Vivian Bernice Stinson
September 10, 1931 - April 15, 2023
With family by her side, Vivian Bernice Stinson peacefully passed from her earthy home and now abides in the comfort and peace of her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
With many cherished memories, mom will be missed by her beloved Hugh, husband of over 65 years, son Brad (Dawn) Stinson, daughters Trish (Joe) Bruce, Chanda (Eugene) Paterson, Kristin (Steve) York. She also leaves behind her thirteen grandchildren: Lyndsay (Josh) Smith, Chad (Kat) Mironuck, Nicole (Matt) Thurman, Tyler Mironuck, Shirstine (Alex) Daum, Myles Paterson (Kelcie Fontaine), Julia (Dan) Rosichuk, Quaid (Chantel) York, Karl Paterson (Stephanie Jacoby), Daniel (Natasha) Stinson, Brant York, Austin Paterson, and Mason York; Five great grandchildren: Abigail Smith, Amy York, Mia Mironuck, Estelle Daum, and Ezra Paterson; wonderful brothers and sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews and a host of dear friends.
Mom was predeceased by her parents Alfred and Hilda Olson, siblings Walter Olson, Earl Olson, and Ethel Kerr, sisters-in-law Ruth Olson, Linda Stinson, Norma McLeod, Dorothy Stinson and brother-in-law Cecil McLeod.
Mom was born in LeRoy Saskatchewan on September 10, 1931. At age 13 they moved as a family to Kamsack, Saskatchewan. After graduating from grade 12, she traveled east via train to Winnipeg where she worked for a short time and then moved to Burlington Ontario with her sister Ethel. She held many jobs, often involving a variety of secretarial duties. She also attended Sharon Bible school in North Battleford, SK from 1950-1951. In 1953 she graduated from Normal School with an interim teaching certificate and further obtained her permanent Teacher Certificate in 1956.
While attending church camp in North Battleford, she met the love of her life, a handsome farmer, Hugh Stinson. Dad was smitten by mom’s inward and outward beauty. Mom received her first love letter from dad in the fall of 1956. They courted for only 7 months, were engaged in April of 1957 and married July 27, 1957. Their first home was on a farm in Colgate, Sk., but within the year they moved to Regina, making that city their home for the next 34 years.
Mom taught elementary school until the mid 1960s at which time she retired from teaching and graciously devoted her life as a full-time wife, mother and homemaker. Many a night she would stay up late to assist her children in completing their schoolwork. Once a teacher, always a teacher! Not only did she instill in us the values of working hard and doing our best, but through her example she taught us the importance of honesty, integrity, gratefulness, servitude, and most importantly trusting in God.
Mom’s faith and prayer life were her strength. As children we often heard mom praying with dad for the needs of others and for each family member by name! Music filled mom’s heart. Many songs were given to her from the Lord as she sat at her piano to play and sing. Music was a huge part of her life and playing the piano was her source of relaxation and joy. Mom had a beautiful voice. She and dad together enjoyed many years of blessing others with their gift of singing and humorous skits as entertainment. She even enjoyed the opportunity to sing with the Regina Philharmonic Choir.
Mom was also very artistic and loved to paint, and draw. She used her talents painting backdrops for children’s plays, writing songs and poems, and directing many Christmas church programs. She had a very special ministry with children!
Mom, together with dad, was very hospitable and loved company! They opened their home to all friends and family, those travelling through to spend the night, or those just wanting to fellowship. They were the hosts to all kinds of gatherings and many young people were welcomed in their home to take up room and board for as long as they needed. She was a 2nd mom to many!
Mom’s parents Alfred and Hilda Olson came to live in their home during their aging years. Mom showed incredible strength of character as she worked tirelessly caring and sacrificing for not only her husband and four young children, but also her parents. She counted it an honor to care for her parents and she did it with a cheerful heart!
After dad’s retirement, they took on a new adventure. With the help of friends and family they built a beautiful new home in Cranbrook BC. Mom captured many hours of that build on their camcorder! They enjoyed wonderful fellowship with close church friends. It was during their time in Cranbrook that they were introduced to the game Skip-Bo. Little did we know how important that game would be to them in their later years. This game became a daily source of enjoyment as mom’s hearing failed. It was something mom and dad could enjoy doing together without the need to hear.
In 2002 mom and dad moved to Calgary to be closer to family. Once again, they enjoyed making memories with their children and grandchildren. In 2016 they moved to the Lindenwood Manor, an Assisted living home in Winnipeg. Mom was in and out of the hospital many times since arriving in Winnipeg but faced those times with grace and faith.
We would like to thank all those who cared for mom over the past couple years, especially the staff at Simkin Care Home – Weinberg 1 and Charleswood Care Centre. Also thank you to Kayla, Elizabeth, Jun and others who provided such loving and compassionate care to mom while she lived at Chanda’s home. Thank you also to friends and family for your love and friendship throughout mom’s life.
Mom you were the best mom anyone could ever ask for. Your work on earth is now complete and your spirit is rejoicing in the presence of our Lord and Saviour. Until we meet again our hearts will go on singing, knowing the plan for our lives is “All in the Master’s Hand”.
Mom had a special place in her heart for children. In lieu of flowers, you may consider a donation to a children’s charity of your choice.
Join us for a time of remembering and sharing as we honour the lives of Hugh and Vivian Stinson
In keeping with the Stinson style, please feel free to come with a song, story or special memory to share.
Date: Saturday July 27, 2024
Time: 1:30pm
Location: Living Hope Alliance Church
3800 Green Falls Dr
Regina, Sask
The Celebration of Life will be held in the gymnasium. A light lunch will be served
Branch & Pyre Cremation Care