Ardelia Elaine Burrow

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our much loved mother and grandmother on the morning of October 7th.

Ardelia was born September 17th, 1934, in Winnipeg and spent most of her life in the River Heights area of the city. Attending school at Queenston, Robert H Smith and then Kelvin High, she was involved in many activities, like the drill team and Job’s Daughters, which provided her with life long friends. Ardelia's working career started in the Bay’s shoe department but when she graduated she felt most fortunate to find office work with an insurance company and began a longstanding respect and friendship with the Millet family who she remained always grateful for.

Ardelia met her lifelong love Bruce, when picking up her mother from work one evening. They began their life together when they married in 1967. Their first son arrived, and then a daughter and another son quickly followed. Ardelia continued to work even while raising 3 busy children. Working from home on the typewriter after the children went to school or bed. She was a member of numerous committees, worked at church offices and during elections. She also enjoyed family holidays, baking fresh bread, knitting, sewing and keeping in touch with neighbours and family.

When the children were no longer at home she and Bruce moved to apartment living and set out on adventures in their fifth wheel, until their grandchildren arrived. Ardelia continued to keep busy volunteering faithfully for Meals on Wheels as well as the Children’s Hospital Book Market. She was always active in church and community activities, committees, movie nights, bingo, bocce and beanbag toss tournaments. Always willing to jump in and help where she saw a need but spending time and caring for her grandchildren was top priority, with countless sleep overs. She was so proud of them all and supported and cheered them on in all of their activities from music recitals, sports, dance and school events. Her door was always open and she loved having people stop by for a visit.

Ardelia was predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years, Bruce, her parents Robert and Mary Clark, in-laws George and Dolly Burrow, brothers-in-law, Jerry Talman, George Plews, Bob and Stan Burrow and nephew, Bruce.

She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her children Colin, Derek and Jennifer and son-in-law Rod Warren; her grandchildren Jordan (Kristina), Breanna, Shaylene and Kyle; great-grandchildren Zayden and Maliyah; sister Dorothy Talman and sisters-in-law Dolena Plews and Gail Burrow, along with her many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mom’s amazing strength was the social connections she made with everyone she met. She consistently showed her gratitude and made others feel welcome and accepted as she usually knew someone they knew and so, considered them friends. Mom would make a point of letting people know she appreciated them, saying “too many people only call to complain, it is important to call to say something positive.”

We are most grateful for the amazing care and support of the staff at The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg as well the 4th floor staff at the Victoria General Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew’s River Heights United Church on October 17th at 2 pm.

Donations may be made to a charity of choice in Ardelia’s memory.