MINAKER: Suddenly, on July 9th 2005, Patricia May Suzanne Minaker (nee Smith) passed away. Born to Percy and Eva Smith in Gosport, Hants, England on May 2, 1927, she was the youngest of five children. She met Cal during WW II, when Dad was stationed in England with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, in preparation for the D-Day invasion. Mom immigrated to Canada in March 1947 and married Dad on April 7, 1947. Predeceased by Dad and by two brothers in 2003, her two sons Brian of Morden and Keith of Fort McMurray, daughters-in-law Ruth, Deborah and Vi, and grandchildren, Chris, Karen, Katie, Jennifer and Lindsay are left to survive her. She is also survived by sister, Bette Holt and brother, Ted Smith, and their families, all of England and by many other relatives and friends, including the special friends of her weekly coffee group. Mom's talents in life were both
practical and artistic. During her life she participated in many organizations including Hi-Y and the YMCA, Beta Sigma Phi, and Urbanacres Toastmistress International, the auxiliary to the 26th Field Regiment and for a time served with the Brandon General Hospital Auxiliary service. During later years of her life, Mom developed talents painting in watercolors and was an avid member of the Palette Club, Arts West and the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba. She worked at many various occupations during her life; including a hairdresser, a travel agent, owned her own retail store (Bonnie's Bonnet Shop) and was one of the first employees at Westman Media Co-op. Mom and Dad loved spending time at the cabin at Clear Lake, where they spent many "happy hours" fishing and enjoying the pot luck events of the neighborhood. Mom even bested Dad by catching a Master Angler
trout from Deep Lake before he did. Mom loved to spend winters with Dad in the warmth of Maui, and enjoyed frequent trips home to England as well. Despite failing health in the latter years of her life, Mom never lost her sense of humor and enjoyed the opportunity to discuss topics of all kinds with those among her family and friends. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service acknowledging Mom's life will be held Thursday, July 14, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at Memories Chapel, 18th Street, Brandon. Mom requested that flowers be gratefully declined. Contributions, if desired, may be made to the Special Equipment Fund, Brandon Regional Health Authority or to the charity of your choice. The family would like to thank all of Mom's care providers through the last few years but especially thank Mom's close friend, Isabel, for all of her patience, kindness and friendship.