GWEN GROFF

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GWEN GROFF It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Gwen Groff, our dear mother and grandmother. on July 4, 2017 at Riverview Health Centre, at the age of 82 years. Gwen was predeceased by her beloved husband Alan, parents Edith and Cyril Smith, and son-in-law Ken Barker. She leaves behind her sisters Dori and Honey, sister-in-law Lola, and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: son Doug (Mona), Shawn and Kirsten, son Bob (Lisa), Jenn (Doug) Andrea (Rees), Tessa and Riley, daughter Shari, Kelly and Sam. and many nieces and nephews. Our mum was born August 25, 1934 in Edgerton, Alberta. At the age of five, her family sold the farm and moved to Winnipeg so that the girls would have better access to education. She attended Windsor School, Glenlawn Collegiate and started her Home Economics degree at the University of Manitoba. She had met and fell in love with our dad at the Winnipeg Canoe Club, they married in 1954. She opted to forgo her formal education to become a devoted wife and mother, with on the job culinary, hostess and seamstress training, which she mastered! Mum was an artist, loved horses but was afraid of them, and was fiercely protective of her family which always came first. She was gentle and caring by nature, we could always go to her with anything. Our parents made a loving home for us three kids in Fort Garry. We have fond memories of camping, skiing, time spent at our Victoria Beach cottage, and countless gatherings of family and friends at our beloved family home on the river. Once we were all in school and Dad had started his own business, Mum became his bookkeeper, the highlight of her day were lunches out with the boss. Mum spent many hours volunteering for the Guild of the Victoria General Hospital. She also served on the board of trustees, the board of the foundation and served a term as President, a challenge she embraced with enthusiasm. Mum and Dad travelled extensively across Canada, Europe and enjoyed hot holidays down south. In later years, as Mum gradually adjusted to life without her dear Al, she travelled on a Baltic cruise with neighbours, to Barcelona with son Doug to visit Kirsten, and to the east and west of Canada to visit family. She loved her time with friends playing bridge, her book clubs, and attending the theatre, ballet and the opera. Mum and Dad cherished their home on the river for over 40 years. Sadly her advancing struggles with dementia necessitated a move from her home last year. She endured many losses and changes with her illness the past couple of years, leaving her home was by far the most difficult. We'd like to express our sincere thanks to the staff on 3West and A1 at Riverview Health Centre for the care you gave our mum. In lieu of flowers, if desired, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or Riverview Health Centre. A private gathering of family and friends is planned.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 08, 2017