Mina Andrews

It is with great sadness that the family of Mina B Andrews (Craig) announces her passing on February 20, 2019 at the age of 91 years in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Mina is survived by her children and their families,  son Curtis Andrews and Katia Papasoff of Halifax and their sons Samuel (Fredericton) and Sebastian (Ottawa); daughter Janine Andrews and Larry Anderson of Edmonton and their dog Lilly (Edmonton); son Craig Andrews and Chris Andrews (Pitt) of Lethbridge and their son Ian (Edmonton); and daughter Lynn Paterson (Andrews) and Allister Paterson of Montreal and their daughter Nikki (Lake Louise) and son Cory (Montreal).

Mina was predeceased by her beloved husband of 70 years Dr. John “Ed” Andrews on June 16, 2018; sister Margaret and her brother Thomas.

Mina was born in Selkirk Manitoba in 1927 to father John Brown Craig (of Dalserf Scotland) and mother “Cis” Annie L. Craig (Sinclair) (of Glasgow, Scotland). She grew up on her family farm with loving parents and siblings in Selkirk where she learned to ride horses, pick raspberries and peonies, sew, cook, play the piano and dance.  Mina cherished family gatherings and was known to be an inspiration to her cousins as their babysitter and bike riding instructor. She developed a strong work ethic at an early age and was proud to work at Gilhulys drugstore in Selkirk, at Eaton’s in Winnipeg and as a fashion model in Winnipeg and Minneapolis.  She was fun loving, a character, and according to her cousin and close friend Wilma, she was noted as the most beautiful girl in Selkirk in the 1940’s!

After marrying Ed in 1948, Mina began a life of new adventures in several different cities from Minneapolis to Brandon, Swift Current and Lethbridge while raising her four children and supporting Ed while he pursued his research interests. She travelled around the world to places like India, Japan, Sri Lanka, Europe, Cuba, and Florida with Ed for his work and with family and friends for fun.

In every city where Mina lived she developed many friends and always had a strong sense of giving back to her community. She volunteered and was a member of several boards and committees including Kinettes, the Canadian Red Cross, Skate Canada, Canada Winter Games, the Lethbridge Country Club and the Lethbridge College.

Mina will always be fondly remembered as a loyal friend, kind, polite, complimentary to all and always looking out for others.  She was always a contemporary woman, dressed impeccably whether it was for a party or a dance, baking her favourite chocolate chip cookies or golfing with Ed.

Mina was the best Mom, Nana and wife. She taught us to respect others and ourselves, to love unconditionally, and was always deeply proud of her family and her husband. Mina was a second mother to her daughters-in-law and sons-in-law and loved them as if they were her own children.  She was dedicated to her family and grand-children.

We will miss you so much Mina/Mom/Nana. Now Rest In Peace with your sweetheart and soulmate Ed.

The family sincerely thanks the staff at St. Therese Villa, especially the LPN’s, HCA’s who were by Mina’s side until her passing, Ava Matisz (special companion to Mom), Sister Josephine, Danielle Walsh(RN), and her friends Nellie Parsons and Norah Hawn for their compassion, care, and support while Mina  transitioned through her final stages of life.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Mina and Ed in the spring. Details to follow. Condolences can be sent to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels Lethbridge.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mina Andrews, please visit our floral store.