GWENDOLYN MAY GELLER (JOYCE)

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GWENDOLYN MAY GELLER (nee JOYCE) It is with profound sadness that the family of Gwendolyn (Gwen) May Geller announces that our Mother, Grammie, and Great-Grammie passed away peacefully in her sleep September 14, 2012, at the age of 89 years. Mom has been reunited with her beloved husband, Max. She is survived by her four children: Michael (Connie), Tim (Leona), Jo-Ann (Raymond) Natuik, and Richard (Mona), 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Mom will also be sadly missed by her sister, Carole McMillan of Victoria, BC. In addition to her beloved husband, Max, Mom was predeceased by her father, Stephen; mother, Edith; brothers Albert, Richard and George; sister, Marjory; father-in-law Joseph; mother-in-law Rose; brothers-in-law, Jack, Hy, Harry, Sam and Brian; and sisters-in-law Yvette, Minnie, Jenny, and Rebecca. Gwen was born to Stephen and Edith Joyce in Winnipeg on June 1, 1923. She married Max on August 9, 1940 and they celebrated 59 anniversaries before he passed away in January of 2000. Their life together as Mr. and Mrs. G was filled with family and friends, many of whom were made through square dancing, ballroom dancing, and through their travels which took them all over Canada, the United States and the world, including Turkey, Israel, Greece, Egypt, New Zealand, Australia, the British Isles and, of course, their yearly snowbird getaways to Hawaii. During her lifetime, Mom shared with Dad a great love of family and was always there for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her more active years, there was always a Fill-In book on the go, and the clicking of knitting needles and the whirr of her sewing machine narrated the creation of sweaters, slippers, and other articles of clothing from the rooms that housed seemingly endless skeins of yarn and scraps of material. Her creativity also lent itself to a hobby in ceramics, with many pieces still in the family. As well, she was renowned for her hospitality, sense of humour, and story-telling ability. Many have heard about her family's connection to the Arlington Street Bridge; how her mother felt about the smell of coffee; and, how she celebrated her 39th birthday for over 50 years! Those who knew her came very quickly to know what her family would coin Grammie-isms . Grandchildren would be sent off to play with a cheerful, Put an egg in your boot and beat it! or asked to calm their excited states with a, Quiet, you'll wake the baby! whether or not infants were present; reluctant eaters were reminded that the food would Put hair on your chest ! It's a great life if we don't weaken she would say when faced with life's little aggravations and she was always, Alive and kicking whenever asked how she was. It was advice she took to heart. After 12 long years, her great life begins its next chapter as she and Dad are finally reunited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. At Mom's request, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held Friday, September 28, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Knysh Funeral Chapel, 204-582-0973, in charge of arrangements. The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of the Maples Personal Care Home, 2-West, for the love and care they provided to Mom.
Publish Date: Sep 22, 2012

GWENDOLYN MAY GELLER (nee JOYCE) Peacefully, on Friday, September 14, 2012, Gwen passed away at the age of 89 years. Funeral arrangements are pending. Longer obituary to follow on September 22, 2012.
Publish Date: Sep 18, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 22, 2012