Mollie Aileen MOORHEAD

MOLLIE AILEEN MAY (NEE MOORHEAD)_ Mollie Aileen May of Weyburn, Sask., passed away peacefully on November 15, 2008 just a few days short of her 94th birthday. She was predeceased by her husband Murray May, grandson Patrick van der Grinten, parents Henry & Mollie Moorhead, and five siblings; June, Merle, Harry, Jack and Bill. Aileen is survived by her sister Jean Ware of Sherwood Park, AB, daughter Theresa van der Grinten (Willem) of Brummen, The Netherlands, and son Cameron May (Marilyn) of Calgary, AB. Also surviving are grandsons Oliver van der Grinten, and Colin May, granddaughter Shannon May, and numerous nieces and nephews. Aileen was born in Vanguard, Saskatchewan on November 19, 1914 and upon graduating from high school was employed as a telephone operator in that community. She met Murray in Vanguard where he was employed by Royal Bank of Canada and they were married in Regina in 1939. During Murray's military service overseas Aileen held several office jobs in Winnipeg, and the couple re-united in Regina in 1946. It was there that Theresa and Cameron were born. In 1954 the family moved to Shaunavon, where Murray served as Royal Bank branch Manager, before accepting a similar position in Weyburn in 1961. Throughout her life, Aileen demonstrated a passionate interest in music, literature and the arts; serving for many years on library and arts councils in both Shaunavon and Weyburn. A skilled pianist in her youth, she was particularly devoted to the presentation of annual Music Festivals, and the organization of live concerts to promote music appreciation in the community. Aileen was a life-long member of the United Church of Canada, and always looked forward to service with the Choir and the UCW. Her faith was a true comfort and source of strength that carried her through a number of hardships in her early and middle years. Always widely read and strongly opinionated, Aileen enjoyed debating current events, politics and religion with almost everyone. Although advancing years dimmed her eyesight and her short term memory, she continued to be fiercely independent and was determined to draw as much enjoyment out of life as she could muster. Theresa, Cameron, and their families extend thanks to the Management & Staff of Crocus Plains Villa for the care and companionship provided to Aileen in her final years. Thanks also to the dear friends who visited so faithfully and provided a loving surrogate family in our absence. Funeral services will be held at Grace United Church in Weyburn, at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 22, 2008 with Rev. M.D.E. Barnabas officiating. Interment to follow in Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express their sympathy may donate to the Weyburn Public Library Children's Programming Fund, 45 Bison Avenue, Weyburn, Sask. S4H 0H9. Arrangements in care of Hastings-Dionne Funeral Home Inc., Weyburn, SK (842-6662). Published in the Regina Leader-Post from 11/20/2008 - 11/21/2008