Winnie Best

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of our Mom, Winnie Marguerite Best, at the age of 85 years, on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at Portage General Hospital.

Winnie will be lovingly remembered by her children Bruce (Shirley) Best of Thompson MB, Joan (Richard) Willett of Portage la Prairie MB, Bryde Meehan of Portage la Prairie MB, Florence (Wallace) Colbourne of Thompson MB, Raymond Best of Portage la Prairie MB, Pauline (Darryl) Love of Brandon MB and Debbie Best of Thompson MB,

21 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Also left to mourn Winnie’s passing are siblings Shinstone (Jackie) Ellsworth of Oshawa, ON, Oral (Hilda) Ellsworth of ON, Marie (Ross) Hewlett of Springdale NL, Vivian Callahan of Mount Pearle NL and Vera Ellsworth of Mount Pearle NL as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends Shyla, Jose, Adrienne and Anita.

Winnie was predeceased by her beloved husband James Best, parents James & Alfreda Ellsworth, stepmother Mary, daughter Judy Best, brother Frances and sisters Olive and Sharon.

Winnie was born, raised and graduated high school in Englee, NL.  After finishing school she went to work in a boarding house in Roddickton where she met the love of her life, James Best.  They married in March of 1953 and shortly there after started a family.  After the 6th child was born they moved to Deer Lake NL and had two additional children.  They lived in Deer Lake until 1971 then work moved them to Goose Bay, Labrador and subsequently to Thompson Manitoba.

In addition to raising a large family she worked at jobs outside the home.  Such as, Janitor at the Light and Power Company, cook at many different establishments, Security Guard at INCO and a greeter at Walmart where she eventually retired at age 65.

Through the child rearing years she was a generous, loving mother who ensured we attended church 2-times during the week and 3-times on Sunday.  She loved her gospel music.  Her favourite hobbies included knitting, crocheting, gardening and canning fruits and veggies from her garden.  She had an awesome sense of humour and loved with her whole heart.

At the age of 82, when her health began to falter, in February 2016, Winnie moved into the Lion’s Prairie Manor and in July 2019 she transferred to Douglas Campbell Lodge until her passing on November 14, 2019.  She met and fell in love with so many great people at both facilities.  She very quickly became attached to two Health Care Aides Jose and Shyla.  God bless all who treated Winnie so well.

Visitation and viewing will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 7:00 pm. There will be a gathering to celebrate Winnie’s life on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 1:00 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Tom Boxall officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

Donations may be made in Winnie’s memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 1379 Kenaston Boulevard Winnipeg, MB R3P 2T5.

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