KATHY GULBRANTSON

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KATHY GULBRANTSON After almost 50 years of loving life, Kathy Gulbrantson passed away in her sleep while in University Hospital, Edmonton on February 19, 2004. She will be sadly missed by all her friends and family. Kathy is survived by her husband of 26 years Kent Gulbrantson (Rockford, IL) in Winnipeg where they have resided for the past 25 years. She is predeceased by mother Gladys Griffin (Rockford, IL). Father Dick Griffin and Teddi (Kenosha, WI) brothers and sisters, Mike Griffin and Vicki (Atlanta, GA), Pat Johnson and Brian (Roscoe, IL), Jim Griffin (Rockford, IL), Jerry Griffin and fiancee Lori (Rockford, IL), Barb Tithof and Rob (Crowne Point, IN), Tom Griffin and Cindy and Rich Griffin and Roberta, also of Rockford; many nieces, nephews and other relatives join in our sorrow. Kathy was a spirited, unique individual who was genuinely outgoing and the first to befriend everyone she met. Few were aware of the complexity of her lifelong heart condition as she chose to focus on the joy and fun of her life, shared eagerly with her family, friends and many acquaintances. Born in Woodstock, IL, Kathy spent her formative years with her family in Rockford. Through a mutual friend she met Kent on a blind date, but wouldnt see him on a regular basis until six months later. They were married in July 1977 and later moved to Winnipeg from Phoenix, AZ. She was employed by Winnipeg Photo Ltd. (as was Kent), where the Winnipeg Photo "family" was a big part of her life. After a necessary medical hiatus, she started to volunteer as the "popcorn lady" at Seven Oaks General Hospital and then with the Wellness Institute. She joined the staff of Wellness and loved her job, as she could remember more names of the people than just about anybody. She loved chatting with everyone and made many friends who will miss her greatly. Cremation has already taken place in Edmonton. A special gathering of Kathys friends in Winnipeg will be held Friday, February 27 at the Canadian German Society lower hall, Mountain and McGregor, starting at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services and burial will follow March 6 in Rockford. Special thanks to all involved in Kathys care, including Dr. Morris at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg and for her final months, the caring and compassionate people in Unit 5G, at University Hospital, Edmonton. In lieu of flowers, please donate to either of these medical facilities directed to cardiac care, or the Wellness Institute.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 25, 2004