Helen POOLE

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POOLE: Helen Gail (formerly Ludwig, nee Fairbairn). Peacefully at Fairview Personal Care Home in Brandon on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at age 71. Predeceased by her beloved husband Art Poole, and her devoted mother Leila Chisholm (nee Baskier). Loving mother to Leah Ludwig (Larry DeVeau), Dave Ludwig (Pam), and Bob Ludwig (Penny). Proud grandmother to Jordan, Dylan and Mitch. Best friend and cousin to Ethel Mae MacArthur. Gail was born in Flin Flon and grew up in Winnipeg. She also lived with her aunt Helen Shea in Ontario for some years, during which time she and her cousin Ethel grew to be as close as sisters and the best of friends. Gail married and moved to Portage la Prairie and then Brandon with her first husband, Max Ludwig. She was a dedicated homemaker, a doting mother and a supportive wife. She sewed countless items for the Hadassah Bazaar to support Max’s Jewish heritage. During this time she and Max managed Kolchin and Boxer, an upscale furrier’s establishment. Working at Kolchin and Boxer was the beginning of a long career in retail for Gail. She went on to work at Reitman’s, Kullberg’s Furniture, and Zeke’s Jewellers. She was the perfect person to work in retail, as she loved meeting people, talking to them, and discovering enough about them to help them find just what they were looking for. She made many, many friends over the years. With her second marriage, to Arthur Poole, Gail found the love of her life. Gail and Art were the ultimate team. They worked side by side, tirelessly, maintaining their home in Brandon, a huge garden, and their beloved cottage near Riding Mountain National Park. They loved to garden, fish, travel, and socialize. These were the happiest years of Gail’s life. Gail was a sweet soul, a true lady, and a loving and generous person. She was also strong, brave and resilient. She will be ever remembered and sadly missed by her family and friends. A graveside service honouring Gail’s memory was held at Rosewood Memorial Gardens on April 28, 2011, followed by a memorial reception at the Victoria Inn to celebrate Gail’s life. Donations in memory of Gail may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, 4B-457-9th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 1K2.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 25, 2011