LANGSTAFF: Wilhelmina Jacoba Langstaff (Mary), War Bride

The death of Mary Langstaff occurred at the Roblin District Hospital, Roblin, Manitoba on February 3, 2006. Mary was born on February 8, 1923 in Nymegan Holland. During the Second World War she met her husband Reg and they were united in marriage at the end of the war. On July 12, 1946 she began her long journey to start her new life in Canada. A Canadian army bus took her to Scheveningen, Holland where she spent a few days waiting to travel by train to South Hampton in order to board the Queen Mary and set sail to Canada. She left behind her mother, dad and her only brother. She, along with a lot of other war brides, arrived in Halifax anxious to meet their loved ones. They were greeted by a band playing "Here Comes the Bride". From this point she travelled by train to Winnipeg where she was reunited with her husband after being separated for a year. After a short stay in Rainy River to meet family it was back to Winnipeg and on to her first home in Atikokan Ontario via the train. It was here where her first two sons, Randy and Jack, were born and where she built many lasting memories and life long friendships. Mary loved the time spent camping and fishing with her husband and sons over the next eighteen years. Mary set up home in a number of communities in Manitoba, Ontario and the Northwest Territories during the seventies. Her first stay in Brandon was the motivating factor in her desire to retire here. Until most recently Mary enjoyed traveling abroad and spending precious time with her children, grandchildren and great grand children. In May of 2005, Mary was diagnosed with cancer. True to her character, she accepted her fate, put her trust in the Lord and fought a courageous battle. Mary left this world on Feb. 3 with grace, dignity, peace and tranquility. Mary was predeceased by; her parents, brother, infant son Teddy, and beloved husband Reg. Mary's memory will be cherished by her children Randy (Susan) and Jack (Nancy) She also leaves grandchildren Chris (Leanne), Heather, Ben (Cynthia), Johnathon (Christine), Mary-Anne and by great grandchildren Rudy, Breana and Emily. She will also be fondly remembered by many dear friends. Prayers will be said at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 at 7:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church, 327-4th Street on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 at 10:30 am. Celebrant will be Fr. Kevin Smith. Interment will follow in the Rosewood Memorial Gardens. For those wishing to do so, donations in her memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Palliative Care Unit of the Roblin and District Hospital, Roblin Manitoba. Expressions of Sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.