RHONA MARGARET CHURMAN

Rhona Margaret Churman (née Henderson) passed away suddenly but peacefully, at home on April 16, 2026. She was 63 years old. She is survived by her husband Joe, her son Quinn, her daughter Catriona (Michael), grandson Lachlan, and brother Iain.

A Celebration of Life will be held early July 2026. If you would like to be kept informed of details or, if you would like to share a personal note, memory or photo with the family, please email MissingRhona@gmail.com.

Rhona “Nonie” Churman was born in Greenock, Inverclyde, Scotland, in the county of Renfrewshire, to Isabell and George Henderson. Even as a wee lass, she charmed those around her. Her younger brother Iain and their many cousins all admired her unique spirit.

Rhona lost her own mum at an early age, and grew a shell of strength and independence that served her through some trying times in her late teens, but she retained her grace throughout.

Rhona met her husband Joe in Forres in a chance encounter at a pub, while he was in Scotland flying on a NATO exercise. Their love and passion for each other grew through air mail letters, (expensive!) long distance calls, and extended visits in Scotland. Their wedding, at a stone chapel in Dunphail, 10 miles south of Forres up in the moors, was well attended. Indeed it was “hoaching” with people, many of whom Rhona did not know, but it seemed everyone knew of the beautiful young lady and her children in Beachens Cottage. Or perhaps it was simply curiosity about the “daft Canadian galoot” she was marrying.

Rhona and Joe, along with their children, son Quinn and daughter Catriona, moved to Greenwood, NS immediately after the wedding. Settling into their new home, Rhona quickly became a neighbourhood favourite with the children of the community as she always had the best snacks and treats, and loved playing with them.

In 1990 the family relocated to Winnipeg, MB. Rhona was very involved at Carpathia Elementary as a volunteer and the principal, John Jaman, encouraged her to consider a career in education. Joe enthusiastically supported the idea and Rhona began her university studies in 1992, at the age of 30.

Teaching and advocating for children was absolutely Rhona’s calling. She was dedicated to her students, her colleagues, and the betterment of the communities in which she worked. Her earnest commitment and genuine devotion to her profession gained her the respect and admiration of many, among them her friend and mentor at her first administration job, Vinh Huynh, at Hugh John Macdonald Elementary.

After serving as a vice principal at Hugh John, she moved to Tec-Voc High School. It was her first experience with a high school job and despite her early trepidations, she thrived in the role. Rhona was inspired by the extensive programs offered by Tec-Voc and passionate about the opportunities they provided to kids who might not fit the mould of traditional academic pathways.

In 2014 Rhona was appointed principal of Laura Secord Elementary school. Rhona had worked at Laura Secord as a student teacher and again during her early career, and was thrilled and proud to be appointed to the role. She appreciated the diversity of the Wolseley community and devoted herself to honouring it. She was so proud of the projects the school undertook while she was there, including the new gym, the nature playground in partnership with the community-driven initiative Our Backyard, and her small part in the development of Answering the Calls: A Child’s View of the 94 Calls to Action.

After her retirement in February 2020, Rhona focused on her hobbies: cooking, knitting, and gardening, and she had recently taken up watercolours. Rhona remained dedicated to helping others, and always thought of them before herself.

Rhona leaves behind her loving and adoring husband Joe, her son Quinn, daughter Catriona (Michael), grandson Lachlan, and brother Iain. Rhona will be deeply missed by all who knew her, for she was a bright spot in all of our lives.

A Celebration of Life will be held early July 2026. If you would like to be kept informed of details or, if you would like to share a personal note, memory or photo with the family, please email MissingRhona@gmail.com.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider planting a few, or connect with an old friend, or reach out to someone that needs help.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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