GWEN (FRANKLIN) BLACKBURN KERLEY

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GWEN (FRANKLIN) BLACKBURN KERLEY Gwen passed away August 12, 2008 after a blessedly short battle with cancer. She was born in Roland, Manitoba on August 15, 1919, the eldest daughter of Elizabeth and Henry Franklin. She was predeceased by her parents, by her first husband Jack Blackburn, by her sister Vi Hull and brother-in-law Scott Hull, and by her daughter-in-law Linda Blackburn. Gwen is survived by her husband and best friend, Desmond Kerley, by her daughter Judy (Bill), and son Dennis (Carol), and by the joys of her life, grandchildren David and Susan, as well as her sisters Elva Stevens and Shirley Perram (Tony), her nieces and nephew, and many, many cherished friends. From a very early age, Gwen's priority was a career in nursing. She graduated from McKellar General Hospital in Fort William (now Thunder Bay) in 1940, winning the gold medal in her class. She went to the Toronto General Hospital for a Post Graduate course in Operating Room Technique, returning to work at McKellar until 1944 when she married Jack Blackburn. After the war they spent nine years in Dauphin, MB where Gwen was in charge of the O.R.; then they moved back to Winnipeg where she worked at the Winnipeg General and Deer Lodge. Gwen retired from nursing in 1975 and married Desmond Kerley. Gwen always said that she was blessed with two wonderful husbands. Des retired in 1985 and they have had 33 great years together, traveling and cruising to many parts of the world. Gwen was a sports woman. She bowled, curled and played golf. Gwen has been a member of Elmhurst Golf and country Club from 1960 until the present. She was a past president of the M.L.G.A. and for 43 years Gwen sponsored the Mother and Daughter Golf Tournament which she inaugurated in 1961. The last tournament was held in 2004. The Blackburn trophy now rests in the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum. She still enjoyed golf and loved being with her friends on the fairways of Elmhurst. Gwen was a member of Holy Trinity Anglican Church and was president of the Altar Guild for many years. Gwen was a loving caregiver in all aspects of her life. Her many friends and her family benefited so much from her loving kindness and from the wonderful hospitality afforded them at Gwen and Des's home. She will forever be remembered by many, many people whom she helped in so many ways. Gwen will always be synonymous with Giving. The family would like to acknowledge the very special care given Mom by the staff at St. Boniface Hospital, especially the staff of 5ECU and 6A Medicine. A celebration of Gwen's life will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 256 Smith Street, Winnipeg, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gwen's name to the St. Boniface Hospital Research Foundation, 409 Tache Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6. CHAPEL LAWN 885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 14, 2008