Noreen Evelyn Cairns

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our much loved and cherished mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend. She will be eternally missed by her family, daughter Pat (Earl Ray); grandson Trevor (Janine); great grandsons Noah and Finn; grandson Curtis (Wendy) and grandson Jason, son Bruce (Sandy) granddaughter Amanda (Kris) as well as many nieces and nephews and extended family members.

Mom was predeceased by her husband Cecil in 2001, a brother Morley Horton and a sister Rheta Ross and several brother and sister-in-laws.

Born and raised in Carberry, after completing Grade 12, Mom came to Winnipeg to study at a business college, meeting Cecil while boarding with the Cairns family. Dad was employed with the CNR and together they embarked on their life’s journey, living in eight different towns in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Mom and Dad always provided a loving home for Pat and Bruce and developed new friendships wherever they resided. Mom’s last home was at Dakota House and we thank the staff and the many friends she met during those nine years for contributing to her happiness there. We also thank her Home Care attendants Chandra, Eden and Anne.

Mom was beautiful inside and out with a sweet demeanor that endeared her to everyone. Although quiet, she loved to have fun and possessed a great sense of humour. She participated in a fun photography session in her 98th year, having her picture taken and saying “that’s for my obit”. She also had amazing emotional strength and was our ‘rock’. Her greatest joy in life was her family, marveling that she was a great grandmother, and loved each family member unconditionally.

Mom had many interests over the years, ceramics, needlepoint, knitting, curling and bowling. At 99 years, she was blessed with retaining her sharp mind and loved to play bridge and watch sports on TV, her favorites being curling, tennis and hockey. She especially enjoyed following her grandchildren’s and great grandsons’ activities.

Special mention and thanks to her longtime friend Betty. Together, they had great times, Mom the driver and Betty the navigator.

Rev. Dr. Sharon Wilson held a special place in Mom’s heart and to the end her eyes became as big as saucers and lit up when Sharon visited. Thank you for always making Mom laugh! She would always say “She’s such a character!”

Also, thank you to the staff of 5S at Victoria Hospital for providing Mom with comforting care.

A Celebration of Mom’s life will be held Monday, January 25, 2016 at 10:00am at Green Acres Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to a Charity of one’s choice.