Our Mom, Audrey (Hillis) McLaren was born at the family farm home in Saltcoats, SK on April 21, 1928. Her siblings included older brother (Jack), younger brother (Leonard) and her youngest sister (Beryl). After completing her education at Castleton and Saltcoats Schools, Mom entered Nursing Training in Yorkton and fulfilled her life-long dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. This dream stemmed from her experiences as a disabled child and the loving care she received at the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children in Winnipeg, MB. Mom exemplified this care during her nursing career at Foam Lake, Melville and Yorkton General Hospitals. In 1951, Mom married Lorne McLaren from the Ashton District in Saskatchewan. They had four children, Blaine, Tenley, Bonnalyn and Coralee. Yorkton became home for many years after moving from the McLaren family farm. Mom dedicated her life to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, insisting that each of us reach beyond our potential, strive for excellence and fulfill our own dreams. Special times and memories with grandchildren included countless sleepovers, exciting road trips, "goodie bags" and family gatherings highlighted by her famous butter tarts, cinnamon buns and the toffee candy. As an accomplished writer, Mom drew on her extraordinary life and published a book entitled "You Could Try, Grandma!" that proudly featured (of course!) her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Although Mom faced many challenges, she conquered every one of her life goals with strength and passion. She exemplified unconditional love and lived a full and meaningful life surrounded by family and the close friends she held so dear, near and far. We would like to acknowledge the staff at Golden Links Lodge (Winnipeg) for the loving care they provided our mother and the comfort and peace they granted our family for the past three years. These years were enriched with new friendships and happiness. She passed away peacefully on November 15, 2017, surrounded by love. An intimate family service was held in her honour on November 25, 2017 at Glen Lawn Funeral Home in Winnipeg and she was laid to rest at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens. A "Celebration of Her Life" reunion of her family and friends is being arranged for the spring - her favourite time of year. In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully received in memory of Audrey McLaren at the Shriners Organization: www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.orgThank you to everyone for your kind words, prayers and condolences. Mom will be greatly missed. To Live is to Love! We Love You Mom.
