LAVINA PATRICIA ALLAN

With aching hearts, the family deeply mourns the passing of our beloved mom, grandma, great gramma, sister, aunt, cousin and dear friend Lavina affectionately known as Lovey. At 93 years young, Lavina passed with dignity, a smile and forever a youthful loving and caring presence. All who knew her, were deeply saddened by her passing but find solace in knowing that her fight and suffering are no longer.

The family would like to thank the Grace Hospital 3rd floor nurses, health care aids, doctors and Sam (her advocate physician’s assistant) who all cared for her but were often schooled by Lavina. The family cannot thank enough for the caring and compassionate companionship that the staff of Comforts of Home Care provided 24/7 over the last several months. A special thank you to Simer who was Mom’s favorite and was by her side when she passed.

Lavina is pre-departed by her parents, Gudmundur Kristjan Breckman and Clara (née Skagfeld) Breckman; her younger sister Margaret Sanderson; sister-in-law Ruth Breckman; brother Verne and sister-in-law Dorreen Breckman; and her loving husband Charlie Allan. Charlie passed 40 years earlier in 1984 and to her last day he remained her one true love.

Remaining to tell of her legend are her children, Gail (John) Cindy, Scott (Brianne); her brothers, Kris and Cameron (Jeri); her grandchildren, Jeff (Jill) and Kerry; great grandchild Logan; her bestie Betty McCormick; many more caring and loving nieces and nephews, their families, and numerous friends.

Lavina was born in 1931 of Icelandic heritage in Oak Point, Manitoba, a farming and fishing community on the east shore of Lake Manitoba. She loved her parents dearly and referenced them many times. She often spoke highly of her father’s strength, ingenuity and leadership qualities and her mother’s caring, compassionate and perseverance qualities. As the middle child, she was the first girl and third born of five. Verne the eldest sibling was nearly 6 years older and busy on the farm and with schooling. Kris was 13 months older and the closest in age of all siblings. Lavina had a classic sister relationship with her younger and only sister Margaret. They loved and supported each other, squabbled a bit, and their competitive nature served to challenge the other to be better. Cameron, the youngest brother came along 13 years later. Margaret and Lavina would often joke that Cam was their first “little baby” that gave them both ample experience in “parenting” while growing up on the farm.

After Charlie, Lavina had four great loves in life; fashion, dance, travel and being social. She had many hobbies and interests but her love for fashion never faltered. From a young age Lavina had an intrinsic eye for fashion and took interest in knitting and sewing that would end up being her lifelong passion. In her final year of high school Lavina completed a course in dressmaking and design in Winnipeg laying the foundation for a life filled with threads, patterns, fabrics and more. At the age of 17 Lavina ran a small dressmaking business out of her apartment on Toronto St. gaining invaluable experience. She didn’t just sew, but designed and produced beautiful custom clothing, wedding dresses and gowns, clothing for dolls and even drapes later in life. A true designer at heart she even invented a pleating tool that assisted many in producing perfect pleats for drapes and curtains of any length. In her 70s and 80s Lavina with the help of her close friend Betty, developed a unique idea they coined, “Bus Buddies”. A hand-crafted holder designed to be placed on the back of a bus seat for travelers to keep important items sorted and organized while being transported to casinos in the States. Always innovative, Lavina tackled any problem big or small with practical solutions throughout her life.

At the young age of 18, Lavina with her friends Joyce and Bernice Thorvaldson chased their dreams and moved out west to Vancouver. There they worked in several retail jobs for nearly two years but returned to Winnipeg with a sense of adventure completed. Returning to Winnipeg at the age of 20 she immediately made all the bridesmaid dresses for Verne and Doreen’s upcoming wedding and again pursued dressmaking and design through a small home-based business.

About the same time, Lavina pursued her interest in dance to supplement her dress-making income and began working as a dance instructor at Arthur Murray’s Dance Studio. The story goes that within two minutes of the evaluator putting the needle on the record and spinning Lavina on the dance floor he was so impressed with her audition he hired her on the spot. While at Arthur Murray’s, she learned and taught many ball room dances and jive. Many had the privilege of watching her jive with Cameron at social events over the years, her smile lighting up the room.

Although she loved sewing and dressmaking, the realities of long hours working alone sparked a change in careers at age 22. Lavina graduated from a course at the Success Business College and subsequently explored many jobs in business. She began at an insurance company and then moved to Nieman Furs. She left her position at 23 and went on an extended trip to the U.S. with her parents, Margaret and Cameron. Upon her return from the U.S. to Winnipeg at the age of 24, she vowed to procure a job paying $140/month and she did! Her last job was at Ful-Flo Industries which she enjoyed very much. There she worked for 15 years as an office manager, HR consultant, accountant and any other hat that would fit her.

As time went on, Lavina joined the Winnipeg Canoe Club to pursue golf, badminton and the social opportunities that came with the membership. At the Canoe Club/Badminton Club she met her love, Charlie Allan and was married in 1962. Charlie had lost his first wife a few years earlier, but fortunately he had his 16-year-old daughter, Gail, by his side. Gail and Lavina hit it off pretty good from when they were first introduced and overtime Gail and Lavina became very close. Gail becoming her confidant and “helper extraordinaire” later in life. Two years later Scott was adopted and a year and a bit after, Cindy was adopted to complete their blended clan. Lavina got back into the sewing and dressmaking business while she raised her two youngest with the help of Gail and John. Gail left the nest in 1966 when John and she were married. John, like Gail was always there for Lavina whenever required and was a fabulous son-in-law for her.

Their first and only house at 439 Thompson Dr. was filled with many memories. Purchased around the time of their wedding in 1962, the whole family remembers Lavina’s stamp of design on the house. White shag carpet (never great for a dog having diarrhea), red plush living room carpet, massive purple drapes (with great pleats) and purple velvet chesterfields. The kitchen with berber multi-colored carpet was unique and worked at the time. The next decade was filled with kid stuff on Thompson Dr., Scott in hockey, Cindy in dance and of course both in school. During breaks from school, Lavina frequently fed many of Scott's hungry friends generous servings of Kraft Dinner. Charlie being the “rink rat” followed and supported Scott’s early hockey interests, often driving a full carload of teammates to outdoor practices before dawn. Lavina frequently attended Cindy’s swimming, tap dancing and ballet classes providing love and support. Gail was busy with her own family with Kerry being the first born in 1970 followed by Jeff in 1975. Both her grandchildren, Kerry and Jeff, were a huge part of Lavina’s life reciprocating in a strong supportive, loving and life guiding relationships. Kerry was considered grandma’s kindred spirit and often provided Kerry guidance when she needed or even when she didn’t. She loved her dearly. Jeff was grandma’s other son. Supportive, always eager to help and would frequently make time for grandma even when there was no time to give.

During the 70s and early 80s, Lavina and Charlie bought a small clothing store on McPhillips. To enhance store sales, Lavina arranged and hosted many clothing parties. She frequently catered to communities outside of Winnipeg and would often be coming home late at night exhausted. A second location is vaguely remembered somewhere on Salter St. but due to multiple break-ins quickly shut down. Lavina continued sewing and designing at this time and was involved in home-based nu-Skin products, Geniwear, biodegradable cleaning products and nylon stockings.

Charlie and Lavina spent many years enjoying the cabin in Sandy Hook that Charlie built in 1960. Unfortunately, Charlie’s time at the cabin was cut short passing in 1984 leaving a huge void in Lavina’s life. They had 22 years of love and memories that Lovey admirably carried on with the support of family and friends. Lovey filled the void with cabin life that provided joy and comfort, and she affectionately referred to the cabin as “the lake.” Sandy Hook became a meeting place for many extended family events along with the excitement of Islendingadagurinn. Lavina spent many hours with a cup of coffee in her hand deciding on what color to paint the cabin and the two decks from beige, white, blue to tangerine. You never knew what to expect when you arrived on the weekends. She remained actively involved at the lake where she socialized with friends, enjoyed her wine, golf, the beach, bike riding, reading, barbeques, hot tubbing in the first LCL sold Soft Tub and just hanging out until 2018 when it was sold.

Ever curious, Lavina was always learning, Scott remembers his mother teaching him during his teens the importance of finances and investments. He recalls learning the principal of compounding interest as displayed in the book she provided him, the “Wealthy Barber.” Scott also recalls learning the art of “lists” and the satisfaction one can achieve by stroking something off that never-ending list. In her 70s and 80s she sat on the board of directors for Friends Housing Inc. Always equipped with an opinion she left an impact after every meeting.

After selling her house on Thompson Dr. in 1997 she moved into a two-bedroom apartment at the Courts of St. James where she lived until 2020. It was tough on Lavina to downsize from a large bungalow to an apartment. It was no simple feat, but the job got done only when a box of stuff or two was discarded while she turned away. At the Courts she enjoyed swimming with family and friends. She loved to entertain and had many family dinners and gatherings at the Courts. She stayed at the Courts until her bestie Betty moved into the Kiwanis Courts. Lavina quickly followed Betty to coincidentally acquire an apartment across the hallway from Kris and Ruth. A few years later Margaret and Reg joined the Kiwanis. Having her two closest in age siblings living under one roof along with her was quite remarkable. Good times were to follow.

Being social was a wonderful trait Lavina had. Always wanting to be the first to a family event and the last to go made it challenging for those who drove her. Trips to Sandy Hook with her Thompson Dr. friends were always excitingly anticipated. At the lake they enjoyed red wine, laughs, cards, barbeque and stories in the screened porch. Anita Cox recalls Lavina’s sense of adventure. One late night while enjoying some wine they quickly scampered down the lanes of Sandy Hook, flashlights waning to get their tea leaves read from a local psychic. Playing cards at Malachi, watching Reg “win” any way possible and enjoying the many long pontoon boat rides with Margaret, Reg, Cindy, Scott and Stephanie. Bridge games with her friends and family Betty, Anita, Vivian, Sheilagh Campbell, Norma Busby, Pearl Eyford, Joyce Gray, Georgina Mack and more. Lavina loved every one of these days!!

Her passion for fashion was always present at any function of any size. Dolled up and dressed elegantly for the occasion showcasing bling and a glamorous attitude to back it up. She won the best dressed award two years in a row at the Metropolitan Kiwanis Courts where she resided. Everyone who knew her would frequently comment on how beautifully dressed she was for any occasion.

Hats, hats, Red Hats and more! Another chapter of elegance and fashion was Lavina’s stint with the Red Hats Society. A chapter of ladies including Betty that came together to socialize, pursue fun, embrace friendship and celebrate life to the fullest. Of course, the designer hats and the costumes were by far the attraction that made the group most desirable. Lavina loved those days and looked forward to every upcoming gathering.

Lovey enjoyed dinners at the Keg or the Cork and Flame with Scott and Brianne and many others. She always drew a crowd from the staff just wanting to meet and share in Lovey’s presence and was affectionately nick named “the Queen” by her friend Sarah Schmidt. She also loved attending events at Silver Heights with Gail, John, Jeff, Kerry, Charlie and Dolly Fortin and the Siwicki clan. She kept her eyes on fashion trends and was elbow deep in sewing projects well into her last few years of life. Her observant eye and practical advice will be missed sorely by the people who benefited from her guidance.

Throughout her life, Lavina could always be found tapping her foot or moving her body perfectly expressing the sound of a good tune. She was never able to just listen to music, if there was an opportunity to dance, she’d be the first one up. If you knew Lavina long enough, you have a video on your phone somewhere of her dancing away to a song. While at the Pinawa Hospital emergency department to have her broken wrist set from a fall X-country skiing she broke into a line dance when a “good song” came over the speakers. She participated in line dancing 3x a week in her 70s at the Civic Centre and danced with Gail up until she was 88 with the pageantry unit of the Daughters of the Nile. The week before she passed, she told Scott she wished to go to the Cork and Flame where she could listen to live music and chair dance as her legs were failing her. As a testament to her love of dance and music as she laid in the Grace Hospital, she told Cindy that she would rather die on the dance floor.

Lavina loved to drive and maintained her license up until 92. She often would just go for a drive ending up often at Sandy Hook. There are many funny stories related to driving. The cement incident with tire tracks running through freshly poured highway concrete that surprisingly matched Lavina’s car treads at the time, driving the wrong way down a one way to be pulled over and told your license had expired two years previous, teaching Gail how to drive a standard and re-testing for her driver’s license many times in her early 80s are just a few.

Lavina’s love of travel was highlighted with trips to the U.S. with her siblings to Martha’s Vineyard, Texas, Arizona, Florida and other destinations including Mexico. She also travelled extensively throughout Canada and beyond with Anita Cox, Norma Busby, Georgina Mack and Betty McCormick. Her largest chapter in travel was with her late Aunty Margaret Mack to whom she became a very special care giver. Destinations often by a cruise ship that brought many a smile and story included New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Hawaii and many other countries in between. Her last known trip was to Scott’s condo in Fernie, B.C. with Scott and Brianne. Although the smoke was thick from nearby forest fires, it never stopped Lavina from taking in the sites and having a spectacular time. Many great memories are recalled.

She was a great cook and was a master at timing a big meal for many, so all foods were perfectly cooked and hot to serve. Meals were always nutritious as she was well read in diet and the value of natural food and vitamin sources for ailments. She was often quoted saying “you have to try three bites before you can say you don’t like it.” Her keen interest in diet translated into her knowledge of the affects the medications she was on had. Lavina always knew where each pill bottle was, how often she was to take it and had systems in place to take oral meds which she often had difficulties swallowing. Lavina was also acutely aware of what she needed medically and could never be told by others what she needed and often schooled doctors, Sherry and Lisa her physiotherapists and others alike. Affectionately referred to as “Dr. Allan”, you would be brave to challenge or correct her during a doctor's visit that became routine in the later years of her life. Gail remembers, joking aside, the necessity to put your hand up to speak during several of these appointments. Unequivocally, she was the best advocate for herself.

Some people come into your life to support you and nurture you, some people come into your life to teach you lessons and help you understand yourself better. Lavina was a master at being both to anyone who had the privilege of holding court with her. Lovey’s last wishes included a specific request that one feel only joy at her living rather than grief at her passing.

WE ALL LOVE YOU!

BE AT PEACE…

In lieu of flowers, if you so desire a donation can be made on behalf of Lavina’s legacy to her close charity “Friends Housing Inc.” Please click or call 204-953-1160 for details.

A celebration of Lavina’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday December 13, 2024, at 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road (Unitarian Church).

Lavina’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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