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GUNNLAUGSON JEANETTE (COLLINS)
Born: Mar 12, 1932
Date of Passing: Jun 01, 2022
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
JEANETTE GUNNLAUGSON
(nee COLLINS)
March 12, 1932 - June 1, 2022
It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved Mom, Granny and Great-Granny.
Jeanette was born in Argyle, Manitoba on March 12, 1932 to Marie and Bill Collins. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband Lloyd Gunnlaugson; her brother Roy Collins and her half-brother Grant Collins. She is survived by her four children, Lynette Sanders, Darryl Gunnlaugson (Shirley), Derrick Gunnlaugson (Lori), Alanna VanDenBerghe (Garry); her grandchildren, Tavis, Maya (David), Adrian (Katrina), Ainsley (Norm), Jill (Jason), Jason (Theresa), Derek (Brittany), Matthew (Arwen), Kendra (Mark) and Tyler (Madi); 12 great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Declan, Brenden, Logan, Anu, Rylen, Lucas, Faelan, Luna, Reuven, Aedan and Oisin and her half-sister Sheila Thwaites (Harold).
Jeanette lived and grew up in Winnipeg. Upon her completion of schooling, she took a position in the Accounts Payable department of The Hudson's Bay. She loved working and she loved being independent. As the story goes, while out one night with friends, she met a young, handsome man named Lloyd. They fell in love and married shortly thereafter. Children soon followed and then Mom and Dad started their own business "Gunnlaugson Plastering." She ran the office, did all the bookkeeping and managed a family and a home. In later years, Mom ran the business with her two sons. She was a very determined, savvy and astute business woman.
Mom and Dad were very social and always enjoyed parties, dancing and card games and of course the Valour Road Curling Club. In the mid 60s, Mom and Dad purchased a lakefront property and thus began the love of West Hawk Lake. She had the wisdom and foresight to see that the cottage would become a special bonding place for her family. Mom was all about family.
After Dad passed in 1988, Mom began a new career managing the Pembina Curling Club. Mom loved working there, as she was such a people person and loved the challenge of learning the new computer technology. Over the years, she went on to learn about email, Skype, Instagram, Facebook and texting. She got her first cell phone at 88 years of age and figured out how to use it to keep in touch with all her family.
In 2000, Mom moved to the Okanagan with her youngest daughter, Alanna and her family. Mom purchased a lovely house in Vernon and settled into semi-retired life. Mom spent her days watching countless sports games, cruising around in her 1999 Camry and helped to raise her two youngest grandchildren. In 2017, at 85 years old, Mom met her Sadie girl, a Boston Terrier that soon became her most beloved companion. Mom and Sadie enjoyed walks in her complex, visiting with neighbours and cuddling on the couch. In 2020, she took her last big adventure and moved to Victoria, BC. She purchased a beautiful condo in Oak Bay, where she enjoyed walking Sadie, running errands and Friday night pizza nights with her family.
Mom made many trips back to Winnipeg and to West Hawk Lake to visit her family. She was the true family matriarch. She was in touch with everyone young and old and she was always supportive of our endeavours - the strong backbone of our family.
Mom was the best role model we could have ever wished for. Mom was strong, mom was patient and mom was incredibly generous. She was the epitome of class. It is said that the price of love is grief. Our grief of the loss of this classy, sassy lady is immeasurable. We were so fortunate to have had her in our lives and she has left us with countless memories that we will forever hold so dear. Mom, thank you for teaching us, thank you for supporting us and most of all thank you for loving us.
A special thank you to Dr. Behroozi and the Victoria Hospice staff. Mom did not wish to have a funeral service; rather her wishes were for her extended family to honour her memory with a celebratory dinner.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Love Always & Forever Mom,
as you journey on.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 11, 2022
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. Your mom, grandma, great-grandma was truly the grand matriarch of your family. Class surrounded her! You have many wonderful memories because your beautiful mom put them in place for you. Remember the Good Times Gunnlaughson Family - Posted by: Jill Dowson (Friend) on: Jun 13, 2022
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Warmest thoughts go out to Jeanette’s family. I easily recall Mrs. Gunnlaugson as a friendly, strong and classy lady. She and Lloyd meant so much to my parents. It would be nice to imagine some old Valour Road pals sharing some cheer and song once again. May great memories help soothe you all at this time. - Posted by: Rick Warren (Family friend) on: Jun 13, 2022
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My sincere condolences to you, Derek and the family. From all your stories your mother in law was a true spit fire may your memories of her strength and love of life comfort you all in the days and years to come. Hugs to you and Derek - Posted by: Colleen Gillis (Friend of Lori's) on: Jun 13, 2022
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We had the pleasure of living next door to Jeanette in the Okanagan. Good times sharing Winnipeg stories, analyzing curling and being entertained by Sadie. Jeanette was one of the people that makes Canada GREAT. Our condolences to Alanna, Garry and all the family. - Posted by: Dennis & Janice Windsor (Friend & neighbour) on: Jun 12, 2022
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I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. You had many great years with your mom and friend. I can still picture her smiling face. My best regards and condolences to your family Daryl Robert Rindahl - Posted by: Daryl Robert Rindahl (Friend of Darryl and Shirley) on: Jun 12, 2022
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My sincere condolences to the Gunnlaugson family. Jeanette was a truly wonderful person and a wonderful aunt. Thankfully she got to live a long and wonderful life. I will always remember her laugh it was a one of kind nobody laughed like her you always knew it was Jeanette from the laugh. Love you all take care ❤️ - Posted by: Marty (Nephew) on: Jun 11, 2022
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Condolences to Jeanette's family. She was a special lady and I had the honour to know her when she lived in Vernon. She was my friend and neighbour and we enjoyed walking our dogs together. I will miss her! - Posted by: Patricia MacNicol (Friend) on: Jun 11, 2022
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A beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. May your memories live on forever in your hearts. Love to you all. - Posted by: Jody Beamish (Family friend) on: Jun 11, 2022
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A great lady! An honorary life member at Pembina Curling Club. She did a fantastic job of managing the club for many years before bequeathing the job to Tavis. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Rob Duncan (Acquaintance ) on: Jun 11, 2022
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Darryl and family, Sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was always very nice to me. I remember Darryl and your Mom showing me the Owls in the cage in the back yard. - Posted by: dale olnick (grade school friend of Darryl) on: Jun 11, 2022
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Rest in peace, Jeanette, you have earned your rest. My sincere condolences to Jeanettes entire family. - Posted by: Debbie Hunter (Cousins daughter in law) on: Jun 11, 2022