Obituaries

IRIS PATRICIA MARKHAM
   It is with great sadness that our family announces the peaceful passing of our dearly beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Iris Markham (nee Wood), at River East Personal Care Home, on Friday, October 28 ,2016 in her 88th year.   Left to mourn and cherish Iris’ memories are her sons, Gordon (Della), Garry, David (Janette) and Dean (Cindy); daughter Karen (Derek); ten grandchildren, Samantha, Kailey, Ted, Nicole, Lev (Ashleigh), Kyle (Rocheen), Scott (Melisa), Sarah (Kelly), Alyssa and Nikki; four great-grandchildren, Logan, Aiden, Emily and Liam; one baby girl due in December; and many nieces and nephews. Iris will be especially missed by her twin sister Ivis; sister-in-law Gladys, and brothers-in-law Jack and Howard. She was predeceased by her husband Pat (2003); four sisters; one brother, and several brothers and sisters-in-law.   Born and raised on the farm in Orkney, Saskatchewan, Mom and her sister Ivis were the youngest of seven children. Mom trained to become a registered nurse, graduating in 1950 from the Yorkton Hospital Training School. She married Pat Markham in 1951 and settled in Yorkton, Saskatchewan where they began raising their children. With five small children, Mom devoted her life to raising and caring for her family. Our family moved to Dauphin, Manitoba and then later in life, Mom and Dad moved to Winnipeg to be closer to all their grown children. Along with Dad, she was active in the United Church, square and round dance, bridge groups, golf and any other activity that she could share with Dad. She was an avid hockey, football, (“go Roughriders”) and baseball fan, but was most fulfilled when she was caring for her family, watching us and her grandchildren at various activities, cooking meals, sewing and gardening. When Dad passed suddenly, it was a difficult time for Mom and she did struggle to live on her own. Dementia robbed her of her memories the last few years but she continued to value family time.   A celebration of Mom’s life will be held on Friday, November 4, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in North Kildonan United Church, 174 Pentland Street, Winnipeg, with Rev. Marc Whitehead, presider. A private Interment will be held in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens.   Our family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Irene Eden Baron Centre and River East Personal Care Home for the care they provided to Mom over the last several years.   In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzhiemer Society of Manitoba, 10 – 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4G2, or to a charity of your choice.   Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Winnipeg, 1020 Main Street, 204.586.8668 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com