Elizabeth Anne Hill

Dr. Norman Hill and his family sadly announce the passing of their beloved Bess.

Bess was the daughter of Isabel and Bill Murdoch, natives of Banffshire in the Scottish Highlands. She was proud of her Scots heritage, but was truly a lifelong Winnipegger. Bess grew up in St. Vital, and her family experienced the tough times of the Depression and the war. In her late teens, she and her pals enjoyed skiing at the Winnipeg Ski Club, and the fun of Grand Beach, the Midnight Train and the beautiful Dance Hall. She worked at the Bay in those days, and sang in the store choir as well with her buddy Kay on the stage of the old Pantages Theatre.

It was at Grand Beach, on the third set of steps of the boardwalk (where Bess’ own family was to spend many happy summer days), that she met the love of her life. It was love at first sight for both of them and Norman and Bess were married in 1949.

In their early time together, Bess pinched pennies and looked after house and home while Norman pursued his endless studies. Elizabeth, Averie and Kym were born in those years.

In 1962, the family moved to the family home in River Heights. David and Shauna were born soon after. Bess and Norman shared happy times with friends playing bridge, golfing, curling, travelling, skiing and especially dancing.

But, the focus of Bess’ being was family – Norman and the kids. (Though she and the children often bypassed Norman in their planning!) There was always encouragement for body, mind and spirit. Bess was passionate about her kids’ success in school, and also made sure they had opportunities to learn music, to attend camp, swim, ride, travel, enjoy the arts and play sports.

She was on the board of the YWCA and very active in promoting its activities in the city and at Camp Kinnaird.

Bess was a talented painter and her work is much sought after. She was one of the original subscribers to the Manitoba Theatre Centre. For many years she headed the Sunday School at St. Andrew’s River Heights United Church.

Tragically Elizabeth died at age 13, an event never forgotten. Bess literally rolled up her sleeves to help Kym become a successful business woman and goldsmith, David a leader in construction, Averie a lawyer and Shauna a professor of architecture. They, and their spouses Charles, Jacqui, Carman and Shaun, are much blessed by Bess’ very practical and loving support.

Grandchildren Annemiek, Robyn, Averie, Sarah, Brian, David and his partner Danielle, and Patrick and his wife Alexandra, will miss their loving Mems. She is especially remembered for happy times at the lake, her hugs and infectious laugh, as well as wild baseball games with the big red bat, and for being allowed to eat Lucky Charms and Smarties when their parents were not around.

With Norman, Bess lived a creative, generous and happy life. In the last few years, her laughter continued, even as her health declined. She will be deeply missed.

Friends, neighbours and health care professionals have shown incredible kindness to Bess and Norman. We thank, but cannot name, them all. We do wish to express appreciation to the Home Care team and particularly Dr. Isabelle Paquin, whose help allowed Bess to stay home until the end.

Bess believed summer camp was a wonderful opportunity for kids. Friends and family are encouraged to donate in her name to the Winnipeg YWCA/YMCA camping programs. This can be done via the website at www.ywinnipeg.ca or by mail to YMCA/YWCA of Winnipeg 3550 Portage Ave Winnipeg MB R3K0Z8.

A funeral service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday December 4, 2013 at St. Andrews River Heights United Church at 255 Oak St, Winnipeg, MB (204) 488-1130. A reception will follow at the church. There will be a private interment.

“- we have owed to her

In hours of weariness, sensations sweet,

Felt in the blood, and felt along the heart;

And passing even into the troubled mind

With tranquil restoration -

Feelings too

Of unremembered pleasure;

Such perhaps

As have no slight or trivial influence

On that best portion of a good man’s life,

Her little, nameless, unremembered acts

Of kindness and of love”