Family

Vanstone, Russenholt, MacFarlane Family

1908-2015

Kathleen Josephine Vanstone Russenholt was born on July 9, 1908, in Wawanesa, Manitoba, to Charles M. Vanstone and Lily J. Clarke. In 1929 Kathleen (also known as Kay) graduated from the University of Manitoba with a BSc. After graduation, Kay was a supervisor of Canadian Chautauquas, a provincial secretary of the Wartime Information Board, and a broadcaster; during this time Kay was a host of the “Man About the House” radio program on CBC Winnipeg. At some time, Kay married Edgar S. Russenholt (also known as Ed) and had 3 children: Lynne MacFarlane (Russenholt), Ben Russenholt, and Champ (Fayre) Russenholt. After her marriage, Kay served as President of the Science Alumni Association at the University of Manitoba, served two terms as the alumni representative on the University Board of Governors, was on the planning committee of the Women’s School of Citizenship, President of the Winnipeg chapter of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs, an executive member of the University Women’s Club, a member of the local United Nations Association, served on the national board for the Canadian Institute of Adult Education, a member of the Manitoba Liquor Licensing Board, and was a Manitoba member of the Federal Centennial Commission. For her achievements, Kay was named “Woman of the Year” by the Winnipeg Tribune in 1952. Kay passed away on May 11, 1989.

Lynne MacFarlane (Russenholt) was born on July 29, 1932, to her parents, Edgar S. Russenholt and Kathleen Josephine Vanstone Russenholt. She attended Laura Secord School, Wolseley School, and Gordon Bell High School, during this time she was involved in almost every activity and club the schools offered. When she graduated, she attended the University of Manitoba and completed an Honour’s Degree in History and Political Science; she was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority (Lynne appears in both the 1952 and 1953 University yearbooks). Years later she would return to receive her Master’s degree in History where she performed extensive research on Rosa Luxemburg. In 1950 she met her future husband, Donald MacFarlane and eventually had four children: Shannon (Rob Giesbrecht), Avon, Tara, and Scott (Donna). Her career path varied greatly throughout the years with positions such as: broadcaster, journalist, public relations professional, writer, best-selling author, stock broker, financial planner, speaker, counsellor, and editor for the Manitoban; and she had worked for CBC, the Winnipeg Tribune, the University of Manitoba, RBC Dominion Securities, and a business partner with her husband at MacFarlane Communications Services Ltd. She also spent a term sitting on the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women and was involved with the Panhellenic movement. Lynne was generous with her time and knowledge, as she would aid friends and family in time of need, as she aided Marjorie Gillies manage her financial affairs; and when she would keep all of her family members in contact with one another. She is known for her strong work ethic, fierce intellect, kindness, generosity, support systems, vibrant personality, force of good, pride in Canadian heritage, and a role model to many. Lynne passed away of Alzheimer’s on October 30, 2015.

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Created by Analeigh Novak (June 2019).