GWENDA MARGARET VANDENBERG (MORRISON)

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GWENDA MARGARET VANDENBERG (nee MORRISON) It is with great sadness the family announces the peaceful passing of Gwenda Margaret Vandenberg on Tuesday, October 31, 2006. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 49 years, William; her son John (Valencia); daughter Anne (Wes); grandchildren, Conrad, Eric, Steven and Michael; her two nieces Amy and Maryann and her nephew Bruce. Gwenda was predeceased by her parents, her twin brother Keith and sisters Elizabeth and Doris. Gwenda was born in Winnipeg to loving parents Anne Frances (nee Lamont) and John Wilson Morrison. Her character was molded in her formative years by her mother and her father, both accomplished teachers, he a school principal, lawyer and lecturer who became Referee and Master of the Court of Kings Bench, Manitoba. Gwenda received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from United College, her Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Manitoba, and later graduated from Stanford University of California where she earned her Masters Degree in Education. Her 40 year career as an educator took her overseas to France with the Department of National Defence, after which she returned to teach in Winnipeg and the St. James School Divisions. She was especially proud of her involvement in the Major Work program for gifted children at Birthwood School in the early 1960's. She greatly valued her long and enjoyable career at Silver Heights Collegiate as a Guidance Counselor and English teacher where she made many close friends. Gwenda greatly enjoyed travelling, and was privileged to see much of the world. Her travels took her to Europe on a number of occasions, to North Africa, the Middle East and the South Pacific. She travelled many times to California, and her fondest memories were of a spectacular post-retirement trip to Hawaii, Australia, Fiji and New Zealand with her husband Bill. She loved camping in Manitoba, and took pleasure in many motoring trips throughout Canada and the United States with her husband and children. Gwenda was known and loved for her quick wit and intelligence. She never lost her sense of humour and kept a positive attitude during the most trying of times. She was a beacon of light to her family, loyal and supportive to friends and acquaintances alike. Gwenda's family would like to extend their utmost thanks and gratitude to the staff at the Grace Hospital for their genuine care and compassion for Mom and the family. We will always remember your kindness. A memorial service to celebrate Gwenda's life will be held Monday, November 6 at 10:00 a.m. in Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 500 - 55 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1L8. THOMSON IN THE PARK FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 1291 MCGILLIVRAY BLVD. WWW.THOMSONINTHEPARK.COM 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 03, 2006