Viola "Vi" Painter

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Mom, Viola Painter, at the age of 93, beloved wife of the late Harold Painter, with family by her side on Sunday, November 8th, 2020 at the Saint Claude Health Centre.

Viola was predeceased by her parents Lawrence and Nellie Ferris as well as her sister Ruth and brother Vernon. Left to cherish her memory is Viola’s sister Mabel McConochie of Mission, BC and brother-in-law Glen Painter of Surrey, BC. Her six(6) children, their spouses, grandchildren (17), and great grandchildren (19). Randy (Janet) grandchildren John (Tara) great grandchildren Graham, Nash, and Summer. Janelle (Kyle) great grandchild Brooks. Grandsons Jordy, and Randy’s son Ryan. Danny (Helen) grandchildren Carlie (Chad) and Shannon (Jordan) great grandchildren Jackson, Charlotte, and Ella. Jerry (Patti) grandchildren Lisa (Danny) great grandchildren Seth and Zach, Shea (Zach) great grandchild Jasper, Maggie(Tyson) great grandchild Grady. Murray (Cathy) grandchildren Joel (Lindy) great grandchildren Nolan and Oliver, Sarah (Matt), Kristy (Kaiden). Shirley (Faron) grandchildren Bryant (Paige) great grandchildren Hudson, Noxin, and Lennon. Brynn (Luke) great grandchildren Jaxx, Ari, and Lane. Kelly (Shannon) grandchildren Rhett, Julia, and Liam.

Viola was born November 3rd, 1927 and was raised on the family farm near MacDonald, Manitoba. Prior to marrying Harold in 1952 and starting a family Viola attended the United Teachers College in Winnipeg where she earned a temporary teaching permit. She went on the teach at Rossendale before returning to Portage where she worked at the Portage Mutual Insurance Company as well as the Manitoba Developmental School as a switchboard operator.

Viola dedicated herself to raising her family however also found time to volunteer at McKenzie United Church, the Canadian Red Cross, and the West End Community Club. Her real passion for volunteering came through with St. John’s Ambulance. She spent hundreds of hours attending community events including the Portage Fair and taught countless First Aid Courses. Her efforts did not go unnoticed as she received one of the highest medals presented by St. John Ambulance.

Mom was very proud of her family; throughout the years she was always there for her children and was truly the matriarch of the family. She loved her children unconditionally and passed that love and affection down to her grandchildren. She placed family above all else; a lesson for which we are all grateful. She was strong, independent, and resilient; a fact born out of her steadfast will to remain in the family home up until the last few months of her life. She had a zest for life and through all of her health issues including a broken hip this past summer, she found reason to smile and laugh.

Mom never lost touch with her farm roots and upbringing. She treasured her antique furniture, pictures and memories of her childhood on the farm. She learned to play the piano by ear and played her piano and organ right up until the last few months of her life. Mom always enjoyed trips to Tims for coffee and a drive around town or out to the farm. Spring drives were her favourite to see the crocuses in the ditch. She also had a special place in her heart for Rossburn, Manitoba, her mother’s home, and a place where her and Dad love spending time together.

Mom enjoyed the simple things in life; family and friends, good food and her family home. She was very witty, enjoyed good humour and loved to share a good joke. Mom loved garage sales as evidenced by the stack of goods in her home. She loved listening to old time music on CFRY and watching the neighbourhood cats battle it out for the right to sit on the front porch chair. She loved the sights and sounds of the ducks and geese on the lake. She would often say that life was too busy now and people need to slow down...maybe she was right?

Mom was an avid sports fan and loyal Terrier supporter. She listened to most games on the radio and took every opportunity to attend a game in person when able. Mom truly loved Portage and sunny Manitoba...she never wanted to be anywhere else.

Our family is truly grateful for the wonderful compassionate care Mom received from so many over the years including all of her Home Care staff and aides some of whom became good friends of Mom. The doctors and nurses at Portage General Hospital with a special thank you to Dr. Beaupre who connected so well with Mom and formed a special bond with her. And finally, to the staff at the Saint Claude Health Centre where Mom spent the last three weeks of her life...thank you so much.

Special thanks to Moms neighbours Trevor and Mike for keeping a watchful eye on Mom and her property all of these years.

Rest In Peace Mom...you are home again!

Due to Covid-19 regulations, a private family service will be held with interment at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

If friends so wish, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

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