ANN JANE GATSCHUFF (UMLAH) (DELANEY)

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ANN JANE GATSCHUFF (UMLAH) (DELANEY) Ann passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at the Victoria Hospital. She will be deeply missed by her daughter Cathe Umlah (Bobbie), and her son James Umlah (Heather). She will also be missed by her grandchildren, Delaney, Jarrett, Amanda and Justin. Ann was predeceased by her husband Johnnie in 2004. Ann was born in Paisley, Scotland to James and Margaret Delaney on December 1, 1926. She had four siblings, Kate, Margaret, Robert and Betty. When Ann was two years old, her mother died during childbirth and she was brought up by the nuns in an orphanage in Glasgow. She spoke highly of her upbringing and treatment by the nuns but she never got over the loss of her family at such a tender age. By the time she was 16 and ready to join the convent, she was contacted by her sisters, Kate and Margaret, as well as her father in Canada who sent for her. Reuniting with her family in Ottawa was a joyous occasion and the start of a new life for Ann. Her young years working at the Bank Note Company were exciting and she had many girlfriends and suitors. She was a beautiful and spirited young woman who loved football and the Ottawa Roughriders. She married Gordon Umlah in 1953. They enjoyed many happy years with the Air Force crowd and commanded the dance floor, winning dance competitions and having fun. They were delighted with their young family and eventually were stationed and settled down in Winnipeg. As a single parent, Ann worked hard to support her children and worked her way up in the Fort Garry Trust Company over the years and eventually became the manager. She was an intelligent, outgoing and accomplished woman who was appointed the first woman president of the Fort Garry Chamber of Commerce. She was proud of her career in banking and delighted in her connections in the community and with her customers. She met Johnnie through the trust company and he was smitten! They married in 1975 and she eventually became Vice President of Canadian Tool and Die, supporting Johnnie and the business over the years. She brought her charm and her business smarts to the company and won over the hearts of many. Ann and Johnnie were quite the team entertaining in their beautiful home on South Drive and in Hawaii over the years. She continued to be the ultimate football fan, fiercely loyal to the Blue Bombers and converting Johnnie to the joy of the game. She also enjoyed her friendships with Theresa, Maria and especially Jean who was her greatest friend and confidant. Since Johnnie's death, Ann has enjoyed her suite' at the Sturgeon Creek Retirement residence and appreciated the care of staff and her interactions with other residents. She had a commanding presence wherever she was and could charm anyone with her winning smile. Mom was a unique person who taught us so many valuable lessons over the years. She was tremendously proud of her Scottish and Irish heritage and enjoyed her trips overseas to visit family and reconnect with her past. She was a devoted mother, who prided herself on her family's accomplishments. She had a sharp wit, a wonderful sense of humour and was fiercely independent, even as her health declined. She was blessed with the friendship and care of Michelle Williams over the last few years and they shared many memorable moments together. With Michelle's wonderful care, Mom was able to enjoy as much independence as possible and she thought of her as her second daughter. Special thanks go to the staff at Sturgeon Creek Retirement Residence who have been so kind, and especially to Michelle. We are also appreciative of the wonderful care from Dr. Pacin and the staff at the Victoria Hospital. Thank you, Dr. Pacin for your kindness and personalized care of our mother. She appreciated you! Funeral services were held on Friday, February 23 at 11:00 a.m. in Holy Rosary Parish Church 510 River Ave. with Father Sam Argenziano presiding. Pallbearers will be Justin Umlah, Amanda Umlah, Jarrett Miller, Delaney Miller, Jon Ellis, Frank Cappasso and Michelle Williams. Friends were invited to receive the family at a luncheon being served in Thomson In the Park Funeral Home 1291 McGillivray Blvd. immediately following the service. Go in peace Mom. We love you and you will be in our hearts forever. An Irish Blessing May the road rise to meet you May the wind be ever at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face And the rain fall softly on your fields And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand THOMSON IN THE PARK FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 1291 MCGILLIVRAY BLVD. WWW.THOMSONINTHEPARK.COM 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 24, 2007