Louise Chamberlain
Peacefully on Sunday, Jan 3, 2021, at the Victoria Hospital, Louise Chamberlain, our beloved mother, Nan and Great Nan, passed away at the age of 93.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her children; Linda (Dwight), Brenda (Dale), Susan (David), and her grandchildren Jennifer (Rodney), Bradley, Marlo (Ryan), Kelly, Jodi, Carly and Evan, and her great grandchildren Isley, Everett, Ella, Ezra,and Emmet, who always made her smile, laugh and were her pride and joy. She also leaves her brother-in-law Trevor DeStiger, sister-in-law Mabel Gawne and many nieces and nephews who will remember her fondly.
Mom was born on July 18th, 1927 to Percy and Elizabeth Pearson, and grew up in Selkirk and the surrounding area. She was the fifth oldest of 7 children, all who have preceded her. Mom completed her grade 11 in Selkirk, and then went to live with her aunts in Stonewall to complete her grade 12 education. Her goal was to become a nurse, so in order to earn enough money to complete her nurses training, she took a 6 week summer course and then taught school for a year in Melita, Manitoba. In 1946 she was able to enrol in the nursing program at the Winnipeg General Hospital and graduated in 1949.
In 1949, she also met the love of her life, Arthur Chamberlain and on August 11th, 1951, they were married at Old St. Andrew's Church. Together, they bought an old farm house in St. Andrew's and worked hard to restore the house and make it their family home. There, they raised their family and created 50 years of happy memories.
Mom worked in a variety of settings throughout her nursing career. She began working for a doctor at the Winnipeg Clinic, moved on to work at Cancer Care, and later in the neonatal nursery at the Women’s Pavillion. Later she worked at the Selkirk General Hospital and her final nursing position was at the Manitoba Rolling Mills in Selkirk, where she retired in 1987. One of her greatest community services was being ‘the nurse next door’. She was always willing to care for extended family and anyone in the community, whenever the need arose. Her door was always open to anyone with needs both great and small.
Mom and Dad continued to enjoy time at the farm house until 2001. At that time, they decided to downsize and sold the farm. They moved into Kiwanis Gardens in Selkirk. There, Mom and Dad enjoyed 18 years and developed many friendships along the way. Dad passed away in 2014 and mom remained there until 2018. Mom then moved to River Ridge 2 in Winnipeg. She thoroughly enjoyed her time there. She met many new friends and enjoyed all the activities they had to offer. No matter where mom resided, her light shone through. People gravitated to her for advice, a listening ear and her caring, understanding ways. She was always able to see the best in people, and made everyone feel special. From family to friends, to neighbours and at times to complete strangers, she was always there.
Mom was an accomplished knitter, an avid reader, sang in the choir, loved to go walking, and loved baking, and spending time with her grandkids. She was able to continue her walking routine right up until Christmas!
Many memorable moments were created on our family holidays at West Hawk Lake, visits to California, and house boating on the Shuswap Lake. In their retirement, Mom and Dad spent many wonderful years traveling to the East Coast of Canada, Europe, Hawaii, California and trips to BC visiting their children and grandchildren. They were also part of the Good Sam Trailer Club where they travelled throughout Canada and the United States with friends and family.
Our Mom has left us a wonderful legacy. Her mantra in life was “whatever will be will be” and she truly lived by that belief. She loved to laugh, always lived life to the fullest, and had a strong sense of family. She was the most kind, caring, and compassionate person you could ever meet. She had an amazing, unwavering love for us all. She will be missed by many. For those of you who knew mom, you will know how much she loved ice cream. So in her honor, please think of her and enjoy an ice cream in her memory.
In keeping with her wishes cremation has taken place and a service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
The heart remembers little things,
That find no words and yet,
They’re those warm forever memories
Far too precious to forget.
To view her video tribute, click the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTsOBMLNhD0&feature=youtu.be
Condolences may be left on her tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com.
Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk are in care of arrangements.
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