Obituaries

MYRNA FLORENCE RHODES
(nee ZANDER)
  Peacefully, after a lengthy battle with cancer, Myrna, surrounded by her family, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2016 in Grace Hospice at the age of 71 years.   Myrna will always be remembered as the beloved wife of Brett for 48 years of marriage; dear mother of Jon, Murray, Gary, Krista Stoll (Jurgen), Joel (Lisa) and Ben (Kim); as well as adored grandmother of Trista, Cody, Kara, Grace and Jordan. Myrna is also survived by her brother Gary Zander (Kamloops, BC); and sisters Linda Middleton (Kelowna, BC) and Sheryl Zander (Kelowna, BC). She was predeceased by her parents Gus and Edna Zander.   On May 30, 1945 Myrna was born in Wynyard, Saskatchewan. She was raised in the Northwest Ontario towns of Geraldton and Manitouwadge. Myrna and Brett were married in 1968 and together raised their six children in Northwest Ontario towns before moving to Winnipeg in 1995. With each move she added more strong friendships that have lasted through the years. She knew the importance of laughter and gave her family continuous strength by her attitude. Myrna also built a bond with her grandchildren that could not be broken. She freely gave them limitless amounts of her time and energy. To her, they have always been a true joy.   The other joy in her life was worshipping and serving her God Jehovah. Through all the years she never wavered in this dedication and the rewarding times at theocratic meetings and out in service, the friendships made and the knowledge gained was her treasure.   Myrna’s love for her Creator motivated her to spend several years in full time service, helping many others acquire accurate knowledge of God and his purpose for mankind. She found great comfort in God’s promise to resurrect those who have fallen asleep in death to a paradise earth, free of pain, suffering and death. John 5:28,29; Rev 21:3,4   Even in the final days of her struggle with cancer while at the Grace Hospice, Myrna was distributing Bible study aids to friends and family. She knew it was the best gift she could ever give. Her confidence and dignity have set a fine example that we are proud to remember and imitate.   Myrna’s Funeral Service will be held on Friday October 28 at 2:00 p.m. in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 325 Wallasey Street, Winnipeg.   We are very grateful to the staff at Riverview Health Centre and the Grace Hospice for first class care they provided to Myrna through the trying times. Also to the Crestview Congregation for their loving attention with special thanks to Helen and Ken Grenkow who provided limitless support and friendship.   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0V9 or the Grace Hospital Foundation, 300 Booth Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 3M7.   Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com