JEAN FERRIS (GENTLES) -

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JEAN FERRIS (nee GENTLES) 1923 - 2007 With a great deal of sadness and love, we announce the passing of Jean Ferris, aged 84, who quietly succumbed at Riverview Hospital on Thursday, July 26, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer. Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband of 62 years, Frank; parents Elizabeth and David; brother Sidney; son Larry; and sons-in-law, Russ and Jack. She leaves to cherish her memory sons, George (Judy), Stan (Darlene), Bob (Marlene); daughters, Betty, Lorraine (Ron) and Carrie; grandchildren, Kim (Dan), Brian (Denise), Claudette, Larry, Brad (Melissa), Dean (Nancy), Jason (Erica) and Stacey (Mike); 11 great-grandchildren; numerous brother- and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her extended family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For the last 25 years, Jean has battled many forms of cancer. Despite the enormous challenges and many hardships, her positive attitude and passionate embrace of life personified strength, courage and fortitude. Jean was devoted to her family and loved ones. She opened her heart and home to everyone that crossed her threshold. She will always be remembered for her home-cooked meals, the warmth of her company, youthful spirit, quick wit and the sound of her warm laughter. Jean was born in Glasgow, Scotland. Her parents immigrated to Canada shortly thereafter. The family lived in many of Canada's western provinces in search of work. Eventually they found work in the small Northern Ontario community of Mackenzie Island. Her father was the cook for the Gold Eagle Hotel. During their time on the island, Jean attended school and met her lifelong friend Ida Holowka (Ferris), sister to her future husband Frank, who worked at the Gold Eagle Mines. Jean and Frank raised their seven children on the family farm, 15 miles from Chatfield, Manitoba. They retired to Selkirk, Manitoba, and later to Winnipeg. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 28, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. John Brebeuf Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Pl., at Renfrew. The family would like to thank the staff of the Riverview Hospital, Palliative Care unit, who treated Jean with the utmost respect, dignity and compassion. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation to the Manitoba Cancer Society. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements 775-2220.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 27, 2007