JEAN MARY GILLINGHAM

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JEAN MARY GILLINGHAM It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our most dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Jean Gillingham at Concordia Hospital surrounded by family on Wednesday, June 30, 2010. Predeceased by her loving husband Fred and sister-in-law Jean Waal. Jean will be sadly missed by her daughters Bonnie (Dave, Ryan, Branden and Courtney Shipman), Cindy (Scott, Holly Naherny, Ashley, Bryce, Addysyn Gobeil, and Shane Capek), Lori (Jim, Jordan and Brittany Shaw). Mom also leaves behind her brothers Jim (Nancy, Diana and Jeff), Roy (Sherrie and Brad); as well as brother-in-law John and Helen Gillingham and family; cousins Ed and Elsie Bollenback and family. Jean will be remembered by numerous relatives and dear friends. Jean was born in Rainy River, ON on February 12, 1935. Jean spent her early life in Rainy River and came to Winnipeg in 1956. Mom and her young family took boarders into their home. It was difficult for them to leave largely due to the delicious meals Mom provided. Mom enjoyed working at the Transcona Fruit Home while attending the University of Manitoba. Family were most proud when Mom completed her Bachelor of Education in 1966. Teaching youngsters in the Transcona School Division was a most rewarding time. We had many an occasion to hear that our Mom had made an indelible mark on her students lives and was by far their favourite teacher! Mom was also known as a talented crafts person and her yearly craft shows were enjoyed by many. We treasure the beautiful handmade gifts we received. Mom amazed many of us with her culinary skills especially since she never followed the recipe amounts as sprinkle of this or a smidge of that was her secret. Of course duplicating these recipes was especially difficult for us girls and we never did get it as right or good as Mom's. That was just one of her secrets to getting into the hearts of her sons-in-law. Mom enjoyed other activities such as gardening, shopping, cribbage, curling but most of all fishing and card playing at the family cottage on Lake of the Woods, ON. Several grandchildren got bit by the fishing and card playing bug thanks to Gram. Mom treasured most the time spent with family and friends. She was happiest when surrounded by her grandbabies . We are all better people having known and been loved by Mom. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Mom's life will be held at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens, 455 Lagimodiere on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. A gathering of family and friends will follow in the reception room of Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens. The family wish to thank the staff of Concordia Hospital Emergency, Intensive Care and especially N3W Medicine Unit for the tender care they provided Mom in her final days. We are most grateful for the expert care of Doctors Caners and Smith. A special thank you to Mom's wonderful Home Care staff, you all held a special place in the hearts of Mom and family. We appreciate the support and acts of kindness from our dear relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 03, 2010