Mary Emma Hampson

Mom’s family emigrated from Ohio in 1908 with her three oldest siblings, Marion, Sadie and Rosie to find a new life in Canada, settling in the Starbuck area. Clearing land with a team of horses and building their future in Canada was hard but neighbours could always be counted on in times of need. In the following years Elmer, Ralph, and Sam were born, then mom, Glady and Laura.

The years proved challenging indeed, two world wars and the great depression, but in many ways life on the farm meant the family was provided for, and mom claimed she was always thankful for her blessings, no matter how small. Dresses made from flour sacks and hand me downs made the day.

In 1938, mom married Orvyl Hampson and began farming in Sanford. Two children were born, the eldest Janice (Humphreys) and then Leonard. Mom took in boarders to make ends meet, but still found time to immerse herself in the community. They farmed in Sanford until 1952 when they relocated to Winnipeg. Mom began to work part time at The Bay, where she continued until retirement in 1975.

The family spent many summers at their cottage at Big Whiteshell Lake with their friends and relatives. Several trips were made across Canada and the United States, visiting American relatives and family. After retiring, winters were spent in Texas until Orvyl’s sudden passing in 1979. After dad’s passing, mom toured with friends and family, highlighted by her trip to Jerusalem accompanied by Janice in 1984.

Mom took great comfort and pleasure in her bible study groups at John Black United Church, and later with Springs Church where she had many good friends. She was devoted to her grandchildren Lori, Michael, Shauna and Tim, as well as Darren and Robyn. She was blessed with ten great grandchildren, Kayla, Daniel, Brianna, Benjamin, Noah, Brayden, Sara, Mckenna, William and her most recent, Emily, born at Christmas 2017.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.

We are especially grateful to mom’s (and our) second family at Donwood Personal Care Home who provided constant love and care for her during her final years.