JEAN WENSEL

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JEAN WENSEL It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Wensel on September 30, 2007 at Grace Hospital. Jean was born in Winnipeg on June 16, 1921 and enjoyed working for many years with Eaton's until her retirement in 1986. She was a long-standing and devoted employee in an era when women were just beginning to enter the workforce. Jean was a pioneer in balancing the demands of work and family and she did so with great success. Predeceased by her husband Wilfred in 1998, Jean will always live on in the hearts of her two children, Ken (Geri) and Judith (Jack Donovan) Martel of Calgary; sisters, Anne Kowal and Mary Sulavella; sister-in-law Lorraine Hedman (Emil) and brother-in-law Norman Wensel (Helen), her four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her brother Walter Verby and sisters-in-law, Hettie Dawes, Ruby Beilner and Gertie Heichert. Jean will always be remembered for the way she expressed her love of family and friends through her joy of cooking. She was an accomplished cook, particularly renowned for her perogies and pies. Her reputation was so widespread, it garnered her an invitation to teach a perogy-making class as part of a local high-school Home Economics curriculum. Sporting her famous apron embroidered with Jean Jean the Perogy Queen , her classes were always a hit with the students and teachers alike. After retirement from Eaton's, she went on to begin a small, home-based perogy and pie business. There was never a shortage of customers as her delicious food was always prepared with great love and care. Every summer, Jean spent time at her cottage at Muriel Lake and enjoyed visiting with her lake friends and family. Over the years, Jean also loved her regular trips to Calgary to visit her daughter and family, where she made many more wonderful friends, all of whom knew her as Gramma Jean . Her exuberant energy, enthusiasm and quick wit was an instant attraction to all those who crossed her path in life. Jean's love extended beyond just people. She was a passionate animal lover and enjoyed many pets over her lifetime. She loved them as her fur-children and found great joy in their reciprocated love and companionship. In 2001, Jean moved to Assiniboine Links and she loved everything about it, including her apartment, the food and activities. She considered the staff and residents newfound friends. Jean was always supported by a dedicated, caring team of Home Care workers, which made living at the Links possible. Mode and Beth were her most constant supporters, always concerned about her health, safety and general well-being. Jean also met new friends at the Charleswood Adult Day Club and looked forward to her weekly Friday visits there. Jean loved life and will always be remembered for her contagious joy, laughter and The family would like to thank the staff on 3 South at Grace Hospital for the compassionate care and attention Jean received during her stay. Special thanks go to Dr. G. Borrett for his care and support during a very difficult day. Cremation has taken place and a private interment will be conducted. A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 15, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. Rev. Steve Wilson will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society. Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 11, 2007