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< http://www.mem.com/Story.aspx?ID=3044146 >
Catherine Elizabeth Irene Forman White, 92, passed away
peacefully June 2, 2009, surrounded by family at Hillcrest
Extendicare.
Catherine, or Rene as she was known, was born July 20,
1916, to Scottish immigrants, Helen Rielly and James
Forman in Reston, Manitoba. Helen died in 1929 and left
Jim to raise four children and two adopted sons on his
own. Like so many prairie families that survived the Great
Depression, the Forman’s survived by being frugal, self
sufficient and determined.
Rene worked as a telephone operator with the Rural
Municipality of Pipestone and played in a women's softball
league in south western Manitoba and North Dakota. When
World War II broke out, she met a young airman from Kenora,
Ontario at a Commonwealth Air Training dance in Rivers,
Manitoba.
During the war, Rene lived in Wells, B.C., where her
brother, Jim, and adopted brothers Bert and Sandy Whytock
had found work during the depression. She was active in
cross country, downhill skiing and curling while in B.C.
In 1946, Rene married in Calgary to the airman she met at
the dance during the war. Rene and George White lived the
rest of their lives in Calgary in the communities of North
Mount Pleasant and Cambrian Heights. George worked as a
conductor with CP Rail and they raised three children,
Margaret, Mark, and Gale. She did not hesitate to tune us
up but on the flip side she was always right there to
support and protect us. Our house was always open to
friends and to this day it amazes us on how she could turn
a small meal for a few into a meal to feed the many.
In later years our Dad always knew who was coming for
dinner, as she spent all day making our favorite dishes.
Rene’s son-in-law, Gary, was so pleased to call her Mom
and to be allowed into her kitchen to learn from her, the
art of cooking a family dinner. As we grew, her attention
was on her grandchildren. Rene’s love and attention grew
into a strong bond with her granddaughter, who, when home
from England, visited her often calling out 'Grammers I’m
home.' Rene’s grandsons were such a source of pride.
Teaching them to make her famous egg salad sandwich or
sitting talking and listening to their music brought her
much joy. She was thrilled with what fine young men they
turned out to be. Rene was the Worthy Matron of North Star
Chapter 34 Order of the Eastern Star.
Rene was predeceased by her parents, Helen and Jim Forman;
her siblings, Jack, Jim, and Helen, her adopted brothers
Bert and Sandy; and finally her precious George White in
1995.
She is survived by her children, Margaret of Calgary, Mark
(Anne) of Cochrane and Gale (Gary) Henderson of Sundre,
AB; grandchildren, Stacy White of London, England, Matt
(Erin) of Cochrane, Dan (Vanessa) of Cochrane and great
grandson Noah of Cochrane; nieces Pat Mulligan of
Saskatoon, SK, Gaye Carter of Quesnel, BC; and nephew,
Clark Forman of Cache Creek, BC.
Last but not least we must thank the caring staff of the
Hillcrest Extendicare. Having a parent have to leave their
home is not easy, but having such wonderful, kind, caring
people take care of her when we could not be there, will
never be forgotten. The staff made her life so comfortable
and made her feel so cared for and loved. Randy and Karen,
our Mom looked forward to so many things because of you.
You always brought a smile when she saw you. We wish to
thank Dr. Addison and the nursing staff, you are the most
incredible and valuable people we have ever met.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date. If
friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly
to Hillcrest Extendicare, 1512 – 8 Avenue N.W., Calgary,
AB T2N 1C1.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via
the website
http://www.mem.com
FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL
FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM
Telephone: 297-0888
Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial
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