DELLA "JUNE" IRONSIDE

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of June on January 19, 2021, in the St. Norbert Personal Care Home, at the age of 96 years.

​

She is survived by her two children, Cheryl (Ed) Rajfur and Don (Sharon) Ironside, and grandchildren, Angela Rajfur, Matthew (Meg) Rajfur and Sarah (Bob) Ironside.  All of the grandchildren agreed that; “We always said we have the bestest Gma”

​

She was predeceased by her husband Norman Dafoe Ironside, sister Viola Rose McCutcheon, and her parents Violet (nee Morrison) and Earl Leeson.

June’s family wish to offer their appreciation to the staff of St. Norbert for their care. In accordance with Mom’s wishes, the cremation has already taken place and no formal service will be held.

June grew up on a farm outside of Strathclair Manitoba. She was the youngest of two siblings. After graduating from high school she went to Winnipeg to take a Secretarial course. Upon completion of this course, around 1945, June accepted a job at Bapco Paints in Calgary, Alberta. The next big event in her life was when she met that big strapping’ hunk of a man’ by the name of Norman Ironside. We were told that they met when Norman was visiting at the house which June was boarding in. They married on October 20, 1948 and were living in a walk-up apartment in downtown Calgary. Norm was accepted into the Calgary police force in January, 1948.

​

In 1956 a sweet little girl by the name of Cheryl Anne was born to June and Norm. In the same year they moved into a new house on the ‘edge of the city’ in the community of Thorncliffe. Even more momentous, was the 1957 arrival of that darling baby boy, Donald Earl.

​

They continued along in life until the children grew up and moved along to their own lives. June and Norm sold the house in 1987 and moved into the retirement complex of Horizon Village. From there they moved to Brandon, Manitoba so that June could be closer to her aging mother. It was in Brandon where Norm passed away in June of 1997.

​

Mom was a life long learner. Over the years she  practiced Yoga, Tai chi, photography, and even took up belly dancing.  She was also an avid sewer, she started out making all our Halloween costumes as children then  learned to make parkas, mukluks and duvets. Mom spent many years doing ceramics, stain glass and created many originals using a knitting machine. She even became computer literate at the age of 76 and was constantly on Facebook and Twitter.

​

Never one to sit around and do nothing, after the turn of the century (in her late seventies) June embarked on tours to Europe and Cuba, she also went to a spa in Mexico all by herself.

​

After this, June packed up her apartment in Brandon at Lions Manor and, along with a new hip, moved into a retirement home in Winnipeg.

​

Here June stayed until failing health and a ‘trip’ to the floor landed her (ultimately) at St. Norbert Personal Care Home. Here, she fought off the Corona virus in December, but then passed away in January.

​

She will be greatly missed. The world seems a bit smaller now.

​

The family encourages the sharing of stories, memories and condolences by using the comment section on this tribute page.

​

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

​