Sarah "Audrey" Funke (nee Harrison)

On Saturday, January 31 2009 Mum passed away at her home in the Boyne Lodge in Carman. She was predeceased by her husband Kelly, her son Michael (Karen), her daughter Anne (Jack), her son-in-law Jack Pleasance, her granddaughter Allison Funke, sisters Madeline Alldread, Luella Glufka, Jean Huston, and brother Bert Harrison.

Mum will be lovingly remembered by her children Larry (Darlene), Elaine, Peggy (Hugh) Jenner, Alvin (Sonja), Dale (Janice), Marie (Kraig) MacLean, 20 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, sister Verna (Brown) Walker, brother Edward Harrison, and sister-in-law Essie (Earl) Paton.

Mum was born on September 9, 1915 to parents Marshall and Ella Harrison. She grew up on a farm in the Sterling District and attended Sterling school until grade nine. For grades nine-eleven Mum boarded with her aunt and uncle while she attended Graysville High School. Her dream was to become a nurse, and she would have been a wonderful nurse. However, after working as a housekeeper for a few years, Mum met and married Kelly Funke. They were married on October 22, 1938. They farmed in the St. Daniel District until 1974 when they moved into Carman. While living in the St. Daniel District the family grew to include eight children.

As a young wife and mother, Mum’s family was always her priority. She cooked, she sewed, she mended, she washed, and she tended to our needs. She often said that she would not trade those days for anything. Life on the farm was busy and full, but Mum was able to express her creativity through her love of gardening and flowers.

In 1982 after Dad passed away, Mum became very active in the community. She played the organ at church, and sang in the choir. In her 70’s she found a new love in painting and golfing. She started 5-pin bowling, lawn bowling and became involved in the Carman Senior Friendship Centre. When it was determined that a new facility was needed, Mum became active with canvassing, donations and keeping the project alive, and it became her new passion. We were all so happy that Mum was able to experience the completion of her dream, of what is now called the Carman Active Living Centre.

Mum was much loved by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her sense of humor, patience, thoughtfulness, unending love and support were bestowed on everyone. She led us by example in family unity, community spirit and her strong faith in God.

For my children

When I must leave you for a little while,

Please do not grieve and shed wild tears

And hug your sorrow to you through the years,

But start out bravely with a gallant smile;

And for my sake and in my name

Live on and do all things the same.

Feed not your loneliness on empty days

But fill each waking hour in useful ways,

Reach out your hand in comfort and cheer

And in turn will comfort you and hold you near;

And never, never be afraid to die,

For I am waiting for you in the sky!

-Love Mum