Roywena Yvonne Patience

Our Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Great Great Grandmother was born Monday, October 30, 1922 in Coulter, MB to James and Cora McKague. Roywena was the second of three daughters. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1928 where they lived until the drought in southern Manitoba in 1934 forced them to move north to the Swan River Valley to farm. She spent the rest of her childhood in the Sinclair River School District near Minitonas.

In 1939, Roywena married David Henry (Pete) Patience and together they had seven children; Thelma, Darlene, Barry, Gail, Jim, Harvey and Blair. The family rented land until 1945 when they purchased a farm in the Oakhurst School District close to Minitonas. In 1964 Roywena and Pete sold the farm and moved with Blair to Swan River. Roywena went to work in the meat department in the Co-op and later at White’s Drug Store. She spoke fondly of her time spent with co-workers and the experiences that she had during her working career. Both she and Pete retired from work in 1976.

In 1980, Roywena and Pete moved to The Pas to be closer to family and help with the grandchildren. She enjoyed her retirement years and learned to golf when she was over 60 years old, spending lots of time on the course with girlfriends in the years to follow. Roywena lived in the High-rise for 36 years and enjoyed the company of many good friends in the building including; Dugie Robinson and Betty Madill. She loved to play cards and crib with family and friends and was active in the Golden Agers for many years.

Mother was active in the communities that she lived in. She was the secretary and treasurer of the school in the Oakhurst School District for many years. She joined the Rebekah Lodge in the 1950’s while living in the Minitonas area and remained a member through her moves to Swan River and The Pas. She held all the offices in the Lodge and was the N.G. and later D.D.P. Roywena was also a member of the United Church.

Mom was a strong, feisty, genuine woman. She loved to laugh and joke with family. Pete and Roywena enjoyed many travels together to the Bahamas, Lake Tahoe, Hawaii, Churchill and many trips to Alberta and BC to visit family. After Pete’s passing in 1992, Grandma continued to travel with family to Quebec City, Virginia and Western Canada.

In later years, Grandma kept her mind sharp by doing crossword puzzles. She was always up on current events. She became an avid fan of sports on TV, especially curling and golf, following both religiously. She was an amazing knitter, making endless beautiful afghans for her children and grandchildren.

Roywena loved her family. She enjoyed so many special memories at family reunions, numerous family weddings, camping at Madge Lake in the 70’s and 80’s and summers at Clearwater Lake. A very special event for Mother and Dad, was their 50th wedding anniversary. All the family gathered at Clearwater Lake to help them celebrate. Grandma was adventurous with her grandchildren and would rise to any challenge, whether it was going on fairground rides with them, being pulled behind a boat on a tube, riding a dirt bike (not very well) or making a sincere effort at climbing a wall in full helmet and harness gear at the age of 77!

In later years, when Mother’s mobility decreased, she enjoyed when the family would come visit her and loved looking at all of the pictures of the great grandchildren. She was even able to Face Time with family members and couldn’t believe this “modern” technology.

Roywena passed away peacefully on Monday, January 11, 2016, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, The Pas, Manitoba, at the age of 93 years. Mother will be lovingly remembered by her children Thelma Baumgartner (Sherwood Park, AB), Darlene Lowry (Playa Negra, Costa Rica), Barry Patience (The Pas, MB) and Blair (Marj) Patience (The Pas, MB); son-in-law David Vermeulen (Calgary, AB) and daughter-in-law Debbie Patience (Nelson, BC); all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Roywena is also survived by her two sisters Bernice Reich (Swan River, MB) and Marilyn (Bud) Ridley (Flin Flon, MB). She was predeceased by her husband Pete Patience; sons Harvey Patience and Jim Patience; daughter Gail Vermeulen; granddaughter Sherilyn Vermeulen and son-in-law Ken Baumgartner.

Dear Mother and Grandma, we will miss your infectious smile and constant presence in our lives, we are thankful that you can now rest peacefully.

FUNERAL SERVICE

Tuesday, January 19, 2016 11:00 am

Chapel of Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas, Manitoba

Presider: James Hemauer Music Ministry: Rochelle Rydberg

Urn Bearer: Cory Patience

RECEPTION

12 Noon at the Westminster United Church CE Wing, The Pas, MB

INTERMENT

Will take place in July 2016 in Minitonas, Manitoba.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the

Lung Association of Manitoba,

629 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1P6.