ILENE (BLONDIE) HOLMSTROM

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ILENE (BLONDIE) HOLMSTROM June 5, 1922 - October 21, 2007 Surrounded by her family mom passed away on October 21, 2007 at the Interlake Regional Health Centre, Gimli, Manitoba. She had only been sick for one month and we consider that a blessing. Mom was predeceased by our father, Eldon in 1978 when she was 56. We have always admired that with great courage she completely started a new life for herself. She is survived by her son Gerald (Colleen), daughter Barbara and grandchildren, Alana (Devon), and Kristofor (Jen). Her parents, Fred and Emma Rankmore are deceased as well as her brothers, Ewart, Cyril and Gordon and one sister Elsie. She is survived by her sisters, Winnifred and Lila and sisters-in-law, Jean and Phyllis. She was born on June 5, 1922 at Moore Park, Manitoba and enjoyed a very happy home life. She loved to talk to anyone about her wonderful early years and the happy times she shared with her family. Mom was a remarkable woman and we thank God for the gift of having her as our mother and friend. She taught us to be able to forgive and forget and not to hold grudges. She gave us faith so that we could go forward, not knowing what the future would hold. She expressed her opinions to us even when they were very different from what ours would be and we learned important life lessons from this. Our family occasions were always filled with love and laughter. Not only did she laugh with us but she also had the capacity to laugh at herself. She celebrated every occasion from decorating Valentine's Day cookies to an egg covered Easter tree and these memories will be in our hearts forever. She was passionate about every sport but was particularly fond of curling and golfing and was able to golf well into her 70s. But her greatest gift of all was her ability to make friends and bring people together. She loved nothing better than to entertain new and old friends alike, bringing them together in a circle of friendship. Mom will be missed by many but we will each have our memories to hold on to. In keeping with her wishes no funeral will be held. The immediate family will be gathering at a later date for an interment service. No flowers please. If you so wish a donation can be made to a charity of your choice. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 24, 2007