In an attempt to make things easier on her kids (something which all but defined her) our Mother left this note regarding her obituary. It's so nicely written, informative and concise that we've decided to use it just as she wrote it:
"Here is some information for my obituary. I was born August 10, 1920 in St. Vital, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to Agnes Louisa and James Arthur Hinchliffe. I lived in St. Vital until the age of seven. We moved to Portland, Oregon for a year and then moved to Hoquiam, Washington where I graduated from high school and then attended Business College in Seattle. I was a dental assistant, a secretary for some time and retired from Ryan Advertising after eighteen years as a bookkeeper. I met my husband, Art during World War II. We married September 23, 1944. We had three children and a very happy marriage. He added much humor to our marriage. We celebrated everything with a party - birthdays, graduations, new jobs, all the holidays. Family and church were the major part of my life. I was a happy camper most of the time. I was blessed with three wonderful children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were all my favorites."

That's Mom, pure and simple, however she doesn't give herself credit for being always curious about the world around her. Her interest in words, politics, religion, science and nature manifested itself constantly in her questions and comments--one of many qualities which endeared her to Dad.

She also loved playing cards with Norma, talking on the phone to her friend in Texas, Donna, visiting her delightful former neighbor Lois, and spending any time she could with her globetrotting niece, Connie, whom she loved dearly.

Laughter was a constant. One of our favorite things was when Mom would fall into a laughing fit completely and utterly without words, sometimes even without sound. More often than not we would have to wait several minutes before she could even tell us all what she was laughing about. It happened often, and it was pure joy. Pure joy is what she wishes for you, dear reader, and everyone who was fortunate enough to have been a part of her rich and enjoyable life.

She is survived by daughters Vicky Jean (Don) Heintzman, Valerie Snow and son Patrick Burke (Agatha) and niece Connie Hansen. She has five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband on March 7, 2007 and Cody, a great granddaughter.

The family suggests donations to First Christian Church in lieu of flowers. The service will be on Friday, January 2 at 3:00 pm at First Christian Church, 432 SW Ferry Street, Albany. Private graveside service will precede the church service.

AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements ( www.aasum-dufour.com )