HEATHER IVEY (GATRELL)

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HEATHER IVEY (GATRELL) (May 30, 1964 - December 28, 2003) With much sadness in our hearts, we announce the passing of Heather Ivey (Gatrell) on Sunday, December 28, 2003 in Winnipeg. She faced her illness with much courage and fulfilled her most important goal to spend a last Christmas with her loving husband and children. To know courage, devotion and caring you need only have met Heather once. She exemplified what it means to love your family, devoting herself totally to her husband and children and caring for others even when she herself was facing unfathomable hurdles in life. She never wavered in her belief that family always came first. There were occasions when her deteriorating health would warrant more assistance than she would normally have allowed, but our lovely lady accepted these changes with grace and resilience. To look past the illness and see the person is a lesson she has taught us well. She will always be remembered for her remarkable sense of humour and quick wit. Heather had a gift for easy conversation but could debate the days issues and stand firm for her beliefs. Never one to call attention to herself, Heather often turned a conversation from herself to enquire what was happening in our lives celebrating our triumphs and mending our sorrows. Her many talents included intricate needlepoint and knitted apparel. For those of us who received these handmade gifts we will treasure them for the heart and soul which went into every piece. To wear one of her creations is to always have a "Heather Hug". Heather was born in Kenora, ON on May 30, 1964, the youngest of five children born to Evelyn and Andy Gatrell. After completing the first year of Nursing at the University of Manitoba in 1986, she returned to Kenora and began her work as a Nurses Aid with Pinecrest Home for the Aged. In 1988, she married Bill Ivey and together they had two wonderful children, Raelyn and Aaron. In 1997, they moved to Winnipeg, where new employment opportunities awaited both. Heathers past work experience opened the door to the medical billing office of "Swept Management". Her years in this office were special for the friendships she made. Sadly, her continuing battle with cancer required her to relinquish her employment in 2002. Left to cherish Heathers memory are her loving husband Bill; and children (the lights of her life), Raelyn and Aaron. Also deeply saddened by her passing are sisters, Val Trent (Herb) and Donna Lajeunesse (Dave) sister-in-law Anne Ivey (Arnie) brothers-in-law, John Ivey (Brenda) and Tim Ivey (Jan) special family friend Millie Clarke; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Predeceasing Heather were her parents, Andy and Evelyn Gatrell; brothers, Tim and Donny Gatrell; in-laws, Dorothy and Don Ivey; brother-in-law John Kubisewsky. A heartfelt thank you to the nurses in the Palliative Care Unit at St. Boniface Hospital who took exceptional care of Heather. Their kindness, compassion and care during her six month stay in hospital will always be remembered and appreciated. Gert and Val, you have touched our lives forever. To the many friends and family who took the time to visit Heather these last few months, she was truly touched by your thoughtfulness. The cards, flowers and treats brightened her days immeasurably. Although the youngest in our family, Heather often gave advice far beyond her years, LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH and remember: Yesterday is history Tomorrow is a mystery Today is a gift Thats why its called the present. You are in our hearts forever and will be missed more than words can say. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 3 at 1:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Heathers memory to CancerCare Manitoba, Breast Cancer Foundation. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 02, 2004