Obituary Overview
Alice Irene Rothwell
1923-2018
It is with profound sadness that the family of Irene announces her passing at Teulon Hospital on Friday, February 2, 2018 at the age of 94. She was preceded in death by her husband James (Jim) Rothwell and all of her numerous brothers and sisters.
Mother is lovingly remembered by all of her sons Brian (Gwen), Neil (Esther), Bruce (Charl) and David; grandchildren Sherry, Michael (Jennifer), Erin (Vikram) and Carrie (Corey); and great-grandchildren Isaiah, Jasmine, Carson, Madeline, Marcus, Grayson, and Maya.
She was born June 3, 1923 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Victor and Johanna Carlson who were immigrants from Sweden. Mother was always proud of her Swedish heritage. They settled in Meadows, Manitoba and she spent her early years on the family farm. She was the youngest child of the family and, by her own admission, a little spoiled. Her parents provided piano lessons through the Toronto Conservatory of Music and later sent her to St. Mary’s Academy in Winnipeg to complete her high school.
School teaching was her desired vocation upon completion of high school. She went to Normal School in Winnipeg to complete her training and in 1941 received her Teacher’s Certificate. Her first posting was to a small elementary school in Teulon where her uncle and aunt Nordin lived. Later, her teaching career took her to Woodlands, Manitoba in 1943 where she met her future husband, Jim. They were married in 1947.
Mother and Dad spent a good part of their married lives in Meadows and their children were all born while they lived in this small, rural Manitoba location. Dad ran the general store, Mother assisted when she could as she also commuted to Winnipeg in later years to teach. She retired from her teaching career with the St. James School Division in 1978.
By the early 1980s, they moved to Winnipeg and both Mother and Dad first experienced retirement in the city. They moved to Stonewall, Manitoba in the early 1990s eventually establishing a residence at Lions Manor. This location was the highlight of their retirement years. They had many friends and enjoyed the various activities available to them, especially playing cards. It was an idyllic retirement. Upon Dad’s passing, Mother continued living in Lions Manor until illness forced her to leave.
Mother and Dad led a simple life and family was very important to both our parents. They were each other’s best friend. Times were the happiest when the boys were home with their families. Gathering around holidays took a special meaning as there was more chance that all could be together.
They both came from large families and relatives held a close attachment. Friends were cherished and they enjoyed company. Nothing was better than a party and all were welcome. They were both very good at storytelling.
Mother placed a special importance on her children finding good jobs. She was good at collecting, organizing, record keeping and money management, even in her later years. Her numerous scrapbooks also told us wonderful stories of family life.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to a charity of one’s choice.
A private interment will take place at a later date.
Mother, you will be missed.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Alice Irene Rothwell 2018.source
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba