GERRIE (GEERTJE) TAPLIN

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GERRIE (GEERTJE) TAPLIN

(nee BOELHOUWER)

Mom was born May 26, 1946 in Lekkerkerk, The Netherlands, to Cornelis and Pietertje Boelhouwer and died at St. Boniface Hospital June 8, 2026.

Mom is survived by son Bradley (daughter-in-law Tara); daughter Alina; and sisters, Tuentje, Corrie, Rina, Chris, and Sonya. She was predeceased by her parents; siblings, Jo, Peter (in infancy), Sjanie, and Hans; and ex-husband Larry.

In 1953, along with her parents and older siblings, mom immigrated to Canada, settling in Prince Edward Island, before moving to Winnipeg to seek better employment opportunities. It is here she met dad, getting married in April 1968.

Mom worked a number of jobs until becoming a stay-at-home mom. She was there for us growing up, with words of encouragement, a shoulder to cry on, or an ear to hear about our day. Once us kids were older, mom returned to the workforce, this time at Perth's dry cleaners, where she worked her way up to store manager.

Mom and dad spent the majority of their lives together living in the North Kildonan area, eventually moving into Edgewood Estates. Mom remained here, even after dad moved to assisted living, until COVID, when she moved in with Alina. As her health, and cognition, deteriorated mom required additional supports, first moving to assisted living (The Waverley) followed by supportive housing (The Rosewood). Mom's memory continued to deteriorate, eventually being diagnosed with Alzheimers in November, 2024. Over the last several months, mom had several panic attacks, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and a noticeable decrease in her overall health. Her most recent episode resulted in a visit to emergency at St. Boniface hospital where we found out, on May 28, 2026 (two days after turning 80), that mom had lung cancer. Mom was admitted to 5B medicine where she received her end-of-life care.

Special thanks to the staff of The Waverley/Rosewood Retirement Residence, the staff of 5B medicine, Helen from spiritual care, the consulting nurse specialist and doctors from the palliative care program, and, most especially, the many family members (both near and far), friends, and colleagues who provided love and support during mom's end-of-life.

Per mom's request, cremation has taken place. Please join the family for a come-and-go luncheon to remember mom, and to support each other, on Friday August 21, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street in West Saint Paul.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2026