Obituary of Alice (Hardy) Summers

SUMMERS: Alice (Hardy); the family wishes to announce the peaceful passing of Alice at her residence, Dinsdale Personal Care Home, on Sunday, November 6th, 2016 at the age of 94 years. Alice was born in Winnipeg on January 26th, 1922 to parents Herbert and Edith Fowell and brother Allan. Her first home was a homestead in the Chatfield/Eriksdale, Manitoba area. The family then settled in Oak Lake, Manitoba. Early life revolved around church and school activities in the small rural setting. Alice excelled in school and developed a love of learning which followed her throughout her life. She completed Grade 11, but unfortunately could not continue her schooling to become a teacher as it was the 1930's and money was scarce. Alice met Jack Hardy, who resided with the Meadows family in the Oak Lake area, and married in 1941 at the age of 19. Eventually, the couple moved to Brandon with a marriage lasting 29 years prior to Jack's passing, which produced eight children. Alice was so happy to be surrounded by her large family and often commented how she had told her mother growing up that she was going to have many children who would never be lonely. In 1972, Alice married Hugh Summers with the union ending prematurely in his passing following ill health in 1979. Always a strong woman, she handled all her personal struggles with grace and dignity, showing her strength of character. Alice was a tireless worker doing everything she could do to help support her family. She began as a housekeeper, worked at a hatchery, and then spent several years as a production line worker at McKenzie Seeds where she made many friends. Alice was quite a 5 pin bowler, winning many trophies, and also took up lawn bowling which she thoroughly enjoyed. A huge sports fan, she enjoyed watching curling, hockey (especially Wayne Gretzky) and was an avid Blue Jays fan. She travelled to the West Coast on several occasions to see family, and in retirement travelled to Minneapolis to see her beloved Blue Jays and enjoyed a special bus trip to eastern Canada. As a longtime member of the UCT, Alice attained her past counselor's pin of which she was so proud, and faithfully attended Central United Church until no longer able. In recent years, she so enjoyed her church visits from Karen Elves and Colleen Gareau, who kept her in the loop. She also often received comfort from Chaplain Brenda. Alice was predeceased by husband Jack in 1970; husband Hugh in 1979; father, Herb and then mother, Edith, in 1980; brother-in-law Thomas Hardy in 1980; son-in-law Bob Mooney in 1996; daughter-in-law Jacquie Hardy in 2003, granddaughter Loree Morrison in 2006; brother Kenneth Allan Fowell in 2015; and sister-in-law Lily Hardy in 2016. Surviving family members are: Burny Hardy (Pat); Ken Hardy (Merle); Albie Stanley; Darlene Jaworski; Beth Morrison (Ric); Lori Blanchard (Kevin); Sheila Deacon (Brian); Cindy Hardy (Jody Burnett); 18 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and seven great great- grandchildren; Phyllis Fowell; Bernice Fowell; and nieces and nephews in both Winnipeg and England. Other special people in Alice's life included Neil & Carol Cowe; Dale and Shirley Lintick; Phyllis England; and Marg Dyck. A Celebration of Alice's life was held at Brockie Donovan Chapel on Tuesday, November 15th, 2016 with the service officiated by Kim Lewarne, Funeral Celebrant; and a luncheon following at Central United Church. Alice's grandsons: Barry Stanley; Tony Laluk; Aaron Jaworski; Troy Laluk; Scott Hardy; Kevin Morrison; Brennan Chorley; CJ Benneray and Addison Deacon acted as pallbearers. Many thanks go out to Jeremy and staff of Brockie Donovan for your guidance and service, and to the Central United luncheon volunteers who took such good care of us. Also thanks to Dinsdale staff and Dr. L. Moller for your compassionate care over the last five years; and special regards to Alice's fellow residents; especially her dining table mates with whom she shared a kinship. Donations may be made to CNIB, 354-10th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4G1 or charity of choice. Rest in Peace Mom / Grandma. Forever loved, forever remembered.