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GAIL SWEETLAND
Born: Apr 27, 1952
Date of Passing: May 27, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGAIL SWEETLAND It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gail Valerie Sweetland, dearly beloved daughter of Jean and the late Norman Sweetland. Gail passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at the age of 62, after a courageous battle with cancer. Gail is survived by her mother Jean, sisters Dona and Norma, brother Robert (Ainsley), nieces and nephews Janet (Phil), Katherine, Trevor (Samahra), Madeline and Ian. Gail was the second child, born in Winnipeg on April 27, 1952. She spent her early years in the Lord Roberts and Riverview area of the city. She was an inquisitive child and could be found exploring the river banks and going down the fire escape slides at nearby Gladstone school. Gail participated in multiple sports during her high school career. She graduated from Fort Richmond Collegiate, went on to receive a Bachelor's Degree in Sciences and complete a Programming and Systems Analysis course. She worked several years as a programmer. Having been interested in politics throughout her life, she worked for the House of Parliament until her Member of Parliament was defeated. She had been appointed to various mental health and addictions committees and task groups having national, provincial and local focuses. She was the recipient of awards for her tremendous volunteer work. Gail lived her life here on earth to help others less fortunate than her and always tried to better the lives of those around her. The Sweetland family wishes to thank the compassionate staff at the Health Sciences Centre and all of Gail's amazing friends for the care they provided. A celebration of life will be held at St. Andrews River Heights United Church, 255 Oak Street, on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Gail's name to the Agape Table or the Canadian Mental Health Association.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 31, 2014
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Although I have not seen Gail for several years, I was saddened to learn of her passing. We met as children, and shared adventures, as well as many treasured books. I remember introducing her to Esperanto, an experimental language that both of us were interested in learning. I hope Gail will rest in peace, and I extend my condolences to her family. - Posted by: Susan Hunt (Friend) on: Jun 12, 2014
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It is with sadness that I learned of Gail's passing. She was a kind, compassionate and REAL human being who lived from her heart. She offered understanding and assistance to both my son and to me when she heard of his mental-health challenges. Gail offered everyone the path of inclusion: she was a role model for our society. God bless you, Gail. I love you! - Posted by: Twila Thompson (Friend) on: Jun 12, 2014
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I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of my co-chair and fellow advocate for mental health, Gail Sweetland. Gail was passionate about getting people access to the supports they need with dignity and respect. Whether at one of our meetings, or in front of a larger audience, Gail was careful to keep it real - to speak from the heart rather than book knowledge. Gail's legacy is the many lives she touched with her passion and her compassion. She will be missed. Yutta - Posted by: Yutta Fricke (Co-chair on Ownership Linkages Committee, Canadian Mential Health Association - Winnipeg Region) on: Jun 02, 2014
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I had the opportunity to meet Gail while participating in and working at the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba. I had more opportunity to appreciate her dedication and drive to improving the mental health system, as she worked with CMHA, and in working groups with the Province. She was an amazing person, and will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Jacqueline Cassel-Vernon (Mental Health colleague) on: Jun 01, 2014
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Gail was a quiet and private person. But when we shared our stories in an effort to end stigma and teach cadets, police, phyc. students and nurses, we learned more about each other every time we shared our stories. They always changed a bit and we grew closer to each other and protective of each other, knowing what our lives had been alike and the many struggles we all faced, different but all very personal. - Posted by: Dawn Beirnes (Friend, fellow volunteer, and fellow speaker) on: May 31, 2014