Obituaries

Winnifred Joyce (Henderson) Brooks

It is with deep sadness that we regret to announce the unexpected passing of Joyce Brooks on August 17, 2021, at St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 86. A true Scottish lass that spent the early part of her life in St. James and her retirement years in Charleswood after returning from a 30-year layover in Montreal.

She is survived by her beloved husband Murray T. Brooks of 63 years. She also leaves behind to mourn her son Kevin (Theresa) from Yellowknife, NT; Son-in-law Alan (Susan) from Beausejour, MB; Grandchildren Julianna, Danny, Katrina (Grant), Iain, and Paulina, as well as step-grandchildren Jon and Nicholas; Brothers Garry (Jeanette), Danny (Lynne); Sister Florance Anderson; Sister-in-law Lorna Bilokury; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends

Joyce was predeceased by her daughter Corri; parents George and Winnie Henderson; brothers George (Lina), Don (Bert) and David as well as Brother-in-laws, Wayne Anderson, Omar Bilokury and Carl (Doreen) Brooks.

My parents met in St. James and were married by May 30, 1958. Although their hearts would always remain in Winnipeg, they soon found themselves adjusting to a new life in Montreal. This city was to bring them great joy with the arrival of Corri (1962) and Kevin (1963). Mom got involved with Brownies, Guides and became the treasurer of local swimming pool where our family spent most of our summer when not in Winnipeg. Mom would continue with all sorts of sporting and non-profit groups volunteering. Most recently she was involved with the family council where she was an active member at Deer Lodge Centre and later when she was asked to serve on the Advisor Council for Long Term Care for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

Mom loved her rose and flower gardens, but she had a love/hate relationship with the deer’s that would often eat her geraniums buds. She was an avid knitter and boy could she knit. She knit countless scarves for the many staff that cared for Dad at Deer Lodge Centre.

A very special thanks to Uncle Dan and Aunt Lynne who were with Mom at the time of her passing. I can never thank you enough for everything you do and continue to do for our family. Also, I want to thank Deer Lodge Centre on behalf of my mother for the ongoing care they continue to provide for my father Her soul will rest easy knowing that he’s in such capable hands until they meet again.

A celebration of Joyce’s life will take place at 2 pm August 28, 2021, at the Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue Winnipeg Manitoba followed by internment by mom’s immediate family members. A reception will follow the Celebration of Life and immediate family will join the reception once the internment is complete. Please ensure that you bring stories and interactions you had with Mom as they will provide us with the strength to carry on. We will laugh, we will cry but most of all we will remember.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Deer Lodge Centre or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions and contact tracing an RSVP is kindly requested. Should you wish to attend Joyce’s Celebration of Life, please RSVP your seat to Chapel Lawn Funeral Home between 9:00 am – 4:00 pm by calling 204-885-9715.