With heavy hearts we announce that “Ann” Mom passed away at the age 86 years on March 19, 2019 at Poseidon Care Centre.

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Special thanks to the staff at Poseidon for their compassion and kindness towards our mother for the last four years. If it was holding her hand or trying to make her laugh, they brought comfort to mom. Thank you from Ann’s family, very much appreciated.

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Many thanks to our sister, Laura, for all her support of Mom and Dad’s care - it’s been a long journey. She was predeceased by her parents Charles and Julia Pal, Brother Ed, Sister Tilly and Frank Cooper, Sister Margret Pal and Son Glenn.

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She is survived by her loving Husband Ron of 65 years as well as son Robert (Ann), daughters Dawna (Ron), and Laura; brother Bill (Linda), auntie Fran, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

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While going through many pictures my sister came across some papers in our mothers hand writing about her life.

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The notes read:

 1st page

Childhood she was very shy, loved going to camp. Her sister Tilly was her big sister, always looking after her even though they were 13 months apart. As teenagers she loved dancing, playing tennis, roller skating and swimming.

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2nd page

Ron and Ann were married in ’54, had 4 children on Brock Street, attended all the Ref dances. When the children got older Mom loved going fishing, couldn’t get her to come in even when it got dark as long as the fish were biting. Playing tennis at the lake. As the children got older Mom started playing Bingo once a week.

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First home 639 Brock – cut boy’s hair, loved sewing, crocheting, knitting, growing flowers. Most of the pastime was all summer at Lake Manitoba. Took up bowling, a little curling.

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End

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Mom was very independent and was not afraid to venture out on her own to see friends and family. Her little blue car put a lot of miles on the road and she was a far better driver than Dad.

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Card playing – Canasta and 31 were always fun with family at the lake.

• Baseball was her favourite sport to watch.

• New York Yankees her favourite team.

• Derek Jeter her favourite player.

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Mom and Dad attended a lot of our little league hardball games when Glenn and I were 9 to 12 years old at River Heights CC.

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Looking for a few more pictures I came across a piece of note pad paper labeled Canadian Legion War Services, Date 9th May, 1944.

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Anna Pal Room 9 Dufferin School Winnipeg

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Dear Anna –

We are very pleased to inform you that you have succeeded in Winning first prize in the art and drawing contest, the entries of which were sent to us last week for judgement. Keep up the good work and may success smile on you always. Sincerely yours – signed by 9 people.

 

My mother would have been 12 years old at the time.  When I was about the same age she would help me draw faces with pencil. Teaching me how to shade and smear the graphite with her finger to make the picture look more authentic. I never came close to having Mom’s talent but still enjoyed drawing pictures for her.

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In the early stages of her disease Dad ended up in hospital. I came and lived with Mom for two weeks finding out what Alzheimer’s was all about.

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The first time I experienced Sundowning (confusion and restlessness of patients with some form of dementia) – Mom brought tears to my eyes. Some of the things Mom would say I could see were true from her heart. Understanding her trigger points which would send her into a rage and how to calm certain situations would change day to day.

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I understood that people who specialize in these diseases could take better care of our mother.

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We developed a great appreciation for the staff at the Poseidon Care Centre.

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As a family we know our mother’s pain is now gone and she’s in a better place.

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A Celebration of Anne's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg located at 603 Wellington Crescent.

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We love you Mom always.

Thanks for being that special Mom

-Love Bob