GENIA JEAN LONGSON

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GENIA JEAN LONGSON Peacefully, with her family by her side, Genia Longson (nee Kowalchuk), passed away at Charleswood Care Centre on May 12, 2015 at the age of 86, after a lengthy struggle with Dementia. Mom is now at peace with the Lord. Genia was born on February 16, 1929 in Austin, Manitoba. She moved to Winnipeg where she met and married Edward Thiessen and they raised their three children. In 1973 she settled in Kelowna, BC, which to her was "God's Country". She met and married Burgess Longson. After the onset of her illness, she moved back to Winnipeg. Mom loved living in Kelowna with her beautiful gardens and all of her fruit trees. She spent countless hours canning fruit, jam and vegetables that she would share with everyone. Over the years Mom enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, bowling, cake decorating, cooking and baking. Mom enjoyed boating, fishing and times with her daughter and family at their cabin in Lake of the Woods. Mom had an easy laugh and always had a smile on her face. She loved to walk and up until recently was still walking five kilometers a day in Charleswood Care Centre. She was always a true Bomber fan and even when she was living in British Columbia she rarely missed watching a game. Mom had an unwavering faith in God and was an active member of Rutland United Church. She was the church treasurer and she sang in the choir. She was predeceased by Edward Thiessen, Burgess Longson, and her eldest daughter Arlene Hyndman. She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her son Rennie Thiessen (Marcia); daughter, Brenda Andre (Jake); she also leaves to mourn her passing four grandchildren, Kelly Poulton, Cheryl Toews (Tate), Damien Andre and Danielle Anderson (Errol); six great-grandchildren; her sisters Irene Hydamaka and Helen Rands, and her brother Art Melodowic. Our family is most grateful to all of the staff at the Charleswood Care Centre for their love, kindness, companionship and special care they gave to Mom. How do words express the thanks to the staff who treats your loved one as their own. Mom was a very kind and gentle soul; she had a loving and generous heart, and was always giving to others. The kiss of the sun for pardon The song of the birds for mirth One is nearer God's heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth. A private celebration of Mom's life will take place with the immediate family. We love you and will miss you Mom.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 13, 2015