I remember first meeting Maureen, with her partner Myron, in Vancouver in 2009. We shared stories about her growing up years in Bralorne, which included playing in the snow, sightings of bears, and other wildlife. She was interested in my experience of an outdoor adventure in Birkenhead Lake, an area south of where she lived and knew the area. And we shared impressions of Vancouver, and how it has changed since she studied to become a nurse at the Vancouver General Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1958. And she was interested that I was born at VGH in November 1957. I immediately warmed to her open, curious, affirming approach to life. I was fortunate to learn about her impressions of growing up in a remote area of British Columbia and how you have to learn to be resilient, do your chores, be self-reliant. 

For me, Maureen was a fine example of a person who grew up to learn how to be resourceful, to make a difference whether at home, or in the public arena. I enjoyed visiting her in the apartment she and Myron shared, and how she would look directly at the Manitoba Legislature. And this would always prompt some memory of her life of service in government. As well, as enjoyment of a sunset on the prairies. I'm grateful to have gotten to know Maureen with visits to Winnipeg since 2009, and a last visit in the summer of 2025. She possessed calm, elegance, and fine humor, which I appreciated and admired. My condolences to Myron and all her family.

Sincere condolences to Carol, Jim, Ross, Susan and families.

I have fond memories of playing with Carol at “the big house on the corner”.