GERALDINE LOUISE TOLAND

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GERALDINE LOUISE TOLAND With great sadness we announce that our beloved mother, Mrs. Geraldine Louise Toland, passed away quietly on February 16, 2018, at the age of 85 years, at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg. Geraldine was born in Winnipeg on May 14, 1932, the daughter of Frank and Mary Farnfield (nee Serafin) and grew up on Rathgar Avenue. She attended Lord Roberts School and later Kelvin High School. In addition to being an active student and enjoying her many friends, Geraldine and her brother Ronald and her parents spent many a beautiful summer at Grand Beach. Mom also enjoyed the bowling alley, the movies, McKittrick Park, and riding her bicycle. In 1953 Geraldine married Kenneth Norman Toland of Winnipeg and they set out on their life's journey together. They lived in many parts of Canada including Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver and gained lifelong friends everywhere they went. When their sons Tom and Malcolm were born in the early 1960s, Geraldine embraced the role of loving and caring mother. She cheered at the boys' hockey games and their school activities, travelled across the country, and enjoyed card games, the beach, the CFL, NHL, tennis, and politics. Family was very important to Mom; she was an active and supportive participant in everything the family did. Her cooking was most precious of all; beginning with roast beef on Sunday, the family enjoyed Mom's amazing meals every day. Christmas dinner was unforgettable. In 1974 Mom returned with her family to Winnipeg which allowed her to enjoy once again her beloved city and spend more time with her own parents. She always kept the house spotless and loved to plant flowers at Springtime. Mom also loved the flowers at Assiniboine Park. She took some lovely trips outside of Canada including to England in 1985 to meet her relatives, and to spend time with her son in Poland in 1994, which was the birthplace of her mother. In later years she enjoyed wonderful animated phone conversations with her grandchildren in Africa. Mom will be remembered for many things - but what stands out was her kindness, compassion, and ability to completely accept people as they were. Mom never had a bad word to say about anyone and treated everyone with kindness and respect. Mom was a great listener and a source of support to anyone experiencing difficulties. Most importantly, we remember Mom as an honest and hard worker every day of her life. Mom's motto was simple: 'Do your best. Every single day. And try to see the best in others.' Geraldine is survived by her sons Tom and Malcolm, daughter-in-law Jacqueline, her three grandchildren Latavia, Isaiah and Zachary, her brother Ronald and nephew David, cousins Val and Marlene of Winnipeg, and cousins Benjamin, Dale, Diane, Bev and Pat. Our sincere appreciation to the caregivers who helped Mom through times of illness, and to all of you who touched Mom's life in one way or another and who were touched by her in return. Mom - the fond memories we have of you - and the countless acts of love and devotion - are safe in our hearts. Thank you for doing so much for your family. Let your beautiful soul rest. Lovingly, Tom and Malcolm

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 14, 2018