Mary Howard

Mary Rozena, Aberdeen, Howard

(nee Carmichael)

With her family at her side, Mary Howard passed away on Monday, August 25, 2014 at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 73 years.

Predeceased by her companion Russ Hosler; parents Joe and Edith Carmichael; brother Ted Carmichael and brother-in-law John Doyle.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Joel (Debbie) Aberdeen of Portage la Prairie, Irene (Roy) Patterson of Oakville; grandchildren Gavin (Allie) and Jena Patterson, Jesse and Kelsey Aberdeen and Chris Vezey; siblings Bob (Karan) Carmichael of Beausejour, Rosemarie Doyle of Portage la Prairie; sister-in-law Donna Carmichael of Portage la Prairie and many nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by special friends Elsie, Katherine, Jeannie, Bertha, Mitchell, Bruce and Carole.

Granny was born on November 12, 1940 in Portage la Prairie.  She grew up helping on the family farm and received her education in the North Ridge District.  She met Murray Aberdeen while working at the Mayfair Hotel, they married in 1958 and had two children; Joel and Irene.  During that time they ran the Mayfair Motel and Granny drove school bus.  In 1979 she married Ernie Howard and moved back to the North Ridge District where she resided for the remainder of her life.  She shared many years with Russ Hosler until his death in 1999.  Through her life she also worked at Berkley’s, Campbell Soup and Versa at Southport until her retirement in 2004.  Granny enjoyed gardening and all her flowers which she cared for lovingly.  She also liked to crochet and do ceramics which she shared with many fortunate family and friends.  Her greatest passion in life was her children and grandchildren.  She loved to share all the holidays and special occasions with them and the rest of the family, as well as many friends.  There was often “standing room only” in her house when she hosted these events.  In the summer she could often be found sitting on her deck or around a bonfire with family and friends sharing a beer and lots of storytelling and laughs.

A Graveside Memorial Service will take place on Friday, August 29, 2014 at Maple Grove Cemetery at 5:00 pm.  Friends and family may meet at the cemetery or at Granny’s home at 4:30 to proceed to the cemetery.  A gathering will follow the service back at Granny’s home; please BYOB and lawn chairs.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Sask. Ave. E, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N OK8.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com