On Friday, June 10th, 2016, Winnifred Yorke passed away at her residence, Hillcrest Place at 103 years of age. Winnie was born on the family farm near Cardale, Manitoba on January 2nd, 1913. Her parents, the late Ernest and Beatrice (Whitlam) Longstaff were British immigrants. She was the eldest of six children and was a great help to her parents; taking on many of the farming and household responsibilities at a young age. She was even the first in the family to drive a Ford Model A car! In 1937, Winnie married Thomas Yorke, the manager of the Moline Co-op Store. They moved to Brandon in 1941 where Tom began his career at the Post Office. Tom loved her dearly and together they raised three children; Keith, Joan and Phyllis. Winnie was a wonderful homemaker and famous for her roast beef and Yorkshire pudding dinners and homemade pies. Everything tasted better with a cup of Winnie’s tea in a fancy china teacup and saucer. She would put the kettle on as soon as company arrived. After supper, Winnie loved a game of Scrabble and played avidly - even after turning 100. Winnie was also a talented seamstress and loved to knit, crochet, and sew. Over the years she made many quilts and afghans for her family. She had a green thumb and also liked to garden. Fresh cut peonies were often on her kitchen table and flowering violets on every windowsill. Travel was another pastime that Winnie enjoyed in her later years. She visited her daughter, Joan, who worked for the Foreign Affairs at Embassies in Brussels, Japan, Austria, New Zealand, Thailand and England. As well, she took many trips across Canada by train. Winnie was a caring grandmother and loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She played an important role in their lives and was always there for them. Life’s problems were often solved over a cup of tea and a homemade cookie at Grandma’s house. Winnie will be remembered for her positive outlook on life. She always found something to be grateful for each day. Winnifred is survived by her children: Keith (Charlotte) Yorke, Joan Yorke and Phyllis (Clemm) Larsen; grandchildren: Trina (Stephen) Hayter, David (Melissa) Thickens, Thomas (Ann) Yorke, Roseanne (Bill) Patterson and Jennifer Yorke as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She also leaves to mourn her siblings; William (Peggy) Longstaff, Doug (Ruby) Longstaff, and Mary Baldwin. She was predeceased by her husband, Tom, brothers Roland and Charlie Longstaff. Winnie’s family is thankful to Hillcrest Place for all their care and compassion over the past seven years. The funeral service was held at St. Matthew’s Cathedral on Friday, June 17th, 2016. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Matthew’s Cathedral Organ Fund, 403 13th Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 4P9.

Those we hold most dear never truly leave us… they live on in the kindness they showed, the comfort they shared, and the love they brought into our lives.