Our beloved mother passed away on January 2, 2020 in the Victoria General Hospital after being diagnosed with cancer just two months earlier. Our family was fortunate to have celebrated Mom’s 90th birthday with a beautiful dinner and evening at the Canoe Club just three weeks before her being hospitalized.

 

Vivian was predeceased by husbands James McLeish and Daniel Free.  She is the loving and devoted mother of Penny Gibson (Roy), Ronald McLeish (Gina) and Jackelyn Caine (Doug). Much loved Grandmother of Amanda Dotoli (Martino), Travis, Conor and Cody Gibson, Ben, Matt, Johnny and Katherine Caine and Lori and Jenna (McLeish) as well as 7 great grandchildren, Jackson, Spencer and Luca Dotoli, Brady Gibson, Taylor and Jacob Berube and Camilla McLeish.

 

Our Mom was the strongest woman we’ve ever met.  Her life was a roller coaster taking her through many struggles and tragedies but also great joy and happiness.

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Vivian married James (Jim) McLeish in Brandon. Their 1st born, Wendy died at 6 months.  Then in 1951 their 2nd child, Penny was born.  Just 2 short years later, Jim was struck with polio during the epidemic and was air lifted to Winnipeg.  Now, Winnipeg would be their home.  Mum was pregnant with Ron at the time and he was born a few months later.  In 1965 Vivian married Daniel Free and Jackie was born in 1966.

 

Vivian was Manager of the Eaton’s Grill Room for many years and after retirement continued to get together with the Eaton’s group for monthly lunches.

 

Vivian and Dan spent many happy years wintering in Mesa, Arizona.  Summers were spent at their cottage at Winnipeg Beach.  These were very happy years with family and friends. 

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In 2014 the Canoe Club became mom’s home.  She loved living at the Canoe Club and the many friends she made there.

 

Mum loved chocolate, entertaining, fashion, jewellery, traveling, re-arranging furniture, garage sales (especially being cashier Lol), bingo, her friends, ice cream, word search, the cottage, the Canoe Club, social gatherings, curling, her family and pink popcorn.

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The family thanks Bill Bawden, a devoted friend who was always there for mom and the many friends who visited mom and sent their well wishes.

 

Friends and relatives are encouraged to share in a memories, stories, and condolences for the family by using the comment section on this page.

 

In accordance with Mom’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held.

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“The world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you, shall never pass away.”