Maisie Monica Harder

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Maisie Monica Harder (nee Smith), with her family by her side, at the Health Sciences Centre on January 24, 2013. Monica was born on June 17, 1932 in Jamaica, the first daughter of Maisie and Octavius Smith.

Monica will be lovingly remembered by her sister Marjorie (Laff), in Kentucky, and brothers, Ralston (Leonora), Errol (Lovette) in Jamaica, Warren in Winnipeg; along with step-sons, cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-daughters, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and great nephew in Canada, the USA, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. She was predeceased by one brother, her father (1970), her husband John (1975), and her mother (1984).

Monica was born and lived at 38 William Street, Spanish Town, Jamaica with her parents, siblings and several members of her extended family. She attended Teacher Jackson’s School then Cathedral High School (later named St. Jago High School), before going to England to study education where she completed the three-year Montessori Programme. She continued her studies in Canada at the University of Winnipeg.

Monica taught in various schools in England, then returned to Jamaica in 1958 to be the Headmistress of the Cathedral Preparatory School for seven years. Monica then went to Nairobi, Kenya in 1965 where she taught at Nairobi Primary School. In 1966 Monica came to Canada where she taught in Northern Alberta then moved to Winnipeg where she joined the staff of Winnipeg School Division # 1. She taught in the Special Education Branch in 1967, then in 1968 started the first Montessori Room in a Manitoba Public School at Fort Rouge. Monica was an active member of the Manitoba Montessori Association from 1967 - 1970 and continued teaching in Winnipeg until her retirement in 1992.

Monica was a member of the Maple Leaf Toast Mistress’s Club 1968-1971 and held the position of Treasurer, Vice President, and President. She was also an active member of the Retired Teacher’s Association and the University Women’s Club of Winnipeg until the time of her death. In 2008 Monica was commissioned by the University Women’s Club to write a poem commemorating their Centennial Anniversary. A copy of the poem now hangs in the Reception Hall of 54 West Gate, Winnipeg.

The Funeral Service for Maisie Monica Harder will take place on Saturday the 16th of February 2013 at 11.00 am, at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Nassau St N, with interment in the St. John’s Cathedral Cemetery.

The family express sincere thanks and appreciation for the love and support given by her many friends. Our profound gratitude to The Rev. Paul Lampman and Fr. Henry Faulkner for their prayers and spiritual guidance.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John Norman Harder Memorial Fund, Diocese of Rupertsland or the University Women‘s Club, Winnipeg.

Monica often said, “…in the words of Mother Theresa, ‘I am but a pencil in God’s hands”. Adieu Monica, may you eternally rest in peace.

THOMSON FUNERAL HOME

669 BROADWAY, WINNIPEG, MB R3C OX4

783-7211

Condolences may be sent to www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com