ARCHIBALD: Freda Isabelle Archibald peacefully passed away at her residence, Riverdale Personal Care Home, on Thursday, July 20, 2006. Freda was born the fifth of seven children on December 7, 1912 in the Rural Municipality of Wallace, east of Elkhorn, Manitoba. Freda attended school in Elkhorn and spoke often of the buggy and sleigh rides over the four miles to and from school. She enjoyed playing basketball and softball and of course, her school subjects. In her early years, Freda gained many lifelong skills such as sewing, cooking, and gardening, which blossomed throughout her life and became the means of enjoyment and service to her family and others. After high school, Freda continued to help with the farm and household tasks at home. She worked as a cook at the Brandon General Hospital along with her sister, Viola. On June 11, 1943, Freda and John Archibald were married. John served in the army until the end of World War II and then they purchased the farm at 2-12-22 NE where they worked together farming and raising their family until 1976. Besides the daily work of a mixed farm, Freda was very involved in church activities, Daly and Rivers UCW and was a founding member of Rivers Baptist Church. Freda had a strong commitment to the Lord and church. For many years she did the floral arrangements, arranged communion and participated in the ladies' activities and service. She took great joy in her involvement in the Daly-Lothair Hospital Guild where her sewing skills contributed to many items produced for Riverdale Hospital. She was an active member and director of Rivers Agricultural Society for many years and was recognized for this lifetime contribution by the Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies in 1996. Both John and Freda were involved with the Farmstead Improvement Group. One evident sign that remains in this effort in Daly District are the many miles of shelter belts. Freda had an avid interest in her flowers. She had flowerbeds on the farm that outsized most peoples' vegetable gardens. She loved the colors, scents and symmetry of her flowers. She took particular pleasure in the fact that she sustained her mothers' popcorn and rose geraniums from 1949 until present where she had a popcorn geranium in her room at Riverdale Personal Care Home. Gardening was a passion for Freda. She loved caring for and getting the best production from her plants and storing them away for winter. Her generosity was evident in her sharing of garden produce with friends and family. Freda had an extraordinary ability to sew and do handiwork. These were practical in their use but also gave her much enjoyment. Freda's creativity also showed itself in her painting. She took art lessons and showed definite talent in her resulting pictures. These areas of interest plus her skills in cooking and baking led her to exhibit many items in the Rivers Agricultural Fair. The dog had an enjoyable experience at Freda's expense once when one of her prize pies flipped over on the ground before she got it to the fair! Most important to Freda was her family. She invested much time, love and teaching in her daughters and followed their lives and activities with great joy and interest. Freda and John also took on the responsibility of raising five foster children and made a difference in their lives. Her great delight also has been her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They brought a sense of pride and enjoyment as she witnessed their arrival, development and accomplishments. John and Freda had 63 wonderful years together-in their work, family, church and community service. They spent many relaxing rides exploring all areas of Manitoba, and several other spots in Canada and the U.S. Their companionship through their 63 years spoke highly of their commitment to each other, their family, friends, and community. Freda is survived by her husband John of 63 years; daughters Gwen (Barry) Green of Kenton, MB and Gaylene Archibald of Three Hills, AB; grandchildren Bob Green of Winnipeg, and Janice (Ryan) Norrie of Hamiota; great-grandchildren Sawyer and Holden Norrie of Hamiota and many nieces and nephews. Freda was predeceased by her parents John and Florence Heritage; sisters Shirley and Viola; brothers Ernest, Ron, Alfred and John, in infancy. The Funeral Ceremony was held at the Rivers Baptist Church on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 with Pastor James Simpson and Rev. Graham Lough officiating. Pallbearers were: Bob Green, Ryan Norrie, Phil Isaak, Jason Isaak, Harold Dyck, and Eric Fast. Interment followed at the Rivers Cemetery. Donations in memory of Freda to the Canadian Diabetes Association, B-727-10th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 4G7 or to a charity of choice. Expressions of Sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. Memorials
Canadian Diabetes Association, or Charity of Choice