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We are very sad to announce the passing of Lois Carkener (nee McEachen) on July 13, 2018 at the age of 87 years young. Lois was the first child born on the family farm in Arcola, Saskatchewan to Earl and Hattie McEachen. Due to the Depression the family moved to Manitoba, eventually settling down in Brandon where she attended St Michaels Academy. She met and married Robert (Bob) Carkener in 1949 and they built their home on 12th Street East where she would live for the next 65 years. Lois loved to garden and tend to her flowers. This helped her in her working life, as she worked for McKenzie Seeds for over 30 years. She eventually retired in 1993 as the store manager. Lois loved to volunteer and be active in her community. She was a member of the East End Community Centre and St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church for 50 years. She was a long time member of St. John's Ambulance, and was recognized in 1986 by the Governor General in a ceremony in Ottawa. At one point she was involved in 26 organizations and was an executive member of 7 of them. For these actions she was named the YWCA Woman of the Year in 2003. Lois loved to cook and to look after her family. Christmas was always a very special time with much giving of gifts and cooking special foods. She adored children and spoiled them with presents and treats. Lois loved to travel and explored every continent (except Antarctica, but she did see it on a cruise!). Lois is survived by son Jim (Gail), granddaughter Amanda (Colin) Hopkins and great grandchildren Owen and Avery all of Surrey BC. She is also survived daughter-in-law Faye Carkener of Brandon and grandson Ian (Jody) Carkener and great grandchildren Cailtlyn and Warren, granddaughter Nancy (Eric) Adema and great grandchildren Farren and Taven all of Brandon. She is further survived by her sister Joan (Barry) Lapointe of Nanaimo BC, sisters-in-law Valerie Carkener and Mavis McEachen of Brandon, and will be missed by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Bob (1992), son Dwight (2015), brothers Gordon and Mel McEachen, and brother-in-law Lynden (Sonny) Carkener. The Celebration of Lois' Life took place at Memories Chapel on Friday, July 20, 2018. Lois was laid to rest in a private ceremony at the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Lois may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 2B3.

Our community has lost a true gem. Enjoy your rest Lois, you have earned it.