Obituaries

ALEXANDRIA LEE BRUCE

 December 25, 1922 – October 31, 2019

Lee was born to John and Mary Mackenzie in Stornoway, Scotland.  She and her family immigrated to Winnipeg within the next year. Lee and her family grew up in the West End of Winnipeg.  She began her career as a stage singer at the age of 4. She sang all over Manitoba.  Lee was a big band singer who sang on the radio as well as at various events and parties. Singing was her first passion.  This was a gift that she treasured her entire life.  In the late 1950’s, Lee began working for the Hudson Bay Company and she worked in the dress and sportswear department until she retired in 1980.  A highlight of her career was participating in the Bay Christmas Choir during the holiday season.  Lee became one of their featured singers.

Following the war, Lee met Andrew and they married on May 24, 1948.  They led a very happy life, side by side, for the next 54 years until Andrew’s passing in April 2002.  Together they raised Donald and Craig on Hector Street in Fort Rouge.  In the spring of 1957, they acquired a lot on Lee River, Lac Du Bonnet.  Here they built a cottage that for the past 55 years, themselves and generations of family have enjoyed all the comforts and pleasure that a family cabin resort has to offer.  Together Andy and Lee welcomed, fed and entertained family, neighbours and friends alike.  Their generosity and kindness had no limits.  They both loved Lee River so much they retired to the cabin in 1980 and lived there full time until 1997.  Their tradition at Lee River continues and is alive and well to this day.

Lee found much joy and passion in giving to others.  In particular, she loved Christmas and gift giving in general.  Lee would ensure that no one went without a beautifully wrapped, thoughtful present.  Days before Christmas one room would be stacked floor to ceiling with wrapped presents for everyone.  She was also this way with cooking – always wanting to feed everyone.  She loved the challenge of cooking but most importantly how it brought family, friends and even strangers together.  This is the essence of who Lee was, how she lived her life and the example that she left for her children and grandchildren to follow.

Lee was predeceased by her loving husband, Andrew Bruce. She had two sisters and one brother, Katy Bell, Catherine and Norman who was a WWII War hero.  She is survived by her two sons Donald (Pat) and Craig (Bob); grandchildren Marcie (Kent), Ryan (Tannis) and Dean (Krista) as well as her great-grandchildren Rebecca (Jordan), Riley, Zachary, Tyson, Aiden, Adelia and Ila. She will also be missed dearly by her niece Carol (Alex) Ord, daughter of Katy Bell.

In compliance with Lee’s wishes no funeral service will be held.

Our family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Oakview Place Extended Care for their kindness and care of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, affectionately known as G.G.

Condolences may be sent to www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com