Julia Joan Armishaw

Julia Joan Armishaw

     It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mother Julie Armishaw on  December 7th, 2020.

     Mom was born in Portage la Prairie on June 26th, 1941 to parents Joseph and Mary Vivier; the fifth child in a family of nine.  Mom lived in Portage for her entire life and was well known in the community.

     Mom was predeceased by her parents; her only son Keith, her loving companion Ron Armishaw, along with her siblings; Rose VanDyke, Ida Brown, Josephine MacDonald and Henry Vivier. 

     Left to cherish her memory are her daughters; Kim (Don) Chipman, Susanne (David) Moran, and Bonny Herrebout, along with her grandchildren; Angie (Scott), Kaliegh (Paul), Neil (Nikki), Carly (Brad), Lyndsey (Matthew), Jennifer (Humberto), Sara and her thirteen great grandchildren. Mom is also survived by her sisters; Ann (Bob), Sheila (John), her brothers; Gerry and Clifford, numerous nieces, nephews and cherished friends. 

   Mom had a work ethic that could be compared to none.  She had a knack for making you feel that you were the most important person in her world whether she was serving you a coffee or taking care of you when you were ill.  

   As a young woman she worked as a waitress at Zola’s and the Anglo. She was employed at the Campbells' Soup Company and in CSR at the hospital.  She then took a position as assistant manager at Smitty's Restaurant when it first opened in the Portage Mall. From there she went back to the Portage Hospital as a Nurses’ Aid where she remained until her retirement in 2005.

   In all these roles mom gave her very best, but it was in the role as a Nurses' Aid that she felt the most fulfilled. Finding the need to stay busy, Mom went back to work seasonally at Mallards Lodge at Delta for a few more years. It became very special to her.

     Mom genuinely cared for people, left an impression on many and in return was truly blessed with many friends throughout her life. You could not take Mom anywhere without bumping into someone she knew, whether it was out for lunch, for groceries or to an event.  Guaranteed you would get home hours later because it was never just a "hello".  

     Mom loved that she had the opportunity to travel.  She made memorable trips to the east and west coast of Canada, and to the beautiful mountains of Alberta and B.C. while visiting family. She travelled to Hawaii with her daughter Bonny and sister in-law Margaret, to Mexico to see her granddaughter Lyndsey get married and enjoyed a trip to Nashville where she was thrilled to meet her favourite singer Charlie Pride.  

       Mom did not have to travel far to enjoy herself, she attended many festivals and cultural events that were closer to home with her daughter Kim and sister Ann. The Metis and Irish events were always her favourite. When asked what she would like for her birthday she would always say “a picnic in the park”.  

    Mom was our biggest supporter in all that we did. She was equally proud of each of our accomplishments - big or small.  Mom encouraged us to be all that we could be, gave us everything we could ever need and loved each of us unconditionally.  She taught us the value of hard work, friendship and above all to have faith in the Lord. She exemplified all of these traits in her own life. 

   Mom’s grandchildren and great grandchildren meant the world to her. To them she was their Nan. She was so excited when she become a Grandma.  From cuddles, to first steps, to the loss of a first tooth, she was there. With lots of laughter, some tears and many blessings she watched each of them become the young adults she was so proud of.  When she became a great grandmother she was over the moon. She felt so blessed to be able to be part of their lives like she was with her grandchildren. She cherished every moment spent with each of them and  was a very special part of their lives. Mom kept every card that she received, every note that was written and she always made sure that birthday cards were sent and hugs were given. 

       Mom loved the Lord Jesus. She was a member of Golden Plains Baptist Church. She read her Bible faithfully and if you received a note or card from Mom it most likely had her favourite verse(s) in it. Numbers 6:24-26.

     We would like extend our thanks to Dr. Finney and to the medical staff on both the Medical Ward and the ETU.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Sunset Palliative Care, 40 Royal Rd. N., Portage la Prairie, MB  R1N 1V1.

     Julie’s family will cherish her memory privately.

Messages of condolences can be made online at www.omegafuneralhome.com

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