GWENDOLINE ANN HAY

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GWENDOLINE ANN HAY (nee WALKER) Peacefully, in her 90th year, Gwen passed away on September 15, 2016, in the comfort of her own bed, with her son Bill at her side. Gwen was born to Sarah and Aaron Walker, the youngest of their three daughters. She was blessed with good health, an inquisitive mind and lots of energy. She enjoyed the outdoors, spending much time in the garden. Being raised in St. Vital, Gwen attended the old Norberry School for all of her education. She enjoyed her studies, made good friends and graduated in 1943. Gwen met a young man with freckles and wavy red/brown hair at the roller rink in Winnipeg and spent many hours skating to music and enjoying each other's company. A favourite tune was "Apple Blossom Time". In April of 1946 Gwen married this accomplished skater, William J. Hay (Bill), upon his return from active duty overseas in the Royal Canadian Navy. As a young bride, Gwen settled in Transcona and joined Bill's family church, Transcona United, and became an active and long-standing member in her UCW (United Church Women) group. Gwen also loved to dance, go to the ballet, see a play under the stars at Rainbow Stage and joining the entire family for a skate at St. Vital Park. In later years, passions shifted to cross-country skiing and frequent visits to Birds Hill Park. Above all, Gwen loved her family. Gwen's harshest blow came when her Bill died quite suddenly in 2003. Life was never to be the same, and it was the love and support from family, friends, neighbours and her church that saw her through. Gwen always did the best she could without her Bill, but now as this part of her journey comes to a close, she once again will find joy and contentment in his arms. Your children love you - be happy and at peace. Gwen was predeceased by her parents Aaron (1961) and Sarah (1986), sisters Wilma Kryschuk (1986) - Mickey, and Phylis (2005) - Allan. Gwen is survived by her daughter Bonnie Hrynkow - Ron, grandchildren Stacey, and Ryan - Justyna, and Ryan and Justyna's joy, great-grandchild Adam Zachary; daughter Laurie Hay - Ernie Keenes; son Bill Hay - Karen, and grandchildren Aaron and Cailey; sisters-in-law Iris Stammers and Elsie Hay; brother-in-law Les Hay - Hilda, and many nieces and nephews across Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia. The family would like to thank the staff at Concordia Place for their 24/7 care, the Chaplain for his kind words, and all the special visitors that took the time to stop by. The family also thanks Cody of Wheeler Funeral Home for his assistance, and Rev. Jeff Cook for providing words and prayers at Gwen's graveside interment. Funeral Arrangements in Care of: Wheeler Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematorium 1800 Day Street - 204-224-1525 Please sign the book of memories at www.wheelerfuneral.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 24, 2016