Empress MacDowell—Knutsiord WI

1 He =| In 2014, Empress MacDowell, a Knutsford WI Life

4 | Member, was presented with the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of

Canada, at Government House in Charlottetown.

In 2017, Empress finally received her medal, and is pictured proudly wearing it.

Below is the letter of support written by Empress’ fellow Knutsford WI members detailing why she should be the recipient of this prestigious award:

“Dear Advisory Committee Members,

We have known Empress for over 50 years, and are very proud to have her as a Life Member of the Knutsford Women’s Institute. Since becoming a member in 1972, Empress has personified the Women’s Institute motto” For Home and Country”.

She has always been willing to take on leadership roles, and has faithfully served on numerous committees within the organization. She has generously donated her sewing and quilting talents for family and friends, as well as community fundraisers. Her cooking skills are well known—her carrot cokes are still in demand and sought after at community and

church cake auctions for charitable events.

During her lifetime, Empress has been a faithful working farm wife, mother of three, loving grandmother, friend, and neighbour to people of all ages. When she and her husband retired from farming, they took on the role of supervisors of asheltered workshop for disabled adults, where they were loved and respected by everyone.

In 2011-2012, at the age of 92, she had perfect attendance for the year at the Knutsford WI monthly meetings.

In addition to her Women’s Institute involvement, after the death of her husband whom she cared for and was a constant companion fo him at long-term care, Empress spends her days volunteering at the Margaret Stewart Ellis Home. At the age of 93, she was spending 120 hours a month volunteering to enhance the lives of the residents living there.

She is a long time member of the O'Leary United Church, where she attends regularly, offering transportation to the other ladies who no longer drive.

At the age of 94, she continues fo be an active member of the Knutsford WI, hosting special events in the common room at the senior’s home where she resides.

Kind, pleasant, fun-loving, generous, giving, and caring are some attributes that one thinks of when thinking about Em- press MacDowell.

It gives us great pleasure to personally write this letter in support of Empress MacDowell’s nomination for the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award.

Sincerely, Knutsford Women’s Institute”

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