GABRIELLE (GABBY) HAMER

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GABRIELLE (GABBY) HAMER

Beloved sister, aunt and friend, passed away at St. Boniface General Hospital on March 13, 2023.

Born in Rochdale, Lancashire, England, the youngest daughter of Eunice and Edward Hammer, Gabrielle was predeceased by her parents, her sister Ilene and brother-in-law John Jawczak. Left to mourn her passing are sister Pauline and her husband Robert Briercliffe, as well as numerous nieces, a nephew and their families in Britain and Australia.

Family was important to Gabrielle. Trips home to the Isle of Man and England, as well as visits to Winnipeg by family secured this bond. News of the activities of her nieces and nephew were welcomed and enjoyed by Gabrielle, and proudly shared with friends.

A graduate nurse from St. Anthony’s Hospital in Cheam with post graduate studies in orthopedic nursing and midwifery in Blackpool, England, Gabrielle sought adventure as a young nurse by first answering a call to care for patients in the Grenfell Missions in Newfoundland/Labrador and then in Oxford House in northern Manitoba. Gabrielle’s experience in the north enhanced a sensitivity and understanding of Canada’s Indigenous people that would forever influence her nursing practice. Gabrielle enjoyed a fulfilling career as a nurse with management positions in Obstetrics and Women’s Health, eventually retiring from the Manitoba Provincial Breast Health Centre.

Gabrielle’s greatest love after her family and friends were her dogs. To say dogs were central to her life was an understatement. Gabby was “mum” to countless dogs (puppies and rescues) and she loved them all - her Boxers, Boston Terriers, Weimaraners, Cocker Spaniels and a Frenchie. Her dog activities were numerous and varied. She showed dogs in conformation, putting titles on her American Cocker Spaniels and Weimaraners, attended obedience classes (Rosie got her Companion Dog title) and did tracking. Gabby never missed a day walking her dogs, even in the bitter cold she’d bundle up her “darlings” in coats and booties, sometimes walking three dogs at one time.

Gabrielle loved tennis and looked forward to watching Wimbledon every year, completed crossword puzzles, was a beautiful knitter, loved to laugh and exchange jokes and stories with friends. She loved kit kat bars, watching Judge Judy, Star Trek, drinking a strong pot of Tetley Tea and entertaining friends. Gabrielle lived a full life, was loved by her family and her friends, and will be missed.

Gabrielle’s ashes will be interred with family on the Isle of Man.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 06, 2023