LEWIS: Jane Barrie (Janie) beloved wife of the late Charles W. Lewis passed away at the Hamiota District Health Centre with her family at her side on Friday, April 3, 2009. Janie was born March 27, 1924 at Mauchline, Ayrshire, Scotland to John and Elizabeth Thom.

Life was not easy for her family while she was growing up and by the war years she was working at an ammunition factory. But there was one happy event during the war when she met and married her Canadian soldier Charlie on March 26, 1945. After an arduous journey by ship and train she finally arrived in Canada to a strange new way of life. The Lewis family and the "Chumah" community in the R.M. of Hamiota greeted her with open arms. It was here they made their home together farming until 1993 when they retired to town. There were many adjustments to be made but Janie's determined will and sense of humour helped her through them. She had a strong faith and enjoyed daily devotionals, which led her into ladies units of the UCW and the Chumah Ladies Club. Janie loved to bake and enjoyed sharing her talents over a cup of tea. All were made welcome to her and Charlie's "wee" house, where many a laugh was shared.

Although she loved her new country she maintained a strong bond with her Scottish homeland and her many relatives there. She was able to return home several times and had some family come visit her here.

Janie was predeceased by her parents, her step father, her beloved husband Charlie, an infant son, brothers Charlie and Jim Thom, sister Cissie Hlibyczuk, step brothers Jim and Bobbie Graham, and sister-in-laws Jane and Sarah Thom.

Left to mourn her passing are son Sid (Terry), grandsons Nathan (Margie), Adam, Patrick, sister Betty (Jim) Hall, sister-in-laws Grace and Margaret Graham, brother-in-law Michael Hlibyczuk and many nieces and nephews. Also mourning her loss are brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws Rod (Bernice) Lewis, Jack (Ruth) Lewis, Joan Lewis, and many extended Lewis family members.

A family graveside service was held on April 7 at the Crandall cemetery with Barbara Rediker officiating. Piper Douglas Caldwell provided a touch of home on the bagpipes. Lunch followed at the Chumah Hall in Hamiota.

Pallbearers were Allan Smith, Ken Smith, Rob Smith, Harry Andrew, Edwin Rothnie, and Ron Houck.

Campbell Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Donations may be made in Janie's memory to the Hamiota United Church Memorial Fund, Hamiota, MB, ROM OTO.