MAUREEN MARGARET EILEEN ADA SOUTHAM
MAUREEN MARGARET EILEEN ADA SOUTHAM
(nee GILMOUR)
Maureen Margaret Eileen Ada Southam (nee Gilmour) was born in Winnipeg on October 18, 1942, to George Gilmour and Esther Gilmour. She was a loving sister to John and Richard. Maureen was educated at St. Mary's Academy and the University of Manitoba, obtaining a BA in English and a B.Ed. Her passion to learn did not stop after university. She was an avid participant in Toastmasters, took mid-life piano lessons and was a long-time student in Nathaniel spiritual courses. She set an excellent example of the importance of education - encouraging her kids to follow their own paths.She started her career as a teacher and then moved on to become a flight attendant at Air Canada. She was part of the group of young women that ventured out in the 1960s to see the world. Her job as a stewardess took her to many places across the world, and she instilled the love of travel and adventure in her children. It was on one of these fateful flights where she met her husband, Lloyd. They eventually settled in Charleswood in Winnipeg and raised seven children in a busy but fun-filled, loving home. Maureen and Lloyd were married for over 54 years. Her body clock was in tune with the calendar, as she passed away on the same day as her wedding anniversary.Being the mother of seven children is where she excelled. Her children and grandchildren were her life's work. All her energy was poured into them, keeping them organized and running a very busy household. She never declined an opportunity to volunteer at their schools or sports teams, with most days and nights after school filled with driving her children and their friends to practices and games. We are forever grateful for her selfless actions. Her patience was unmatched and her love endless. Spending summers at the family cottage at Grand Beach was where she was happiest. Hanging out on the beach watching her kids and all their friends in the water or on the sand - that was her paradise. She was the soul of the family and our spiritual leader. Her faith was a very important part of her life. Not a judgmental faith but one that celebrated differences and everyone finding their way in their own time. We know that she has a seat at the table with the Father and all her loved ones that passed before her. She loved a party. She could be spotted at the kitchen table, at a concert and an event - always in the game enjoying herself but never at the centre. She was always the one to let others take the light and the shine.Maureen is survived by her brothers John and Richard, by her children Greg, Mike, Jeff, Heather, Julie and Chris, and by her grandchildren Taylor, Douglas, Payton, Avery, Claire, Emerson, Everett, Cooper, Gabriella, Brianna, Caleb, Sawyer and Willow. Her eldest son Brad predeceased her.You will always be with us in every sunset, in the jet streams and in the birds chirping. A private family service was held on July 4, 2025. We will hold a Celebration of Life on October 11, 2025, where all are invited and welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715
Tribute Link: www.chapellawn.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 05, 2025
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