Ina Jessiman
1904 - 2001
On Wednesday, April 4, 2001, at her residence in the Tabor Home, Morden, Mb., Mrs. Ina B. Jessiman, in her 97th year.
Williamina Beattie Davidson was born in Pittenkerrie, Kincardineshire, Scotland, on October 27, 1904. She was the middle child of nine. She was employed as a nanny (childcare worker) for about seven years before marrying William L.S. Jessiman and emigrating to Canada with him in 1926. They farmed first at Thornhill, Mb., and then in the Morden district before moving to the town of Morden in 1954. Ina loved to travel and made several trips back to Scotland to visit, family and friends, as well as travelling extensively in Canada and the U.S. with her husband. Much of Ina’s social life in Morden centered on the Order of the Eastern Star of which she was a past Worthy Matron. Her life membership meant a great deal to her, even though she could no longer attend in her later years. Within her family and circle of close friends, Ina was noted for her generous hospitality, her skillful knitting, her large collection of scrapbooks and photo albums as well as her perennial interest in gardening. She also had a keen eye for lost golf balls.
She was predeceased by her husband Bill in 1994. Ina will be lovingly remembered by her two daughters and two sons: Katherine Tingley of Winnipeg, Mb.; Gladys and her husband Andrew Thio of Vernon, B.C.; Allister Jessiman and Laurise Grey of Surrey, B.C.; Sangster and his wife Audrey Jessiman of Penticton, B.C.; 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. She is also survived by one brother, George Davidson, in Scotland. She will be especially mourned by grand-daughter Eveline Milliken (with Katherine and Hilary) of Winnipeg, who spent many happy hours with Ina during the past 10 years.
Funeral service was held on Tuesday, April 17, 2001 at 1:30 p.m. from St. Paul’s United Church, Morden, with the Rev. Dr. Gordon Taylor (grand-son-in-law), and Rev. Jim Penhale officiating. Interment followed at Hillside Cemetery, Morden.