LYDIA GUSE (ROGAN)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

LYDIA GUSE
December 1, 1924 - September 16, 2020

We are sad to announce the passing of Lydia Guse (nee Rogan) on September 16, 2020.
Left to mourn her passing are her children, Ron (Naomi), Bob (Diane), Lorna (Eugene) and Linda; grandchildren, Grace (Kevin), Alexa, Karley (Sean and sons, Bennett and Brooks), Laura (Ryan and son Wolfgang), Jane (daughters, Ava and Addie), Barry and Dan; son-in-law Dan; brothers, Adolph and Hank Rogan; sister-in-law Hazel Rogan; and several nieces and nephews.
Lydia immigrated with her family to Canada at the age of three and grew up in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. As a child, she was known for her artistic ability. The competition between public schools was such that in the weeks prior to the Yorkton Fair, Lydia would be relieved of her school work in order to complete her drawings for judging at the fair. She often won in her category. After high school, Lydia's first job was as a stenographer at the army recruitment centre in Yorkton and then later in Regina. When the soldiers returned from the Second World War, Lydia would often go to the railroad station to welcome them because she knew that some would not have family members to greet them.
In 1947, Lydia married Bill Guse, also from Yorkton. In the next 10 years, they were blessed with five children: Linda (1948), Lorna (1951), Sharon (1953), Bob (1956) and Ron (1957). In 1957, Lydia, Bill and the children moved to Winnipeg so Bill could pursue a new job and the children could have more opportunities. In the years to come, the family expanded to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In 1997, husband Bill and daughter Sharon passed away. The unexpected loss of Sharon was an especially difficult time for Lydia.
Lydia worked for many years at the Donut House where she made lifelong friends, and she did volunteer work at Lutheran World Relief. Lydia had a super green thumb and although her backyard garden was small, her crops were huge. Given a few square feet of soil, Lydia could grow anything, and there were always shallots, cucumbers, beans and tomatoes shared and gratefully received by family.
Lydia was a steadfast wife, and a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. There were always holiday gatherings and special birthday parties, and Lydia baked cakes, cookies, and the most outstanding apple pies, rhubarb pies and cinnamon buns on this earth! She made her family feel special and her energy, love and devotion for family was extraordinary. Lydia was a generous person and gave of herself to others, and she developed and maintained many friendships in Saskatchewan and in Winnipeg. But her focus was her family and she not only raised five children, she also cared for all of her grandchildren in their early and formative years. And her support also extended to dog-sitting and cat-sitting, as needed. Both Lydia and Bill showed by example, a strong work ethic which benefited their children, all of whom achieved university degrees. Lydia nurtured her children and provided good guidance to them whenever needed.
During her later years, Lydia travelled with her children and especially enjoyed trips to Arizona, Hawaii, Maui, Florida, Las Vegas and Saskatchewan. She was adventurous and open to try new foods and to see new sites, and enjoyed her trips to the casino for "entertainment". She was always a strong walker with her signature walking stick (not a cane). Lydia lived in her own home until she was 94 years old when she moved to RiverRidge Assisted Living, meeting new people and making more friends who will miss her and remember her wearing her blue hat with the pom-pom.
Respecting her wishes, the funeral will be attended by family only. Funeral arrangements are by Bardal Funeral Home (condolences: www.bardal.ca).
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba or Grace Lutheran Church Winnipeg.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the RiverRidge staff for their warmth and consideration, and to the staff at Riverview Health Centre for their excellent care and compassion.

"We love you and we miss you.
You will forever be in our hearts."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 23, 2020