Winefride Mary Finnie passed away Sunday, April 20th in Duncan. She was 101 years old. Born in Sussex, England in 1916, she served in the WAAF during WWII flying to France, Holland and Germany transporting wounded soldiers back to England. Following the war, Mrs. Finnie completed training as a Registered Nurse and Midwife in Edinburgh. In 1955 she immigrated to Canada, answering the call for nurses needed in Saskatchewan. She married Lewis “Rennie” Finnie of Kamsack, SK, in 1959. “Win” was an avid gardener, loved nature and animals, and as a self-proclaimed tomboy, enjoyed what Canada and the prairies had to offer – curling, fishing, boating, snowshoeing, and golf. In 1970, Winnie and Rennie retired and moved to Duncan. Quick to make friends, Win became an active member of St. Edward’s Parish and the CWL, the community service group IODE, and the Canadian Legion. She gave generously of her time and talents, knitting beautiful sweaters, baby clothes and blankets for these and many other charities. A member of the Cowichan Golf and Country Club, Win excelled in her favourite sport, bringing home trophies into her 80’s. For over 40 years Win entered the Cowichan Fair, winning ribbons for everything from fruit and vegetables to knitting and crocheting. She was 98 when she took home her last blue ribbon. The Finnie’s were also known for their love of pets and stewardship of animals, both emotional and pragmatic. Throughout the years cats, dogs, ponies, cows, and sheep were loved and cared for on the Duncan acreage – the latter two appropriately ending up on the dinner plate. The family dogs, a succession of white Westies named Jeannie, were frequently featured on the back of her sweaters. She was a unique and talented soul, who left on impression on all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Mrs. Finnie leaves behind a number of nieces and nephews, and many dear friends, all of whom will miss her wit, intelligence, determination and love of family and friends. The Family would like to extend its thanks and appreciation to her family doctor who respected and cared for her for over 30 odd years, and to the community nurses and staff of care givers, many of whom became good friends.
There will be a viewing at Sands Funeral Chapel, 187 Trunk Road in Duncan on Friday, May 12th, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Funeral Service is Saturday, May 13th 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 2085 Maple Bay Road in Duncan.