MYRTLE IRENE LAWSON

On Saturday, January 28th, 2012, Myrtle Irene Lawson (nee Loyns) age 93 passed away peacefully in the presence of family at the Carman Boyne Lodge.

Myrtle grew up in the Miami area and graduated from Grade 11 - the highest grade at the Miami School at the time. She worked as a hired girl during the depression - the only work available to her.

In 1941, Myrtle married John (Jack) Lawson and they farmed in the Graysville area for a few years prior to moving to their farm north of Miami, remaining there for 37 years, then retired to Miami in 1985 after building a new home. Following Jack's death in 1989, Myrtle remained in their home until 2007. She then moved into the Miami Collingwood Seniors Home where she resided until the fall of 2011. Her last four months were spent at the Boyne Lodge in Carman.

Myrtle was a member of the Mayflower Rebekah Lodge for 51 years until the Miami Chapter closed; she then joined the Victoria Rebekah Lodge at Morden, totaling sixty-three (63) years as a Rebekah. Throughout the years she was an active member and served on the Executive of the Miami United Church Women, Ladies Section of the Miami Agricultural Society, Miami Friendship Centre and Miami Senior Citizens Housing Association Board.

Mother was a master of many things. To supplement farm income, Myrtle worked as a waitress/cook in several local restaurants. She faithfully entered 25 - 30 baking exhibits yearly in five local fairs, winning many special baking prizes and was named Bake Queen at Carman Fair twice. Myrtle enjoyed her work and being with people. Surprisingly mother liked housekeeping - a chore many a person does not enjoy.

Myrtle was the correspondent, Miami area, for the Valley Leader for thirty years - rarely missing a week and often covering events in other towns. She was awarded the Bronze Quill Award in 1982 in recognition of 22 years of distinguished service to the Valley Leader. In her latter years; she was co-author of the Collingwood Digest - a small monthly newsletter distributed to residents of the Collingwood and community.

Myrtle was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Flossie Loyns, her husband John and Brother Harold. Survived by one daughter, Linda (Urb) Griffin of Moose Jaw, SK, two sons Grant (Joan) of Brandon, Manitoba, Glenn (Lorna) of Miami, Manitoba, 6 grandchildren, Nancy (Tom), Shannon (Blair), Carey-Anne, Graham (Lauren), Arvel (Brian), Paul (Lindsay), 6 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, 2 sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews.

Mother frequently stated that she was fortunate to have many good friends and relatives, either visiting in person, or by telephone. Through these conversations, friendships were maintained and cherished.

Mom's greatest pride was in her children and their families. Keeping up with their lives, goals and achievements became a great part of her life.

The family wishes to thank the home care ladies in Miami for their many years of care and compassion for our Mother. We also thank the Doctors, nurses and staff at Notre Dame Hospital and Boyne Lodge for their care and friendship shown to Mother.

We would like to thank Reverend Allison Halstead, Craig Johnston and the staff at Doyle's Funeral Home for their assistance at this time.

A Service of Celebration was held at the Miami United Church, Friday, February 3rd, 2012. Interment at the Miami Cemetery has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, personal donations may be made to any of the following organizations, Miami United Church, 449 Kirby Avenue, Miami, Manitoba R0G 1H0, Collingwood, Box 314 Miami, Manitoba R0G 1H0 or a charity of one's choice.