Mary GOMPF

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GOMPF: Mary Charlotte (McLaughlin) Gompf passed away August 3, 2010 at the Souris Health Centre at the age of 90. Husband, Charlie Gompf passed away October 20, 1995. Mary Charlotte Gompf was born the third child and only daughter to Jane and William Laughlin McLaughlin, also fondly known to friends and family as Jean and Lockie. Jean passed away October 22, 1953 and Lockie on April 10, 1972. Mary was born at her Grandma Collie’s home in Hamiota on January 19, 1920. She had two brothers, William, known as Bill, born in 1915, who was a mechanic by trade and who passed away August 7, 1947 and George, born in 1917, who was a machine gunner with the Winnipeg Grenadiers during WW2. George died in a Tokyo prison camp December 20, 1943 and is interred in a cemetery in Yokahama, Japan. Mary is survived by good friends, Don & Flo MacMillan, Louise and Don Jay, many nieces and nephews on the Gompf side, Collie and McLaughlin cousins and many friends and acquaintances. In her growing up years in the Hamiota area, Mary was known to many families for her willingness to help and care for neighbours and friends. If someone needed a hand as a nanny, she was there to help out. Many members of the community who suffered from illness, frailty or failing health felt the help of Mary’s caring hands with housework or babysitting. She was always more than willing to do whatever was required of her. She was certainly not afraid of hard work and took great pride in all of her endeavors. Many describe Mary as a woman of few words, but when she spoke her mind, she meant it. She was gentle and kind, despite a life that held many adversities. Mary received her education at Hamiota. She worked several years as farm help and later in the laundry department at the Hamiota Hospital. She was a dedicated daughter and cared for her ailing father in his later years after her mother passed away. Mary married Charlie Gompf December 17, 1983 in the Hamiota United Church. They lived there for a few years and then moved to Brandon, Manitoba where Charlie worked as a part time chef. Mary and Charlie moved to Souris to care for Charlie’s brother Bill Gompf. After Uncle Bill’s death they purchased their home in Souris. Mary continued to live in her home for a few years and then moved to Victoria Park Lodge in Souris. Mary never had a driver’s license but kept mobile by driving her motorized scooter around town. Mary loved visitors and kept busy doing puzzles, crocheting afghans, blankets and vests and knitting slippers. Mary was a faithful member of the Ladies Unit at the United Church and could always be counted on to bring the fruits of her labours to all the bake sales and activities this group was involved in. She preferred to work behind the scene and could usually be found making tea or peeling potatoes in the kitchen rather than out serving the guests. We would like to thank Donald and Flo MacMillan for their caring, staff at Victoria Park Lodge and Souris Health Centre, Dr. Cram, Shirley McBurney for her kind words and Kowalchuk’s Funeral Home for arrangements. Interment of ashes has taken place at Hamiota Cemetery. In memory of Mary, donations may be made to the Heart & stroke Foundation.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 28, 2010