Obituary of Myrtle Olive McCabe

McCABE: Myrtle Olive (nee Kennettle) February 20th 1915. It is with sadness and fond memories of our Mum, Grandmother and Great Grandmother we announce her passing on February 6th, 2010 at Hillcrest Place Nursing Home, her family at her side. Myrtle was born on the family farm, the 4th child born to parents William and Maude Kennettle. Myrtle took her schooling in Fairfax and went on to take her nursing at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg where she graduated in 1943 with her RN. Her first job as a nurse was at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. She then returned to Canada and nursed in Chilliwack, Fernie and New Westminster, British Columbia. She returned home in the late 40's to look after her ailing mother and during this time also did private duty nursing. While doing private duty one of her cases was Maurice McCabe who had been in a motor vehicle accident just outside of Brandon in late 1950. Myrtle cared for him for about a year until he was transferred to Winnipeg for rehabilitation. They were married in Winnipeg on April 26th 1952. A three story rooming house was purchased at 411 Lorne Ave in 1952 and the two boys, Lloyd and Russell joined them there. The house had six rental suites and was occupied mainly by young girls from the country who came to the city to find work. They all became part of an extended family with many friendships lasting until this day. When the boys left home the old house was sold and Myrtle and Maurice moved to 23rd Street where many friendships were cemented with neighbors. Myrtle belonged to St Paul's and Central United UCW, IODE and Toastmasters. Through IODE she promoted education through scholarships and participated in many events greeting new Canadians. Her nursing career continued at the old Assiniboine Hospital as a Head Nurse caring for the elderly, disabled and TB patients. She was the 1st Head Nurse on A2 at the new Assiniboine Hospital which opened in 1974 with Princess Margaret unveiling the corner stone. She nursed here until her retirement in 1977. After retirement she traveled to many places including Europe, England, Ontario, east and west coast in Canada. When Maurice passed away in 1988 Myrtle moved to the Towers on Rosser Avenue where she lived for eleven years. She loved to drive around town in her red car and was always interested in what the grandchildren and great grandchildren were doing. In the spring of 2007 she moved into Victoria Landing where she continued to play cards and make new friendships. Her health quickly deteriorated in the fall of 2009 and she passed away on Feb 6th after moving to Hillcrest Place. Mum will never be forgotten by sons Lloyd (Beverly) of Brandon and Russell (Virginia Dawson). Grandchildren Calla (Joe) McDougall of Brandon; Kerrie (Kyle) Bialas of Airdrie Alberta; Sean (Tanya) McCabe of Winnipeg; Grandchildren: Taz (Kim) McCabe; JoDean (Gord) Payson; Justyn (Andrea) McCabe and Grew McCabe. Great Grandchildren Landon and Aerlan McDougall; Alisa and Megan Bialas; Rowan and Annika McCabe; Ashah and Jalene Payson; Loren, Dcera and Julya McCabe. Mum was predeceased by her husband Maurice in 1988; parents William and Maude Kennettle; sisters Adeline and Grace; brothers Charlie and John. Left to celebrate her life is sister Dorothea (John) Batts of Billings, Montana and many nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service was held at Central United Church on February 12, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. with Mr. Lawrence McInnes, Brockie Donovan Funeral Celebrant, officiating. Pallbearers were Joe McDougall, Kyle Bialas, Sean McCabe, Justyn McCabe, Landon McDougall and Rowan McCabe. Interment took place at the Minto Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central United Church Memorial Fund, 327-8th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 3X5 or Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, 150 McTavish Ave. East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3.