GWEN EDITH GREEN (nee BURTONSHAW)

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GWEN EDITH GREEN (nee Burtonshaw) It is with sadness that her family announce the too-early passing of a cherished wife, mother, nana, great-nana and aunt. Gwen was predeceased by her parents, James and Ellen Burtonshaw; her first husband Walter of 47 years; and her godson John Kyle Wallace. She is survived by her second husband Les, with whom she shared 66 happy months, as they kept reminding others. Also surviving are son Richard (Maureen) of Winnipeg with stepdaughters, Tamara and Katherine; son David (Michelle) and grandson Geoffrey, of Portage; granddaughters, Nicole McCorrister (Sean) with Matthew and Jared of Boissevain and Colette Lee (Erik) of Edwin with Lettie-May and Emma Jean; brother Geoff and family of Calgary; and sister Marion Hosegood and family of Regina. Mourning the loss of Auntie are Les family, Laurel, Rob, Patrick and Claire Sarginson of Selkirk; Tim, Louise, Leandra, and Charles of St. Albert, AB; Chris, Joyce, Kate and Jesse of Winnipeg. Gwen always remembered with fondness her goddaughters, Angela McNeilly, Sheryle Deprez, Lorna Margetts and her many friends from work, church and lodge. Gwen was born in 1922 to Ellen and Jim Burtonshaw, and spent her early years at Valpoy in the Ste. Rose du Lac area, which she always referred to as "back home." Her first working days were with the Sisters of the Ste. Rose Hospital. In 1942, she moved to Portage, where she worked at Danns Dry Cleaners and the Portage Mutual, while waiting for Walter to come home from the war and his release from prisoner-of-war camp. They were married in 1946 and Gwen settled down to mothering for her little family. Gwen worked for a time at the old Enterprise Press, where she honed her skills as a social reporter and proofreader, which proved invaluable later on. In 1960, she began her career with the Portage School Division where she held forth for 25 years as school secretary at Prince Charles and Yellowquill Schools, and also at the Student Services Department. Gwen always looked back on those years as most rewarding, and referred to the children she met then, and in years since when she was greeted by "her boys and girls," as her fringe benefits of the job. Following Walters passing in 1993, she married her brother-in-law Les on an unforgettable snowy day in November of 1996. She was a "Cradle Anglican" and a faithful member of St. Marys la Prairie Anglican Church, and a 50 year member of Ruth Rebekah Lodge No. 3. Gwen was a member of long standing of the Horticultural Society, as was her father before her. Her involvement with the Terry Fox Run each year was especially important to her, as was the monthly CancerCare support group. While her strength permitted, Gwen loved to volunteer at the Glesby Centre, Lions Manor and Douglas Campbell Lodge. The Friday dances at the Prior Centre were a weekly "must," especially when they were televised. Feeding her bluejays and hummingbirds, Gwen appreciated all aspects of nature, especially the times at Delta, walking on the beach and watching the sunset. Other interests were the baking of dainties, all sorts of crafts, gardening and writing stories about when she was a little girl "back home." She was a dedicated correspondent who refused to let friendships or family ties fade with time or separation. Never having had a daughter of her own, Gwen was always ever so grateful for her daughters-in-law, nieces, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters who came into her life. Flowers to the family are gratefully declined; instead consider taking a flower or plant to a shut-in in Gwens memory. A donation to the Organ Fund at St. Marys la Prairie, or to CancerCare, or the Salvation Army Food Bank, would also be most appreciated. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 6 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Marys la Prairie Anglican Church, 36 2nd St. S., Portage la Prairie, with the Rev. Norman Collier officiating. Interment is to follow at Hillside Cemetery, Portage la Prairie. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Gwen by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements. 857-4021. www.portagelaprairiedailygraphic.com www.mediatributes.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 05, 2002