Viola Philpott

Audrey Viola Philpott (nee Cline)

Centenarian 1922-2022

  It is with great sadness that the Philpott Family announces the passing of Viola on March 13, 2022. Viola had a spirit to live. She was so happy on her 100th birthday. Her most precious loves were her family and children. Viola’s pleasant smile and laugh will always be remembered.

  She was predeceased by her husband, George; sons-in-law, Bob and Cecil; daughter-in-law Bunny; and her grandchild, Kerri; sister Lavina (Gordon); sisters-in-law Hannah (Phil); Ellen (Blake); Lil (George). Left to mourn are her son, Fred (Barb); and her daughters, Marlene and Karen; grandchildren, Morene, Kimberly (Sean), Kammy (Kelsey), Korey (Tiana), Keith (Tamsyn); great-grandchildren, Maya, Kallan, Dynika and Raihanne (Damien); and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Viola grew up in the Belmont Community to her parents, Clifford and Gladys Cline. Due to her love of children she moved to Eriksdale to permit teach and continued to teach for ten years at Hartley School, Cloverdale, Clandeboye and Selkirk. She was also the first woman to be secretary-treasurer at Hartley School in the 1960’s.

  Her husband, George, lit the fire at Hartley School and Mom’s heart. They were married on August 21, 1943. She helped George on the farm by driving the tractor and three ton truck, hauling grain, milking cows, and feeding the pigs, chickens, turkeys, geese and cows. She gardened a huge plot of land, canned, cooked and picked berries especially raspberries.

  When the children left the farm, Viola was on various committees in the community such as the MSOS-Petersfield Senior Club and Interlake Regional, and Petersfield Curling Club. She travelled attending World and Canadian Curling Events. Viola was a honourary life member of the Manitoba Curling Association having curled and volunteered for so many years. She won a zone championship, too. Viola knitted for the Cheer Board for most of her life, and loved playing cards winning many cribbage and whist tournaments throughout the Interlake. She loved mathematics and would be able to calculate the answers in her head. The health care aides were in awe! She also loved playing Skip-Bo with the nurses, health care aides and her children until her last days.

From 2001-2015 Viola lived in Selkirk at the Kiwanis on the Red. She volunteered in school reading programs at Ecole James Nisbet and at Ruth Hooker while in her 80’s (years old). She was a member of the Kiwanis and Gordon Howard in Selkirk organizing and participating in activities from 79-93 years of age. She moved to Riverwood Square and Concordia Place in Winnipeg until the end of her life.

  Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma-When we see gladiolus, knitting needles and cinnamon buns we will think of you. You were a precious gift! All our love! We will miss you dearly!

  Cremation has taken place. Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at the Gilbart Funeral Chapel in Selkirk, Manitoba at 1:00 p.m. The service will be livestreamed via the following link https://youtu.be/0ERo88m1NNc

  Donations may be sent to The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 4G2 or a charity of your choosing.

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