Frances Gertrude Whetter

Mom had a long and fruitful life beginning on the Dobbyn farm near Melita, MB. She was the fourth oldest of nine children of Joe and Nellie Dobbyn. This family life made for hours of storytelling and pleasant reminiscing. After attending Normal School, Mom, never one to be daunted by a challenge, taught Grades 1-8 in several One Room Schools in southwest Manitoba. Socializing during the 1930s, often occurred at Young Peoples gatherings. It was at such a gathering that Mom eyed a handsome young farmer from Dand, MB by the name of Bill Whetter. They were married in July 1943 and shared 66 years together.

Dad sensed a call to ministry in the United Church of Canada, so 10 years later they left the farm and headed to Winnipeg with three little girls - Helen, Frances, Jane. Mom dusted off her teaching certificate and helped support Dad and our family during his study years. Their “team ministry” took them to many rural congregations in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and NW Ontario. Life long friendships were built and cherished in every community along the way. Mom and Dad retired to Winnipeg in the late ‘70s. Trinity United Church became the church family that nurtured their faith and surrounded them with an amazing group of fun loving dear friends. Bible Study, Care Home ministry, volunteering at the Victoria Hospital and being a member of the Manitoba WI were a few of her enjoyable activities.

Mom’s creative imagination and a passion for reading and learning kept us all alert and up to date concerning current events. Her life lessons were taught by example - love your neighbor as yourself, pray about all things, hospitality with tea are a great pair, voting is a privilege Nellie McClung worked hard for. Mom would credit her longevity with her faith in God, love of family and friendship. Her final years have been spent as a resident of Riverview PCH. This has added a whole new sense of community to our family. We visited and partied often. Thank you to the fellow residents, volunteers and Health Team who always showed interest in Mom and tended to her needs. Special thanks to the staff of CD1 who loved and cared for Mom with great compassion and respect.

She has been preceded by our Dad (2009) and sister Fran(1996).

Left to cherish her memories are her family: Helen (Les McCann), Bruce Ormiston (Marlene Wong), and Jane (Stuart Manness); Grandchildren: Tom Ormiston (Kristen), Jill Faber (Jon), Karen Edwards (Tyler), Angie Cormier (Darren), Peter Manness (Kristina), Betsy Thomas (Burke) and David Manness (Meghan); Greatgrandchildren: Tyler (Jess), Luc, Mary Jane, William, Madison, Payton, Brynn, Harper, Sam, Charlie, Jonah, Annika, Declan, Harrison, Emma and Phoebe. She is also survived by sister-in-law Dorothy Dobbyn (Melita) and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Mom’s life will take place on Thursday, May 18 at 1:30 pm at Trinity United Church, 933 Summerside Avenue in Fort Garry.

Donations may be made in honour of Mom to the United Church M&S Fund, Trinity United Church, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4Y1.