JESSIE GAIL HEADON

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JESSIE GAIL HEADON Peacefully and comfortably at Grace General Hospital, Jessie passed away on July 18, 2017. She was predeceased by her father Norm "Bud" Reid of Vancouver, her mother Elizabeth (Betty) Reid/Bristow, her stepfather Alfred (Al) Bristow, and two stepbrothers, Ralph and Larry Bristow. She is survived by Fred, her husband of over 50 years, a daughter Glenys (Ian), Colin and Fred Jr. (Mary Ellen), as well as four grandchildren, Kylar, Duncan, William and Meredith, along with her stepbrother Gerry (Carol) Bristow and sister-in-law Roberta (Jim) Taylor. Jessie was born in Selkirk, Manitoba on September 26, 1940 and after a move to Winnipeg attended Laura Secord Elementary and Gordon Bell High School. St. Boniface's School of Nursing beckoned where she earned a Registered Nurse diploma. That training lead to service as a Victorian Order of Nurses employee, and time as a floor nurse at Deer Lodge Hospital and Winnipeg General Hospital (now the Health Sciences Centre). She became a head nurse at the Manitoba Rehabilitation Hospital and then a nursing instructor back at Health Sciences Centre. Retiring from this career allowed her to enjoy the status of a "stay at home mom" to benefit her children. She often volunteered at the St. James YMCA by serving on the Board of Directors, as part of their "Y- Neighbours" Club and as the "flower lady" when organizing the annual fundraising plant sale. As a Wolseley area resident in her youth, she attended and then became an active participant in life at Westminster United Church, usually keeping an eye on things from the balcony. Initially she attended Sunday School which lead to her involvement in Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT) as a member, followed by becoming a leader. Subsequently she became a Sunday School teacher and then the registrar for that program. She took on many volunteer roles over the years, from putting in a weekly stint in the church office to update the membership rolls, to serving on the Board of Directors and to chairing the Christian Education Committee for a number of years. All the while she was an active member of United Church Women, Unit 10. Serving others was at the forefront of her life with the highest priority being to support her children's activities and career paths. Beyond that, Jessie enjoyed a wide range of personal activities. Trips anywhere were enjoyed as was gardening, music, Scottish things, innumerable vintage movies, and watching equestrian and figure skating events. There was a special focus on family, especially the grandchildren. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, Dr. Pat Harris, Dr. Steve Grass, Dr. Duncan lnglis and to the very capable Emergency Department staff at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre and at Grace General Hospital. In particular, they wish to thank the very comforting and compassionate staff on Ward 3 North at Grace General Hospital. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 21, 2017 at Westminster United Church, 745 Maryland Avenue beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Westminster United Church Foundation or CancerCare Manitoba, as well as donating and/or volunteering at the Westminster Church Bell Tower Café. Bardal Funeral Home 843 Sherbrook Street, 204-774-7474 Condolences: www.bardal.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 20, 2017