she enjoyed her first date with her soon to be husband, Jack. She enjoyed her first journey out of province to compete in the Miss Grey Cup competition in Vancouver.
She and Jack fell immediately in love and were eager to start a life together, so they married in 1956. They eventually moved to Regina and began their family. Jim, Heather and Paula were born and job prospects then took them to Calgary. Gord was quickly added to the mix and she carved herself a life full of family and adventure.
As domestic goddess and loving wife, she raised and cared for her family with all that she had. She was an amazing homemaker who instilled in her children the love of family. In 1980, she tragically lost her husband which brought her to her knees. But with fortitude and strength she carried on for her children. She dedicated her time ensuring her children’s future and happiness.
She returned to school and started a career in travel which developed her passion for exploring the wonders of the world. From Europe to the Pacific and South America to Northern Africa she enthralled in new cultures.
She was an avid golfer, traveler, social butterfly and celebrant of her granddaughters. She loved lunches at the Winter Club with her friends and enjoyed sharing stories with her granddaughters both in person and by mail.
But maybe most of all she cherished her time with her children families and nothing could bring her more joy.
She was the epitome of independence and thrived until illness cruelly slowed her down. Her battle was long, but her love of life and will to live took her through the next six years. Her journey was by her rules, her way, even the decision to finally let go.
Her inspiration will live on through her children and grandchildren.
A Celebration of her Life will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, 2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W., Calgary, Alberta T3B 6A8. “So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me... I’m right here in your heart.” Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.
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