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GAIL JOHANNESSON (VALCOURT)
Born: Aug 23, 1954
Date of Passing: Oct 16, 2020
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
GAIL JOHANNESSON
(nee VALCOURT)
August 23, 1954 - October 16, 2020
Gail is lovingly remembered by her husband of 43 years, Marty; her mother, Joyce Valcourt; her brother, Richard Valcourt (Diane); her sister, Brenda Lavallee; her brother-in-law, Harold (Shellie), and sister-in-law, Sue. She is also dearly missed by her many nieces and nephews and their children, other beloved family and friends. Throughout 35 years of teaching, Gail touched the lives of many children and colleagues, who will forever remember her as "Madame".
Those who knew Gail knew her love for entertaining, especially happy hour with red wine, lime margaritas and lots of laughter. You knew her love for gardening, two-stepping, watching golf and curling on TV, and making her beautiful blankets.
Sherwood Lake was Gail's home away from home. It's where she spent her summers growing up followed by some wonderful retirement years. You would often find her sitting on the dock with her feet in water and basking in the sun.
Another very special place, near and dear to Gail's heart, was Florida where she spent many winters with Marty and friends. Her days were spent teaching crafts and exercises to the ladies, then off to the pool and then taking her precious dog, Molly for a golf cart ride. Later, challenging the men at Texas Hold'em, often coming home victorious.
"Mrs. White Gloves", as Gail was lovingly referred as, is now peacefully reunited with her fur baby, Molly, ensuring Heaven is sparkling clean and pristine.
As per Gail's wishes, no formal funeral will be held. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date by close family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba or to a charity of one's choice. Make a donation to
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 24, 2020
Condolences & Memories (30 entries)
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Marty and family, so sorry to hear of this. My memory instantly flashed back to the many good times at your home with you and Gail while we were curling in one bonspiel or another. Miss you and take care of yourself. - Posted by: Roland Hoffman (Friend of family) on: Nov 26, 2020
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I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Madame Johannesson. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to your whole family. Three of my children were very blessed to have had Gail as their teacher at Robert H. Smith School. She was such a wonderful, loving, and caring person, my children adored her! I had the opportunity to volunteer with different activities in her classroom, when my children attended the school, and I was able to get to know her. Later we would run into each other at Sage Conferences and she always asked about my children and how they were doing. She never forgot her students. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. - Posted by: sandra dell ( mother of 3 of her former students at Robert H. Smith) on: Nov 17, 2020
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I’m so sorry for your loss Marty. Gail was a hoot! Sincerely Jamie - Posted by: Jamie Bremner (Co-worker of Marty) on: Nov 11, 2020
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My sincere condolences Marty, Joyce, Richard & Brenda. I’m sure it’s been more than 45 years since seeing Gail, but my memories of her are vivid in my mind!! There was a mischievous sparkle about her that I always admired!! ...remembering a friend with a colorful spirit & sending all of you my sincerest sympathy!💐 - Posted by: Debra Forman (Jorgenson) (Friend from High School) on: Nov 05, 2020
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Gail and I worked together at Ecole Robert H. Smith. I taught one hour of English each day in her Grade One class. Every time there was a special occasion, where teachers may receive gifts, Gail would repeat over and over "Madame aime le chocolat!" Every occasion, her and I would receive "chocolat". Only problem, I don't like "chocolat" but my husband does so he really appreciated Gail. Gail not only made me feel comfortable as a guest in her classroom but she always asked about my children and their adventures. She loved the young children in her classes. My thoughts are with her family and closest friends. - Posted by: Shellie Hatch (Work friend) on: Oct 31, 2020
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Aunt Joyce, Richard, Brenda, Marty and family. Deepest sympathy to you all on the passing of your beloved Gail. Our prayers are with you all.🙏🙏🙏 - Posted by: George and Debbie Sabourin (Cousin and friend) on: Oct 25, 2020
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We were so lucky to have been touched by such a wonderful educator. My children loved Madame. Whenever I ran into her over the years, we had lively craft and gardening discussions. May her memory be a blessing to all that knew her at Robert H Smith. Rest In Peace, Gail, and heartfelt condolences to her family. - Posted by: Jane Kesselman (School mom) on: Oct 25, 2020
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Marty, Our sincere condolences to you and your extended family. Bob and Carol Farrior - Posted by: Carol Farrior (Friend) on: Oct 24, 2020
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My family was saddened to hear of Madame Johannesson's passing. She taught both my children Grade One at Robert H Smith School. We extend our sincere condolences to her family. - Posted by: Denise Smith (parent of former students at RH Smith School) on: Oct 24, 2020
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Claudette and I are sorry to hear of Gail’s passing. Gail was surrounded by a gaggle of friends throughout her high school days (these are precious memories). Some friendships endure long after our paths don’t intersect. You were all family to me and l always knew your hearth and hearts were available in times of great sorrow and happiness. Please accept our condolences and know that you are in our thoughts. - Posted by: Jim Dewart (Friend of the whole family) on: Oct 24, 2020
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I have such special memories of Gail, time we spent at exercise class, spending time at Texas Holdem where Gail was teaching me how to play. And our special happy times. Gail was a amazing lady with a big heart. My Condolences to Marty and family, Marjoe our heart is with you and the family also. She is with Molly and Uncle ❣️ - Posted by: Carol & Pat McNamara (Friend) on: Oct 24, 2020
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Our sincere sympathy to you Marty at this time. - Posted by: Donna & Vic Mondor (Marty’s co-worker) on: Oct 24, 2020
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To Brenda and all of Gail's family, I send my sincere sympathy. I worked with Gail for many years and as lunch-table mates, I remember so much support, discussion and laughter. The correct amount of banana ripeness was discussed to a ridiculous degree and I often found myself switching bananas with Gail. I own three of Gail's beautiful blankets and I will truly treasure them always. I will remember Gail's cheerful smile, sense of humour, and wonderful work ethic. She will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Monica Bailey (co-worker and friend) on: Oct 24, 2020
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My condolences to Gail`s family. I am thankful to Gail for her encouragement and assistance at Robert H. Smith School. Thinking of you all. - Posted by: Leslie Mondor (colleague) on: Oct 24, 2020
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Our condolences to Gail’s family and friends. All three of our children had Gail as a teacher at École Robert H. Smith and she did a wonderful job. She loved her students and always encouraged their love of learning. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Lena Morrow (Parent of former students ) on: Oct 24, 2020
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We would like to extend heartfelt condolences to Marty, Aunt Joyce, Richard, Brenda and their families. We are thinking of you in this difficult time. - Posted by: Gilbert and Mona Lavallee (Cousin) on: Oct 24, 2020
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We are truly sorry for your loss Marty and your family. Gail and I had endless hours of wonderful pool time together, we would laugh for hours! We also danced together,did crafts and decorated the hall for holidays. Also can’t forget sharing a glass of wine and dinner out of endless occasions. You will always be in our hearts 💞 - Posted by: Eddie and Susan Rowley (Friends from Florida ) on: Oct 24, 2020
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I am so sorry to hear about Gail’s passing. I worked with her at Robert H Smith. She will definitely be missed. My sincere condolences. - Posted by: Amy McDonald (Former colleague ) on: Oct 24, 2020
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Fond memories of Gail and the Barbapapa puppets we made for her - Gail was my son's french teacher and took a shining to my daughter as a toddler. Later my daughter was a student of Gail's and enjoyed stories of Molly. She was a wonderful, caring teacher - so sorry to hear of her passing. - Posted by: Anne Kresta (mother of former students at Robert H Smith School) on: Oct 24, 2020
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My sincere condolences to the family. Gail and I were teachers together at Robert H. Smith School. She taught Gr.one French and I Gr.one English. We were next door to each other for many years sharing our love for the job and also our frustrations. I will miss Gail. - Posted by: Patricia Busca (Friend and Colleague) on: Oct 24, 2020
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Our sincere condolences to Marty. Gail was a friend from teaching and time together in Florida. She was an excellent and caring teacher. As a friend she was bubbly and fun. She will be missed. - Posted by: Bill and Carol Beitzel (Friend) on: Oct 24, 2020
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It’s with a heavy heart that I offer my sincere condolences to Marty, Mrs Joyce, Richard, Brenda and Gail’s many family members and friends. I spent a lot of time at her house through our school years. Beautiful summers at Sherwood Lake with many adventures and sometimes mischief. We lost touch after high school but had time to reminisce at our famous class reunions and most recently through Facebook. Much love to all. - Posted by: Jeannette Marion (School friend) on: Oct 24, 2020
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Our condolences to Gail's Family. Thoughts and prayers are with in these grieving times. May the many happy memories you shared throughout your lives enlighten and lift your spirits during the grieving process - Posted by: Roger Loiselle (Classmate) on: Oct 24, 2020
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To Brenda. We are so sorry to learn of the loss of your sister Gail. Too young, too soon. We are thinking of you at these times. Colette & Gerald - Posted by: Colette & Gerald Houle (Friend to Brenda) on: Oct 24, 2020
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Gail was a friend I met at her Florida location, Space Coast RV park. I would see her walking about and always on the go visiting the park neighbors. She would be on the deck sipping her wine and chatting about with everyone who passes by. She was someone you can chat with and it is with great sorrow in my heart that she will be missed. My condolence to Marty and her family. Prayers to all. - Posted by: Pep Alvarez (Friend) on: Oct 24, 2020
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Sending hugs and lots of love to Joyce and Richard....living across the street from your family...lots of memories of time with Joyce ...Gail is quite a bit younger than I am but all the kids on the street enjoyed playing together....sincere sympathy to the whole family...GOD BLESS YOU ALL IN YOUR MEMORIES OF SHARED LOVE WITH GAIL 🙏🏻❤️💕 - Posted by: Julie Baril Blouin (Family friend) on: Oct 24, 2020
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We are so very sorry to hear of Gail’s passing. Lots of good memories of all the fun times we had. - Posted by: Kim and Jo-Ann Lewis (Friends) on: Oct 24, 2020
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My deepest sympathy Matante Joyce, Richard and Brenda! Gail was a special person. She will be missed deeply! My prayers and thoughts are with you all! - Posted by: Noella Lafond (Cousin) on: Oct 24, 2020
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First and foremost, our sincere condolences to Marty, Mrs Valcourt ,Richard and to Brenda...Gail was the one that kept me in the loop about you all...Tons of childhood memories..So glad we got a chance to reunite the past few years...may she now Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Barb and Norm Roy (cousin-dear friend) on: Oct 24, 2020
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Our condolences to Gail’s family and friends on these times of grieving. She will always be in our hearts - Posted by: Rheal Dupuis (Old school friends) on: Oct 24, 2020