GAYLE THERESA (WASNIE) JAMES

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GAYLE THERESA (WASNIE) JAMES July 28, 1941 - June 26, 2015 It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of mom. She was reunited on June 25, 2015 with her husband of 43 years Donald James (2013) of Rainy River and other family members and friends that had passed on before her. Honoured to have been a part of her journey and will cherish the memories made are her daughter Cheryl and son in-law Kirk, Grandson Patrick "P.D.", daughter Terri (Garry) and their children, Jason and Michael (Crystal) and numerous other family members and lifelong friends. Mom was born in Selkirk to Robert and Hazel Pike. She had many fond memories growing up and made many lifelong friends that still reside in the area. Mom must have been one of the longest and oldest working bar waitress/owners in Manitoba. Mom worked behind the scene as a waitress before women were even allowed to enter beverage rooms and worked in the Empire Hotel when the draft beer flowed. Mom and dad bought the St. Martin Motor Hotel which they worked for 23 years and sold in 2012. Before owning the hotel we lived in Ile Des Chenes where mom worked part time jobs and took care of me while dad was in Churchill. She picked eggs, worked as a home care worker and volunteered at the IDC arena where she taught kids how to skate. She was known as the food lady that was scared of horses at the 4-H horse shows and the hot dog lady that would give you a second hot dog at the school. She was also very proud to be one of the many members of the kitchen staff that were honored with Pierre Trudeau's presence as he tried to charm recipes out of the ladies at the IDC fall supper. Mom didn't care what language a person spoke or their family finances, she took care of everyone. If there was a kid that wanted to skate or play ball, she would make sure it happened. Mom was always a huge supporter of the community, whether it was purchasing sports equipment or breakfast supplies for grad, cooking for weddings, lending out equipment or ordering food supplies for the event. She would always help! I would like to extend my appreciation to all the girls at the St. Annes Hospital. Thank you for keeping a smile on mom's face and for not being scared to show that you care! A special thank you goes out to Vince and his entire family, Erika (Don), Bonnie (Bill), Hazel, Evelyn, Wayne and Kirk. Without you all, I would have drowned in tears. A celebration of Gayle's life will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at the Wheeler Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematorium 1800 Day Street at 11:00 a.m. Funeral Arrangements in Care of Wheeler Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematorium 1800 Day Street 204-224-1525 You may sign the Book of Memories at www.wheelerfuneral.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 04, 2015