We are deeply saddened to announce that our mother Lucille passed away suddenly at Riverview Health Centre on Saturday, December 16, 2017, She will be sorrowfully missed by her children Brad (Denise), Brian (Wanda), Jo-ann and Patricia (Shane); grandchildren Chantel (Marcus), Jake and Jordyn; brother Jerry (Elizabeth); sisters Lori and Yvonne (Dale), and many nieces and nephews, friends and acquaintances.  She was predeceased by her parents Edward and Julia, brother Andrew, sister Irene, husband Joseph and grandson Michael.  The family would like to thank all the staff at Riverview for taking such good care of our mother for the last 4 years.

​

Lucille was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba where she lived with her family as a young child in the St. Boniface and St. Vital area.  She worked at the Nutty Club as a young woman, I’m guessing this is when her love for candy and chocolate must’ve started.  She found her true love on a blind date in Winnipeg, it was love at first sight and they married shortly after.  Lucille and Joseph had 4 children and shared 21 happy years together spending time with family and making memories, such as; trips to St. Laurent during the summer months to visit dads’ family; pool parties at Uncle Jerry's; family outings to The Assiniboine Zoo, the Assiniboine Downs, and the Red River Exhibition.  Our first big family trip away from Winnipeg was Summer 1984 to Calgary, Alberta to visit family.  Mom loved to see the smiles on her children's’ faces as we explored new adventures and travelled together. 

 

Lucille was a devoted stay at home mom who lovingly provided us with a hot lunch when we came home from school every day.  Mom would also make sure dinner was always on the table at 5:00 for her hard-working husband.  Mom’s cooking didn’t leave much to the imagination but despite that, she always made sure there was a hot homemade meal for her family.  Her stuffing was amazing and probably one of her best dishes.

​

Moms life was turned upside down when suddenly she lost her husband at a young age, but with the love and support from her children she was able to get through it.  She eventually found happiness in her life again, mostly through her loving children.  She was beyond proud to see her daughters graduate high school and as all her children blossom into adulthood.  Then life as a grandma began in 1990, when her son Brian blessed mom with her first grandchild, Michael.  In 1995 mom witnessed her youngest daughter Patricia give birth to her granddaughter, Chantel.  In 2000 her eldest son Brad had his first child, Jake, then in 2003 blessed mom with another granddaughter, Jordyn.  Lucille was now the proud grandma to two adorable grandsons, and two sweet granddaughters.  Her life was full of joy and happiness watching her grandchildren grow up.  She took a few trips to B.C to visit her daughter Jo-ann, son Brad and grandkids Jake and Jordyn, where they created many happy memories together.  In 2012 Mom had an unexpected fall and has since been confined to a wheelchair.  Because of her physical limitations, mom was not able to be a part of many accomplishments her grandkids have had, such as Chantel’s graduation from High School, Jake’s years of service with the cadets, and Jordyn’s many sports teams she played on, but by sharing pictures of these events with mom it allowed her to feel involved and beyond proud of her grandkids.

​

Mom looked forward to the yearly visits when Brad and the kids were here and she was able to have all her kids and grandkids together to laugh, and joke with and have Chinese food and junk food.  Mom’s favorite past times were bingo, cards (31 and Rummy), Yahtzee, the memory game and doing arts and crafts.  She loved her snacks; cheese puffs, Chicago mix popcorn, regular chips and anything sweet that she knew she shouldn’t eat.  Sunday afternoon visits were what mom looked forward to the most, they consisted of many different visitors, foods and activities.  Her favorite Sunday meals were fries and gravy, onion rings, and sometimes she was spoiled and got a McDonalds kids meal, or good fries and gravy from somewhere other than the Riverview cafeteria.   Our favorite activities with her were on these visits were playing Yahtzee, cards, taking her outside for fresh air, oh and of course many pictures and selfies.  Her sense of humour, jokes, and ability to flirt with every doctor, nurse or health care aide that she came across was priceless the huge smile that she flashed them had everyone blushing, she even flirted with her daughter's and granddaughters’ boyfriends, us Minchin girls learned from the best.  The silly nicknames she had for many of us will be remembered and missed forever, her laughter and love will live on through her children, and grandchildren and we will do everything to continue to make her proud.

​

A celebration of Lucille's life will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 30, 2017 in the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg, 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road.

 

Mom…

Could You Come Back And Stay Awhile

I Want To Hear Your Voice And See You Smile

I Want To Hold You Tight And Never Let Go

And Tell You How Much I Love You So.