Winnifred (Winnie) May Lansdell, age 97, passed away peacefully October 28, 2020 at Breton Long Term Care with her children by her side. She was born December 11, 1922 to Earl and Helen Barnes in the Clive area. She married Norris Lansdell on December 27, 1945 who preceded her in death in 2003.
Winnifred loved growing up on the farm at Clive. She helped her Dad in the fields and milked cows. She finished Grade 11 in Tees, then spent time in Red Deer and in Lethbridge working in the hospitals there. After she married Norris they farmed and worked in Central Alberta.
Winnifred and Norris took up residence in Breton in 1955. She was known in the community for her delicious homemade bread and buns which she offered for sale from her living room window on main street in the 1950’s. She was a ward aide at the Breton Hospital in its first years starting in 1963. For a long time she held down three jobs, cleaning the Breton Elementary School, the Treasury Branch and the Post Office. She was always a hard worker and enjoyed her work so much…a freshly washed and polished hallway in the school gave her much joy as did interacting with the students as they came and went. She never complained about getting up in the cold of winter and shovelling the walks at the school before the rest of the town woke up.
Winnie was a cornerstone of the Breton United Church Women and took pleasure in hosting meetings at her home which always included a beautiful spread of tea and sweets.
In 1986 she retired and enjoyed various camping trips which took her as far north as Alaska and into BC and Saskatchewan. These camping trips often included grandchildren.
Her greatest joy was her family, especially when they were all gathered around the table, enjoying her great meals and her delicious desserts. Love and laughter was always plentiful. Even in her last days when she was physically unable to go visiting, her first question was always “How are the kids?” She took comfort in hearing everyone was doing well.
Winnifred leaves to celebrate her life and carry on her legacy: daughter Patricia Denholm (David) of Stettler; son Larry Lansdell (Fiona) of Leduc; daughter Michele Bevan (Randy) of Breton; 8 grandchildren; 22 greatgrandchildren and 2 great great grandsons. She was the second eldest of 11 children. She is predeceased by her parents, 4 brothers and 2 sisters. She leaves 3 sisters, 1 brother and numerous nieces and nephews to enjoy memories of good times together.
If so desired, donations may be made to Drayton Valley Health Foundation, “Breton Long Term Care” on the memo line and mailed to 4550 Madsen Avenue, Drayton Valley, T7A 1N8.
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