JEANNETTE MUDRAY (BRETECHER)

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JEANNETTE MUDRAY
(nee BRETECHER)

Surrounded by family in her home, Jeannette peacefully passed away at 73, on August 12, 2021. During Mom's brief struggle with cancer, she maintained her dignity and never complained despite her pain.
Jeannette will be missed by her loving husband Edward (Bill), of 55 years; daughter Nicole (Greg); son Duane (Raechelle); and three grandchildren, Brayden, Sienna and Emmersen.
Mom was born and raised on the family farm in Toutes Aides, MB, where she grew up with her five brothers, Gene, Leo, Noel, Denis and Roger.
She met the love of her life Bill, at the New Year's Eve dance in Magnet, MB. They were married on May 28, 1966. Their marriage was a true partnership and were always together. Eventually they settled in the west end of Winnipeg to raise their family. Dad worked at Bristol Aerospace, while Mom stayed at home. Mom always kept busy at home, she had a home daycare for a number of years, and always had fond memories of the children she cared for.
Jeannette was also involved with the kids' activities such as being a Girl Guide and Scout leader. Mom was always there to help with making costumes for dance recitals or Halloween. Once the kids were older Mom returned to the workforce where she worked at The Bay restaurant. Mom always loved cooking for a crowd. Mom and Dad always hosted family occasions with a bounty of homemade favourites (perogies, cabbage rolls, pickles, and desserts). Mom is best known for her bread, a recipe that was handed down by her mom.
Mom and Dad did everything together during their retirement; they travelled to Hawaii, Egypt, and numerous trips south to Mississippi. They also travelled through the States twice a year to visit Nicole and her family in Guelph. When they were home Mom and Dad had many projects on the go. In the warmer weather Mom tended her massive vegetable and flower garden. She would always be Dad's right-hand man for any renovation projects they would work on together. In the fall Mom would be busy canning tomatoes, making pickles and pies.
Family and traditions were very important to Mom. Everything that she did was with her family in mind. Mom was always ready for company and would make everyone feel welcome. Her freezer and pantry were always full, and she could whip up a meal in minutes if she had too. Our annual family trip to Thief River Falls was a tradition that lasted 10 years. It was a time when Jeannette could enjoy her grandkids. We would spend time playing cards or time around the pool as the kids hit the slides. Mom and Dad also hosted Ukrainian Christmas every year, another chance for Mom to cook, and to make a special toast with Crown Royal or Ti Blanc.
Mom's last wish was to come home. Our family cared for Mom in her last weeks of her life. We made sure she was surrounded with family. We would like to give our sincerest thanks and gratitude to those who provided meals, flowers, and their time. Elise, who regularly visited Mom and brought the family meals; Leo and Jean who visited often, also Roger, Kim, Suzanne, Rita, Angel and Armand; Linda in BC who would call to check up on Mom and provided words of encouragement; our extended families in Winnipeg, Teulon, Guelph and Calgary, not to mention the support we received from our friends and co-workers. We would also like to thank the Palliative Care team, the nurses and home care aides. They helped us provide the best care possible for Mom during her last eight weeks before she passed.
At this time there will be no service for Jeannette. The family plans to hold a Celebration of Life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 21, 2021