RETA GERTRUDE RIPPIN (THIESSEN) -

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RETA GERTRUDE RIPPIN (nee THIESSEN) 1929 - 2007 Reta died peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital on Friday, April 20, 2007 surrounded by her family. The last ten years of Reta's life have been marked by many health problems that she faced with great courage. Her success in remaining independent and active throughout this time can be attributed in large part to the love, devotion, and care of her husband of 58 years, Cecil Elwood Rippin. Reta was born in Regina on July 16, 1929 to Henry and Tina Thiessen. Early on in her life, the family relocated to Thunder Bay where she spent her youth and young adulthood. Reta married Cecil on July 17, 1948, and a few years later moved to Winnipeg where she remained for the rest of her life. Reta was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Tina; her oldest sister Esther, and brother Bobby, who died in childhood. In addition to Cecil, Reta is survived by her daughter Cathy, son-in-law Jeff Sisler, and son Rob, and daughter-in-law Alison Rippin. Reta was thrilled to be Nana to Rebecca, Danny, and Julia Sisler and Grandma to Mickeely Rippin, who will all miss her deeply. Reta also was particularly fortunate to have four wonderful sisters with whom she remained close throughout her life. Her dear sister Esther predeceased her, and her remaining sisters, Eleanor (Winnipeg), Anita (London), and Louise (Collingwood) are left to continue their daily email chats. As well, brothers-in-law, Doug Amo and Russell Deluce, and numerous nieces and nephews remain. Reta was renowned for her skill as a seamstress and was also gifted with other forms of needlecraft. She had an eye for detail, and high expectations in all she did. When her children were small, she worked professionally sewing for an Interior Designer. In the early 1970s, Reta moved into administrative work, eventually becoming the Office Manager for the Research Division of the Canadian Grain Commission; she was one of the very few women working in an administrative role at the time. Reta retired with Cecil in 1984 and enjoyed a number of years of travel and relaxation. She prided herself on running her home as efficiently as her office. If one was interested in knowing the cost of hydro in 1964 for a two storey home in St. James, she could produce the ledger documenting the payments. Above all, Reta loved her family and relished the opportunity to shower them with love. We are very grateful that over these past difficult years she was always surrounded by love and caring through the efforts of Family Medical Centre (Dr. Gerald Konrad, Michelle Allard, Joanne Parker), CancerCare Manitoba (Dr. John Foerster, Irene Lemoine), Tache Pharmacy (Barbara and Cathy), Home Care (Tess and Gloria), the staff of 6A Medicine St. Boniface General Hospital, and many others who crossed her path. Thank you to all these caregivers who supported Reta and Cec so faithfully. A celebration of Reta's life will be held on Thursday, April 26, 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke's Anglican Church, 130 Nassau St. North (Osborne Village) followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Reta's memory to a charity of your choice would be a lovely gesture. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 Broadway - 783-7211 www.thomsonfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 24, 2007