(nee Maclaine)
Winnifred Butcher (nee Maclaine) passed away peacefully at Chilliwack General Hospital on the morning of March 12, 2010 with family by her side.
Win was born in Edmonton on January 16th, 1919. She moved to Vancouver with her family in her late teens. While working in Vancouver, Win met her future husband Charles Richard (Dick) Butcher and they were married March 20th, 1943. Win and Dick moved to Burnaby in 1947 to raise their family, residing there until 1977 when Win retired from her work as a secretary with the Burnaby School District. She and Dick then moved to the Chilliwack area.
Win’s focus in life was her family – her holiday ‘feasts’ were legendary and nobody ever left the dinner table feeling hungry! Win also found enjoyment in service to others. She was a member of the Victorian Order of Nurses and Order of the Eastern Star. In her spare time, Win enjoyed golfing, reading, playing cribbage, and doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Sadly, macular degeneration and advancing osteoporosis forced her to give up many of these activities.
In spite of these medical challenges Win maintained a positive outlook and still enjoyed visiting with friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored.
Win is survived by her son Bruce (Margaret) Butcher (Chilliwack); grandson Jason Butcher, (Kami) and great-grandson Kole (North Vancouver); granddaughter Leanna Butcher and great-granddaughter Jessica Day (North Vancouver); daughter Heather (Nigel) Lennie (Cultus Lake); grandson Iain Lennie (Hinton, Alta.); grandson Doug Lennie (Sardis); brother and sister-in-law Gordon and Frances MacLaine (Sechelt); sister Elizabeth Lowe (Vancouver) and her daughter Andrea Nicholson (Victoria); numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Win will also be missed by her many friends at The Waverly. Predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, Dick Butcher in 2002 and her sister Sheila Maclaine in 2000.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Waverly Assisted Living residence for providing Mum with a safe and caring environment for the past 5 years. Sincere thanks also to the nurses of NU 5 North at CGH who treated Mum with such dignity and compassion in her final hours
At Win’s request there will be no formal service.
A gathering for family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 24th, 2010 from 1 - 4 P.M. at Vedder/Heritage Room, Best Western Rainbow Country Inn, 43971 Industrial Way (Lickman exit North), Chilliwack.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the CNIB would be greatly appreciated.