Bertha GEYSEN

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GEYSEN: Bertha Elizabeth Geysen (nee Vaul) November 7th, 1923 – February 16th, 2014, passed away at her daughters home. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Cathy Morgan (Gary Easter) of Brandon, her granddaughter Candace Beard(Robert) of Brandon, great grandson Reid, her grandson Devon Morgan(Jamie) of Ottawa, ON, great-grandson Logan, step grandson Baret Easter (Daralee) of Carman, MB, step-great granddaughters Tayla and Teagan, step-granddaughter Averyl Easter of Ottawa, ON, sister- in-law Eva Geysen of Saskatoon and several nieces and nephews. Bertha was predeceased by her husband Frank in 1980, her mother Margaret in 1951, her Father Albert in 1965, her step brother and step sisters as well as several brothers and sisters-in-law. Bertha was born in Graysville MB on the family farm. The family moved to Winnipeg when Bertha was a young girl. Bertha began working at a young age at a boarding house, where she learned the meaning of hard work and later at the Winnipeg Grain Exchange. She met the love of her life Frank before World War II and following Frank’s discharge from the army in 1946 they were married. They settled in Baldur MB where they eventually owned and operated a garage\implement business, Frank’s Garage. Bertha worked side by side with Frank making their business a success. As payment for service they took cattle on trade and eventually began farming. Later they sold the garage and turned to farming full-time. They were proud of their mixed grain/cattle operation and after several years and long days of hard work they eventually focused on beef cattle farming only. The last few years were focused on a small herd of Limousine cattle that became more of a hobby. Bertha’s work ethic didn’t allow her to enjoy relaxation so she began working at one of the local grocery stores. Following Frank’s passing Bertha moved to Brandon in 1983 where she could be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. Bertha demonstrated enduring love for family and was their biggest supporter and cheerleader for everything they did. Both Candace and Devon spent countless hours with their Gran. She attended all school and extracurricular activities for both of them, even sometimes being the parent/guardian driver to their activities. Bertha loved sports of any kind but one of her favorite was curling. She played herself for many years and in 1994 won the provincial Golden Gals bonspiel. Another passion of Bertha’s was gardening with special attention to flowers. A special place in Bertha’s life was her cabin at Thomas Lake where many hours of enjoyment were spent with friends and family around the fire pit where the flames leaped high in the sky. Her laugh could be heard clear across the lake. Bertha moved into Victoria Landing retirement residence in 2007 where she could be independent but in a safe environment as her dementia began to progress through the years. She enjoyed living here and treated the staff as extended family. She remained there until December when she moved to her daughter and son-in-laws home until her passing. Bertha’s personality and love for life never waivered nor did she complain or grumble about any suffering she may have experienced. She was grateful for the good life she had. A celebration of her life was held Saturday February 22nd at St Matthews Anglican Cathedral, officiated by Archdeacon Paul Curtis with arrangements by Jamieson’s Funeral Home of Glenboro, www.willmor.com. A private family interment will take place at a later date in the Baldur Cemetery. Donations in memory of Bertha may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba. The family is deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support in many heart-felt forms from friends, family and acquaintances.Weep not for me though I am gone into that gentle night.Grieve if you will, but not for long upon my soul’s sweet flight.I am at peace, my soul’s at rest There is no need for tears.For with your love I was so blessed.For all those many years.There is no pain, I suffer not,The fear now all is gone.Put now these things out of your thoughts,In your memory I live on.Remember not my fight for breathRemember not the strife.Please do not dwellupon my death, But celebrate my life.Author unknown

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 08, 2014