ANNE ELIZABETH GALLIE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ANNE ELIZABETH GALLIE (nee BONNER) Anne Gallie of Carman, MB passed away December 26, 2015, at the age of 83, in her cottage at La Rivière while enjoying one more family gathering. Her spunk, determination and sense of independence were admired by all who knew her. Anne was born on June 11, 1932 in Winnipeg, MB to Coralie and Harry Bonner. She and her older brother, David grew up in Woodhaven, Winnipeg. Anne always considered herself a bit of a tomboy'. She loved the creek, bush and all the activities that the sticks' of Woodhaven had to offer. Anne was an exceptional athlete and competed in speed skating, baseball and basketball. She played Senior A baseball for the West Kildonan Tigerettes. The team was later inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. After graduating from United College, Mom ventured to England with her friend, Jean Dudley, to visit relatives and explore her English heritage. After a year abroad, she returned home where her brother David convinced her to take up skiing at the Puffin Ski Club. It was there she met Don Gallie and they married in 1957. They had two children, Elizabeth (Moffatt) and Andrew (2014). Downhill skiing became the family sport and many weekends were spent at Holiday Mountain Ski Resort in La Rivière. They later divorced and Anne established a long term relationship with Reg Mason (2007) of Clearwater, MB. Anne worked in a variety of capacities at Boeing Canada while raising her children and eventually retired to help Reg on the farm. Anne enjoyed her weekends at the cottage at La Rivière with Reg, her children, brother David (2006), his wife Bev along with their daughter Paula. They created unique cottages out of old rail crew cars. Mom loved reno projects. There was always one on the go as there were many creative minds and a talented group of do-it-yourselfers'. It became a place of numerous family gatherings, many laughs and an abundance of fun times. Anne always enjoyed the Pembina Valley as it reminded her of growing up in Woodhaven. Mom could make a house a home, and a boxcar a welcoming cottage. The door was always open to friends and family. She was a great hostess and good at spur of the moment' entertaining. Anne was never afraid to try a new recipe to the delight of family and guests. She had many talents and could be found sewing, painting, drawing, quilting, knitting, baking, cooking and helping with renovations while faithfully listening to CBC radio. Anne also enjoyed downhill skiing, golfing and swimming while at the cottage. In her 60s, she was a gold medal winner in skiing at the Manitoba Winter Games! She continued to enjoy these sports well into her 70s. When Reg sold the farm they retired to Carman. Eventually Reg's health failed and for three years Mom's routine included daily visits to see Reg at the Boyne Lodge. She continued to participate in her golf league and spent weekends at the cottage until her health started to fail in 2012. Mom was a determined soul but unfortunately was unable to physically participate in the activities she once enjoyed. In Anne's last years she had moments of frustration combined with periods of optimism when she thought she might ski, golf and cook again. Her last few years were enriched through participating in the Adult Day Program at the Boyne Lodge; a place she knew well from years spent visiting Reg. She will be greatly missed by her daughter Liz (Wilf), grandchildren: Regan (Erin) Moffatt, Andrea (Sheldon) Guthrie, their children Jaxon and Jace, Nicola Moffatt, her niece Paula (Daryl) Hornby, their children Jack and Kate, and her sister-in-law Bev Bonner. A small family service will take place at a later date. In memory of Anne, donations should be made by contacting the Boyne Lodge Adult Day Program in Carman, MB. Thank you to the many staff, volunteers and participants at the Boyne Lodge who contributed in making Mom's life a little brighter in her last years! I will always remember the smile on her face when she received hugs from staff members wishing her a Merry Christmas...one last time.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 09, 2016