Our beloved mother completed her journey to the Lord on Saturday, February 18th, 2012 at home attended by a family filled with gratitude for nearly 95 years of love and devotion. Among the many she is now reunited with in Heaven are our father and her beloved husband of sixty-three years, John, her mother Edith, her father Edward, as well as her five brothers and sisters and two grandchildren, Mark and James. Among the many people celebrating her life are her six children, Chris, John (Susanne), Susan (Brian), Tim (Louise), Judy (Murry) and Michael (Shawnee), her grandchildren Christopher, Megan (Russell), Jeffrey, Gillian, Ian (Chantal), Nicole (Bruce), Robert (Colette), Leanne (Stefan), Elissa (Cam), Debbie (Joel), Kim (Scott), Allison (Ed), David (Rachel), Kate (Tanny), Tom (Candice), Sara (Tim), John (Jacqueline), Jenny, Kris, David, Talia, Tecla and Turk, and her thirty-two great grandchildren who all knew her as “Great” – Abby, Eric, Ava, Noah, Jasia, Keziah, Anya, Danika, Riel, Luke, Jesse, Jacob, Dylan, Brooke, Jack, Kate, Ellie, Ava, Noah, Rhys, Mira, Bowen, Zoe, Zander, Zayda, Zara, Tyger, Aysia, Tommy, Jonathon, Preston, plus three on the way – sixty three in all. Joining them are countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Born in Saskatoon on May 9, 1917 of Irish Catholic heritage she grew up a vivacious, outgoing girl, full of fun and laughter. At eighteen she travelled to Winnipeg where she trained as an RN at St. Boniface Hospital. Always adventuresome, on graduation in 1939 she accepted her uncles’ invitation to holiday in England and when war broke out stayed to work in London hospitals. Trained as a midwife, she moved among hospitals delivering babies whilst around her Londoners were enduring the Blitz. It was there amongst many suitors she met a young English doctor with whom she became engaged and married in 1942. They spent the rest of the war and some years afterward practicing family medicine in Sussex. In 1948 they responded to Canada’s post-war call for doctors and left England for a family medicine practice in the southwestern Manitoba prairie. After many adventures of country medicine, including making a makeshift maternity ward and nursery in their home and venturing out to remote farms by horse and buggy or snowshoe, increasing responsibilities in Dad’s medical practice took them to Winnipeg, where they raised their family. In 1984, retirement took them to Victoria and many full years of enjoyment of being in a home by the sea.
Toni and John were devout in their Catholic faith and support of Catholic education, including being involved in administrative positions and active service both in Winnipeg and Victoria. They were active parishioners of Holy Cross in Victoria. Mum’s real passion was family. She loved exploring the beauty of gardens and forests, and especially taking the scenic drive around Victoria’s coastline.
She was a loving mother and grandmother whose home was always open to the many frequent visitors, especially all the children who were her constant delight. Sunday supper was the tradition, and “Grannie’s place” was the headquarters for family and friends from all over two continents. She was very simply the glue that bonded together a far-flung family and by so doing bestowed on everyone that wonderful blessing that is a close family.
Special thanks to Leah Danila, an angel, for her wonderful and loving care to our mother in her final days.
A Mass in celebration of her life will be held at Holy Cross Parish, on Tuesday, February 21st, at 1 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
-
Raymond & Muriel Hill
-
Wally & Lita Rolofs We were sadened to hear of your Mom’s passing. Our sincere condolences.
Wally & Lita
-
Denis and Pat Protti Dear family of Toni (and John) Scatliff,
We consider it a privilege to have known both Toni and John Scatliff. They were precious faith-filled and loving people – Toni was always so welcoming and always had a good joke and a twinkle in her eye! We are sorry we could not be in Victoria to celebrate her life with all of you – we were with you in spirit for sure!
Your Mom’s/Grannie’s faith was to be admired. She is now at peace with “her John” who we are sure welcomed her with open arms.
Love to an amazing family – we love you!
Denis and Pat
-
julie lommerse To the Scatliffe family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your mother and grandmother. I will remember her fondly.
Your parents were both such wonderful people–something that will continue forever in all of you.
-
Peg and Dennis Labiuk Dennis says “As I had the opportunity over the past 8 years to know John and Toni, I feel very blessed.
Thank you for sharing your family with me. Such a loss.”
Peg says “I’m sorry we are away at this time. Your Mom, she always made me laugh! Dang.”
-
Andrea, David, Cecilia, Jakob and AJ Sereda My thoughts and prayers are with all of those closest to my beautiful Auntie Toni. She was such an amazing woman, one that I think is among the best. She will be greatly missed by us all. Much love to the Scatliffs as they say good bye today. Now my grandma has her best friend back – I can only imagine the mischief they will get up to together up in Heaven. Love, Andrea and the family
-
Msgr. Norman J. Chartrand Please accept this message of condolence to the Scatliff family from the Sisters, Board and Staff of Misericordia Health Centre in Winnipeg. John Scantiff was a past Medical Director at Misericordia General Hospital back in the 1950’s. We still remember and appreciate all they both did for us. We know John and Toni are together in peace with Father.
-
Steve Naherniak Our sincere condolences to the family. Our thoughts
and prayers are with youSteve & Marilyn Naherniak
-
Duncan Morrison and family Our sincere condolences to Mike, Shawnee and family and to the entire Scatliff family as well.
Respectfully,
Duncan, Angela, Brett, Carey and Shannon Morrison
-
Margaretmary Puchniak ( Downey) Dear Susan, I read your Mother’s obituary in today’s Free Press, and I was very saddened to hear of her death, but what a wonderful life she lived, and what a great lady she was!! She was always so kind and interested in us silly Sacred Heart girls!!…………My Mother turned 95 just this past weekend, and she has thoroughly enjoyed watching her Grandchildren grow and have children of their own, as I’m sure your Mother did………….Our sympathies to all your family, Marnie.
-
Al and Linda MacDonald Susan, Brian and the Scatliff family
We are so sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing. Our sincerest sympathy to all of you. Your Mom was a very dear person who, along with your Dad. showed her warmth and hospitality to Al and I in our early years in Winnipeg. Please know we are thinking of you at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Al and Linda
-
cheryl loewen Judy , Murry and family
I was so sad to hear of your mom’s, grannies and great’s passing. It seems she had been around for all of my life too. I can only imagine how much you will all miss her. My heart is breaking for all of you.
Love, Cheryl
-
Helen Beckwith It was a privilege to have known your Mother, and I hope each of you have many happy memories of her to remember her by, for she will live on in those memories. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
With love,
Helen
-
Sharon, Allan Oryschak and Family We will be with you in spirit tomorrow as you celebrate Auntie Toni’s life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
-
Michael Murphy My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Scatliff family to on this sad day. Auntie Tony was such a wonderfull person who I enjoyed many a wonderfull time we over the years. She will be greatly missed My sincere condolence Michael
-
Patrick Bennett We are very sorry to hear of your loss; mothers are special. As resonated in the obituary, her wealth was her children.
-
Keltie Phillips Sincere sympathy.What a legacy your mom has left.A special person remembered and a beautiful life honored. I will always treasure the autograph book she presented me at my nursing graduation Memories let them wam your heart fill your mind and lead you through. May the constant love of caring family and friends soften your sadness. May lasting peace surround your grieving heart. Wishing you comfort peace hope and healing in this time of sadness. So sorry for your loss. Love. Keltie
-
Day Deans-Buchan It is sad to hear of the passing of “Great”…I am sure you all take comfort in knowing that she and her true love are together once again, at peace and rest…one more angel to watch over you all.
Have solace in your wonderful memories.
My thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,
Day Deans-Buchan
-
Caroline Chapman my deepest sympathies to all the families
may the joy of her memories outshine the sadness of her passing
please hear my prayers
-
Brenda and Keith Loveridge We are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all.
Love Keith and Brenda
-
Emilia Campbell My love and prayers are with you and your family.
Your friend Emilia and Family
-
Patricia Brotherhood What a lovely tribute to your mother. Toni and John really always went to great efforts to keep the family linked together….traveling all the way to Georgian Bay with their brood in 80 degree heat. She will be fondly remembered for her unending love and constant welcoming open door. I feel so fortunate to have shared special occasions and many family moments with her and the family. Her memory will be forever engraved in my heart along with your dad, and Ronnie and Rustie alongside my parents. I’ll see you all Tuesday. Love Patricia
-
Vicki Scatliff My thoughts are with you all today. Please accept my sincere condolences. Your Mom was a lovely woman, whom I was also honoured to call “Mom”. I wish I could be there on Tuesday. Love to you all, Vicki
-
Betty English Mrs Scatliff was a wonderful woman whose laughter peeled often. She embraced us neighborhood children warmly with a glint of understanding and kindness in her eye. Her home felt like my second home. I still hear her voice in my head sometimes with aphorisms like:
“If wishes were horses, beggars would fly.”
She was a great example to me of getting your priorties right, strategic thinking and loving fully.
-
Doug Calder It was with sadness that I heard of your mothers passing yesterday. She and your dad were truly a couple to be marvelled. They were able to build a “family bond” of the highest standard. Toni was the one who saw to it and as you have said the glue that held it all together. . I also remember many trips that were spent together. Some historic in nature and other just to explore. I remember the tranditional family suppers and picnics in the park They were always arranged around family and family celebrations. Toni and John have set high standards for us all. I also remember how she liked to have fun whether it be playing charades or little practical jokes on the unexpected. You could always see the twinkle in her eyes. I also remember being introduced to sunday suppers of roast bef, potatoes, thick gravy and yorkshire pudding. She was a great cook and put on sunday spreads that are hard to surpass.There were always the games to play after supper. She will be missed by her family and friends. May they be comforted at this by her memories. Memories will replace grieving in time. Thanks Toni and John for your contributions, values and memories. ps. I have spent many time camping the the Quapplle Valley near Regina. Chers for now. Doug Calder
-
Darlene and George Christie We are so sorry for your loss
Mrs. Scatliff was a wonderful person and will sadly be missed.
She was very caring and always easy to talk with.Ouir thoughts are with you at this time
Darlene and George Christie
-
Ken and Lorraine Calder We are so sorry for your loss. What wonderful memories we all have of both your Mother and Dad. We are praying that God will comfort and hold you in His arms at this time. Love to all of you. Ken and Lorraine
-
Gary & Carie Saville To our dear friends, Susan and Brian, Judy and Murry, their children and not-so kids,
Toni was a dear, sweet soul that even those of us who are outside the family knew to be very special. She always had a smile in her heart and a joke or witty saying on her lips. Most of her sayings were Toni originals. She will be missed by many – a loving, caring lady.
We are so sorry that we cannot be there to lend our support.
Prayers and loving thoughts from
Gary & Carie
-
Marianne Law I want to send my thoughts to all of you at this difficult time…I will always remember the countless Sunday dinners at Grannie’s house where you all made me feel so welcome as Megan’s guest.When I wrote to Grannie when she lost her husband,she sent me a hand written letter asking after me and my life in England and filling me in on hers and updating me on all of you.I feel privileged that Megan and all of you let me be a part of your wonderful family over those few years.
Warmly, Marianne Law
-
Nancy Foro Debbie and Joel and family,
May this be a time of reflection on the wonderful life of your grandmother and joys of family.
Nancy Foro
The Scatliffe family
We would like to express our condolences to you on the death of your mother.Ray has many memories of your mum and dad’s time spent in Baldur.He remembers his “baby-sitting” times with the boys. The Sacatliffe and Hill family had a special friendship that went on all their lives. I remember your mum coming to Hilton when Dad Hill died suddenly with a heart attack. Other memories were coming to Winnipeg with Mum and Dad Hill in 1956 to buy our 1948 Dodge car for $295 and we all stayed at the Scatliffe home-. We had a 17 month old son and another one on the way–we were assigned the bunk beds!! We were honored to have attended the anniversay celebation in Winnipeg as well as having visited and stayed with your parents in 1986.
We did hear from your parents at Christmas time and will always treasure our memories.
Raymond and Muriel Hill .