GWEN SMITH (OYSTRECK)

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GWEN SMITH (nee OYSTRECK) June 28, 1955 - June 12, 2008 On Thursday, June 12, 2008, with her beloved husband Wayne, family and friends by her side, Gwen Smith, aged 52 passed away peacefully after a brave fight with cancer. She let go of her earthly life and took hold of Jesus' hand and walked through the gates of heaven to live her eternal life. Gwen's love and laughter will be sadly missed but always remembered by her adoring husband Wayne, son Cory, daughter Leanne, mother Kay Oystreck, twin brother Glen, brothers Len and Darrell and sisters Arlene and Louella, extended family and many friends. Gwen was predeceased by her father Steve Oystreck in October 2003. She was born June 28, 1955 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan and moved to Winnipeg in 1958. Gwen was employed by Canada Post since December 3, 1979 and acquired many friendships while she was there. She met her loving husband Wayne in 1999 and discovered true love with him. She enjoyed spending weekends at the cabin at Booster Lake where she took on a secondary role as Mother Nature to neighbouring wildlife. Gwen was diagnosed with stage four cancer in July 2005 and courageously persevered through the next three years by living life to the fullest and seizing each day. Her infamous motto was live, love, laugh and she encouraged us to always live the dream. In spite of her illness, Gwen was an inspiration to all that had the opportunity to meet her. Her positivity and strength encouraged people around her to enjoy life. The family extend a special thanks to her Cancer Care team; Dr. Ralph Wong, Dr. Chris Ogaranko, nurses Heather, Cathy and pretty shoes Shawn. Also thanks to the Palliative Care team at St. Boniface Hospital, and special thanks to Pastor Ernest from Springs Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave. Room ON1160, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. A funeral service celebrating Gwen's life will be held on Thursday, June 19 at 1:30 p.m. in Spring's Church, 595 Lagimodiere Blvd. To you all, I'll always be around you. Riding a drop of rain, maybe a snowflake landing on your nose, or whisper in the wind. I'll always be there, somewhere, look around. ~ Gwen Smith The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 14, 2008