WINELDA NAOMI GARDNER

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WINELDA NAOMI GARDNER January 27, 1929 February 19, 2008 Winelda (Toadie) Gardner of Elkhorn, Manitoba, formerly of Winnipeg, passed away quietly while on vacation in Florida at the age of 79. Left to mourn are her loving children, Cheryl, John (Gail), Bill (Candice), and Naomi (Tim) Loewen; grandchildren, Katie, Matthew, Mark, Nicholas, Taryn, Liam, Garrett, Shannon, Carla and Erin; sisters, Frances, Phyllis and Mary, brother Jim (Wilda) and numerous nephews, nieces and extended family. Win was predeceased by her parents Jim and Jean Gardner, brothers, Ron, George and Elmer, sisters, Alice and Dorothy, and special friend Garnet Northcut. Toadie was raised in Elkhorn and moved to Winnipeg in 1951 with her husband Howard Loewen. While raising four children in Riverview, she became an active volunteer in her community. She was active with Riverview United Church, was President of the Riverview Home and School Association and volunteered at the Riverview Community Club. Her life long commitment to the Liberal Party began in the 1960s when she worked to get Margaret Konantz elected to Parliament. In 1968 she ran for election to the Manitoba Legislature. She became the first female to hold the office of president of a political party when she was elected as President of the Manitoba Liberal Party. She also found time to help raise cattle on the family farm at Gardenton, Manitoba. Win was actively involved with women's rights issues throughout her life and worked tirelessly to ensure equal rights for women. She served as First Vice President on the Canadian Council for the Status of Women. In 1981 she became Executive Director of the Women's Employment Counseling Centre where she helped women prepare to enter the workforce. After her retirement in 1990, Win went back to work researching, preparing papers and lobbying the Provincial Government to provide better services to those suffering from mental illness, along with their families. She continued living in Winnipeg enjoying friends and family and spending time with her friend Garnet. In 2005 Toadie moved back to Elkhorn where she enjoyed cooking, gardening, the country life and the company of her sisters. Mom led a busy and fulfilling life. She was the glue that held her family together, the one everyone turned to for advice and comfort. First and foremost she was a mother, helping her children and grandchildren recognize their talents and helping them gain the confidence needed to pursue their dreams. She saw beauty everywhere she looked and potential in everyone she met. Toadie was loved by many and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held at the Elkhorn United Church, Elkhorn, Manitoba on Tuesday, February 26, at 2:00 p.m. and in Winnipeg on Wednesday, February 27 at 4:00 p.m. at Churchill Park United Church, 525 Beresford Ave. Honorary Pallbearers are June Menzies, Zoe Budd, Bev Goodwin, and granddaughters, Katie, Taryn, Shannon, Carla, and Erin. Should friends so desire, donations may be made in Toadie's memory to the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society. Arrangements are entrusted to Jim Webster of Swan Valley Funeral Services Ltd., 363 Kelsey Trail (Hwy 10 North), Swan River, Manitoba. (204) 734-5775

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 23, 2008