GWENDOLINE MAY STEWART (LEE)

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GWENDOLINE MAY STEWART (nee LEE) On January 14, 2007 at Seven Oaks Hospital, Gwen beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away at the age of 89 years. She is survived by daughter Kay Stewart (Derek Legge) of Winnipeg; son Douglas Stewart (Kathleen Woodard) of Toronto; grandchildren, Vanessa Lehman (Lewis), Michael Stewart, Christine Stewart and great-granddaughter, Jennifer Lee Lehman, all of Toronto. She also leaves to mourn sister-in-law Doris Lee of England; cousins, Joan Jones (Frank) and Leonard Oakley also of England. She was predeceased by her brother Alan Lee in 2004 and mother Mary Ann Lee in 1986 and father George Lee, many years before. Gwen immigrated to Canada as a war bride in 1944. She worked as a school teacher and principal in the Seven Oaks School Division for 31 years. She graduated Teachers College in England and returned to University in Canada to earn her Degree of Pedagogy. She was an inspiring teacher, respected and remembered by many students who were grateful for her role in their education. Family was everything to Mom. She loved visiting Toronto to care for her grandchildren, nurturing their creativity playing magic flying carpet with them and watching them grow and mature into wonderful young adults. She was delighted with her new great-granddaughter, Jenny, whose recent visit filled her with joy. Gwen played piano in her younger years and her talent and love of music was passed on to her son Douglas. She took great pride in his musical talent and the accomplishments of his career as a professional flutist. She enjoyed visiting Toronto and appreciated any opportunity to see Douglas perform. Mom also loved to spend time with Kay and Derek at the cottage and enjoyed many holidays with them over the years. She was proud of Kay getting her Master's degree and of her work as a social worker. Mom's life was an example of courage and selflessness, always generous, always faithful, always steadfast. Facing many adversities in her life, it was her faith in God and His Strength that sustained her. She raised her children as a single parent, working hard to support herself and her family while inspiring in them an appreciation of learning, of music and the arts, as well as demonstrating generosity of spirit. Her strong faith was reflected in the fact that love one another was one of the last few utterances in the final days of her life. The family would like to thank Home Care staff and Lerma Malamion and Editha Odero for their loving care, enabling Mom to remain in her own home. Family is grateful to John Bialas, Karin Schultze and Norm Sanderson for all they did for Mom. Thanks also to her church family for all their support and to faithful friends, Doris Blundell, Darlene Heinman, Peggy Robinson, the Browning family and Wilf McCluskey whose letters and regular visits added to the quality of her life. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 30 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Martin-in-the-fields Church, 160 Smithfield Ave., Rev. Mary Lysecki officiating. Interment will follow in Kildonan Presbyterian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to St. Martin-in-the-fields Church (160 Smithfield Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2V 0C2) or a charity of your choice. Cropo Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements. Ph: 586-8044.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 20, 2007