GISELE GERVAIS

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GISELE GERVAIS

On November 7, 2024, at the age of 83 and after a long hard-fought battle with cancer, Giselle Gervais passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, at Selkirk General Hospital Palliative Care.

Beloved wife of Romeo Gervais for 62 years. Cherished mother of Paul (Collette); Marcel (Janet); Carole (Ed) Partyka. Adored grandmother of Nicole (Tony)Franco; Kayla (Travis); Avery Anne; Jordan, Renée, Robyn, Owen and proud great-grandmother of Presley and Charley. Dear sister of Guy Cyrenne and sister-in-law to Donna Cyrenne, Roland (Barb), Donna Gervais, Julie, Ida, Maurice (Anne), Denis (Diane), Jules (Alexa), Maryanne (Gerry), Louise (Denis), Harold and Ted (Michelle).

She was predeceased by her brother Ron and parents, Edouard and Alphonsine Cyrenne. Giselle was born on September 18, 1941, in Fannystelle, Manitoba where she grew up on the farm. In her early adult years, she moved to Winnipeg to work, but her roots always took her home for family functions, socials and dances. It was here that she met her Romeo and later married on October 13, 1962. They settled in St. Vital, Winnipeg to raise their three children. Mom was always a generous woman and was active in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives volunteering in their school functions, sport activities and dance activities. Her love of sewing was awed by all when her children and grandchildren wore Halloween Costumes or wedding attire that she had created and she was so proud to see her sewing work on stage at their Ukrainian Dance recitals too. Always taking care of the family, she baked and shared the best cookies and pastries, which were always an essential part of family dinners and gatherings. She was the BEST caregiver to her grandchildren, nieces and nephews for many years and always made herself available to help whenever needed. A woman of many hobbies, you could also find her in a garden, from seeding to harvesting and then preserving. She was most happy picking berries…anytime and many times! Mom was not only the children’s and grandchildren’s #1 cheering fan, she was also proud to tell her grandkids that she too played baseball, ringette, bowling and golfing too. Grandma definitely loved to have fun and was a gamer through and through.

Once the kids were married and moved out of the house, mom and dad made their cottage at Sandy Hook on the 4th tee box their summer home. It was here Mom learned to golf and was hooked! The winter months took them south to Daytona Beach, Florida and Brownsville, Texas where Mom made many new lifelong friends. Wanting to be closer to their children they moved to East Selkirk, then to Selkirk to enjoy the Condo life. There, mom got involved with numerous committees and helped organize the social gatherings, bingo nights, and game days for all to enjoy. She thrived in the social atmosphere and was loved by all who were lucky enough to know her. Giselle truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures and we will miss her sense of kindness, youthful spirit and positive outlook. She was and forever will be our bright light.

Thank you to Dr. Wood at Selkirk Medical and Dr. Menard at Health Sciences Centre CancerCare for their kindness, tenderness, and thoroughness and the compassionate care received while in Palliative Care at Selkirk General Hospital. To all our friends and family, thank you for your prayers and support.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd.

If anyone wishes, donations may be made in her memory to CancerCare Manitoba.

Glen Lawn Funeral Home

204-982-7550

Tribute Link: wwwglenlawn.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 09, 2024, Nov 09, 2024