Obituary of Lynn Stowe

STOWE: Margaret "Lynn", of Brandon, recently of Miniota, passed away at her residence May 26, 2014. Lynn was born February 14, 1941 in Shoal Lake, MB. She was the second of six children, Ruth, Dave, Joan, Ted, and Myrna born to Ray and Nell. Lynn Cooley met Murray Stowe in 1954. They married in 1965. They had five children who Lynn loved - Kim, twins Lana and Elsie, followed by Frances and Charlie. Lynn graduated from the Misericordia School of Nursing in 1961 and had a life long association with classmates from 61B. Lynn nursed at Hodgson and the Misericordia Hospital, prior to nursing at Birtle and farming at Beulah. Over the years she also nursed in rural hospitals, remote-nursing stations, community health clinics, as ambulance nurse and in long term care facilities. Lynn was a clear thinking, caring, capable, integral and strong nurse. She was an extraordinary working mother long before the term was coined. In addition to her work ethic Lynn was known for her cooking, hospitality and being a reliable citizen in her community. She volunteered a great deal organizing, administering or labouring at various events and groups for her community and family. Food was central to Lynn's home, family and friends. Some of her happiest hours were spent cooking and hosting for others to gather, visit and enjoy good times. There are few people who have not benefitted from Lynn's cooking. Her sister would say that Lynn could make a baloney sandwich taste like a steak dinner. Lynn had a genuine and authentic quality about her, with "that Cooley charm that made you want to spend more time with her." Her laughter was pure and true, often causing one to enjoy it as much as what was being laughed about. Lynn was a straightforward resilient person who enjoyed good people, good friends and good times. She also joined her friends and family in places such as Jamaica, Hawaii, Florida, Texas, Arizona, North and South Dakota, NS, ON, SK, AB, BC. She most especially delighted in taking part in children's events, no matter the connection. Many good memories remain about her food, sing songs, holiday gatherings, ordinary visits, skating parties, childhood sleepovers as she had warmth where all were welcomed on any occasion or event. Lynn created a wonderful home and life. A celebration of her life was held at the Beulah Community Chapel and Hall on June 6, 2014 with Rev. Laura Marie Piotrowicz officiating. Granddaughter Allison gave the eulogy. Granddaughters Sara and Megan provided a violin duet of Amazing Grace. Edith Edmundson played the organ. Omar Hanson played for the recessional. Pallbearers were nephews Chad Cooley, Clair Cooley, Keith Stowe, Ken Sterling, Dan Wasslen, grandchildren Ian Poppel and Dan Duff. The family considers all relatives and friends as honorary pallbearers, as they were integral to the life that Lynn built. Lynn will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Kim (Mark) Poppel and three grandchildren Allison, Ian and Sara of Brandon; Lana of Burnaby, BC; Elsie (John) Duff and two grandchildren Megan and Danny of Selkirk, MB; Frances in Hazelglen, MB; and Charlie (Theresa) of Airdrie, AB; her sisters Joan (Ellis) and Myrna (Douglas); brothers Ted and Dave; nephews and nieces; in-laws, and many dear neighbours, family and friends. She was pre-deceased by her husband Murray, parents Ray and Nell Cooley, and sister Ruth Wasslen. Donations in memory of Lynn may be made to the Beulah Community Chapel, General Delivery, Beulah, MB R0M 0B0.