LOVIE FLORENCE MCDOUGALL

A Photo Biography Video is forthcoming. 

Please check back soon.

In the early morning hours of Sunday, November 2, 2025, Lovie passed away peacefully at the Grace Hospice in Winnipeg, after struggling with cancer for a year and a half. Her son Gil was by her side, like he was every time he came for a visit.

Lovie will be lovingly remembered by her son Gil (Adriana); her brothers, Ted (Linda), Dave and Orest; and sister Francie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her father Frank (1994); her mother Jessie(2002); and former husband Andrew (2006).

Lovie was the eldest of five siblings born to Ukrainian parents Frank and Jessie Zaretzky. She was born exactly 9 months after the marriage, and was probably called Luba which has to do with love. After a few years in school the name Luba became Lovie. Lovie was raised in Sclater where the school only had grades 1-8 so the family was forced to move to Pine River. There she took her grades 9-11 then graduated from grade 12 in Ethelbert Collegiate. By then she had decided on her career (teaching), so off to Brandon University she went, but was not alone - brother Dave went there to get a Science degree. Some of the places Lovie taught at are Lenswood, Garland, Churchill, Red Lake (Ontario), Winnipegosis, and finally Pinawa. Lovie was a strict teacher, but her pupils loved her because she had so many creative and fun projects that pertained to the curriculum!

While in Pinawa Lovie curled and even skipped her own team. As a matter of fact, she was a great sports fan and was knowledgeable in most - she could have been a commentator!! “Go George Springer, go!!!”

Every summer Lovie looked forward to the July birthdays (her dad’s on the 11th or 12th, Orest’s on the 14th, her own on the 13th, niece Cindy’s the 28th and nephew Timmy on the 18th), BUT the party was really for her dad Frank!!!

Lovie should have been a writer - her talent was shown in her production of a play dedicated to her parents on their 50th Wedding Anniversary (all about their life); the writeup on her parents’ history for the Pine River Reunion book called Hardships to Happiness, and finally, a scrapbook for her sister Francie’s 50th birthday.

King Pedro was one of Lovie’s favourite card games and she and her partner (Dad or Ted) would win, even though she foolishly bid high without a King!!!

Lovie was a single mother, devoted to her only child, Gil, who she raised on her own, while continuing her education for her teaching career.

What a great retirement Lovie had watching The View, Young and the Restless, and sports - you wouldn’t dare phone her during those times! She enjoyed visits from her family, but the highlights were visits from Gil and Adriana.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service was held.

Thanks to the Grace Hospice Palliative Care for their kindness and care of Lovie.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

​

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

​