GERTRUDE (GRACE) ELEANOR WYLIE

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GERTRUDE (GRACE) ELEANOR WYLIE (nee Emek) Gertrude (Grace) Eleanor Wylie passed away peacefully in her sleep at Misericordia Place on February 16, 2011. Mom was born on November 1, 1922 in Winnipeg where she attended school and later worked at the Johnson-Hutchinson Jewelry Store until she married. During her 37 years of marriage to Ken, Mom enjoyed raising her five children, travelling, taking gourmet cooking classes, attending opera and ballet, developing a strong sense of fashion and interior decorating, learning Spanish and French languages, hosting social gatherings and creating cute knit dolls and figures. She was an accomplished cook and hostess. Later in life when she wasn't visiting family or travelling, she enjoyed taking in the summer sun beside her outdoor pool at her condo complex. In 1999, Mom suffered a stroke with resulting paralysis. Within hours, her life changed from one of vibrant independence to one of total dependence on others for many activities of daily living. Mom lived the adversities of chronic illness true to her name-- with graciousness, courage and patience. She amazed us with her capacity to accept her situation, to take interest in the daily lives of others, to continue learning about world issues and to grow spiritually stronger through difficult times. Her sense of humour was unique, unwavering and will be affectionately remembered. During her years at Misericordia Place, Mom found meaning and purpose in community with residents and staff. She was actively involved in the Resident Advisory Council, committee for Agape Table, unit projects, and as resident spokesperson for various events. Mom is survived by her five children: Barry (Angie), Brent (Margy), Ross, Arleigh and Lori. She was very proud of her grandchildren: Ryan, Andrea, Andrew, Brooke, Corynn (Ryan), Jordan and Jared. She is also survived by her three sisters: Bertha Trow, Gladys (George) Oelkers, and Millie Stobart; sister-in-law Francie Glacken; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Mom was predeceased by her granddaughter Adrienne, brother and sister-in-law Victor and Margaret Emek, brothers-in-law Bill Trow and Bud Stobart and by her good friend Bob. Mom knew how much we loved and cherished her. She is sorely missed. We would like to thank all the staff of Rosewalk, as well as Teresa, Father Vince, Rock and Susan for their loving kindness to Mom through the years. A memorial service to celebrate Mom's life will be held at Misericordia Place (44 Furby Street) on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. with reception to follow. Inurnment will take place prior to the service at 10:30 a.m. at Chapel Lawn cemetery. If you wish to attend the inurnment, please meet at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home at 10:15 a.m. In lieu of flowers, should friends so wish, donations may be made to a charity of their choosing. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2011