O'CONNOR: The death of Matilda "Tillie" Jean O'Connor occurred at her residence, Hillcrest Place Nursing Home on Friday, September 19, 2008. A memorial service will be held at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 1:00 pm. The Rev. Harvey Hurren of Trinity United Church will officiate. Donations in memory of Tillie may be made to a charity of choice. Complete obituary information will follow. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.


O'CONNOR: Matilda Jean "Tillie" (nee Goodwin) (Draper) O'Connor. Tillie Goodwin was born in Miniota on July 28, 1921 to Charles and Catherine Goodwin. She was raised on the family ancestral farm in the Assiniboine Valley near Miniota, along with her brother, Charles and her sister, Catherine, both deceased. Tillie's mother was also raised in the same house that her relatives had pioneered in 1881. In 1939, Tillie married Leonard "Len" Draper. They had two children: a daughter Gwen, deceased, and a son Bob, now living in Calgary, Alberta. In 1945, Tillie and family moved onto the family farm near Miniota. Tillie's daughter, Gwen married Russel Empey in 1956. Gwen had three sons: Jim, Allen and Murray who married and are living in Brandon and Winnipeg with their families. Tillie taught the Miniota 4-H Club girls sewing, mainly in her house, for many years. Activities expanded to include a wide variety of crafts with many of the local girls. In 1964, Tillie's son, Bob, left Miniota to work in Ontario. Bob married Nancy in 1968, moved to Calgary and had two children, Sean and Andrea. Tillie and Len were involved with riding horses, and were quite active in the Miniota Riding Club. In 1970, Tillie's husband Len, died. Tillie continued to live in her farmhouse for several years while working at the Sherwood Seniors Lodge in Virden for over ten years. In 1986, Tillie married Ray O'Connor and moved into Virden. They spent several winters in Florida, where Tillie could enjoy the many flowers that she enjoyed so much. Ray died in 1994. Tillie continued to live in Virden where she was active in the Virden Seniors Club. In 2004, Tillie moved into Hillcrest Place in Brandon. She was active in the social life at Hillcrest, at first, but her health continued to decline. Tillie leaves behind five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service was held at Memories Chapel, Wednesday, September 24, 2008. Rev. Harvey Hurren of Trinity United Church officiated. Tillie's final resting place will be in the Miniota Cemetery. Donations in memory of Tillie may be made 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
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