Winifred Canavan of Libby

Winifred Canavan died Oct. 13, 2014, surrounded by her family at the Libby Care Center. 

She was born in Great Falls to Albert and Winifred Whitmarsh. She attended grade school in Rexford and graduated high school from Peninsula High School in Washington state. 

She worked for the Salvation Army in Bremerton, Wash., and then in Texas at a home for unwed mothers. 

After her brother Woodrow’s wife died, she moved she moved to Libby to help him and his family. 

She met Basil Canavan and they married Oct. 11, 1956. They celebrated their 58th anniversary in a family celebration at the Libby Care Center.

Winnie, as she was known to her friends, was very active in the Yaak community, where she and Basil resided. She served for many years on the school board and retired as clerk of the Yaak School. 

Her biggest impact was her spiritual leadership. She taught Bible studies for after-school and women’s groups, ensured there was a Vacation Bible School program and was one of the founders of the Yaak Community Church.

She was a talented quilter, and she was gifted at knitting and crocheting. For many years she had a dog sled and was an avid musher.

She was preceded in death by her son Allan; her parents; a sister; and four brothers. She is survived by her husband; three daughters RaeAnne (Dan), Caroline and Corrine (Frank); grandchildren Jeff, Greg, Austin, Blake, Darby, Jamie and Owen; and 11 great-grandchildren.  

A private family service was held Oct. 16, 2014, at the Boyd Cemetery in the Yaak. 

A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Yaak Community Church. A potluck will follow.