PHYLLIS JEAN GRAPENTINE

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PHYLLIS JEAN GRAPENTINE January 12, 1933 - June 10, 2007 Slipped away peacefully with her family by her side after battling ALS. Survived by Blaine, her husband of 55 years; son Jeff and wife Lorna, their children, Jason and Jamie; son James and wife Louise and daughter Melissa; daughter Shelley and her husband Brent, their children, Nicole and Lucas; daughter Maureen, her husband Danny and their children, Brandice and Kirsten. Phyllis is also survived by her mother Katie Lipinske of Minnedosa; and her sister Audrey Lowes of Vancouver. She was predeceased by her father Joseph Lipinske. Phyllis dedicated her life to her family, her church and community. She was a fixture in the Transcona United Church choir and a charter member of its United Church Women's Group. She enjoyed meeting and working with people in over 40 years of volunteer work which included the Transcona Food Bank and the South Beach Campers Association. She enjoyed curling, having played for 25 years in the Transcona Ladies Curling League as well as serving on their executive in various capacities. She was dedicated to her family of four children and was an untiring cheerleader for all that they tried to do and all that they accomplished. Her support was unwavering and unequivocal. For 43 years summers were spent at the cottage in Gimli where Phyllis's uncommon physical strength was invaluable in creating a beautiful yard from what was dense bush and raw land. The results of this labour were many fond memories and a variety of nesting birds which returned her much pleasure. Hers was a life well lived, full of the riches and rewards earned from selfless giving. The last two years of her life were spent in the grips of a hideous disease ALS, but through it all she summoned her significant physical strength to overcome many of the challenges ALS sufferers endure. In the end she never lost the battle, rather she ran out of time. Phyllis's spirit and indomitable will to live were an inspiration to all that knew her. Service to be held at the Transcona United Church, 209 Yale St. West, at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday June 13, 2007. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Transcona United Church Memorial Fund or the ALS Society of Manitoba. Funeral Arrangements In Care Of: WHEELER FUNERAL CHAPEL 211 REGENT AVENUE, WEST 224-1525

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 12, 2007