IRENE GILLINGS (WARD)

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IRENE GILLINGS (nee WARD) May 25, 1924 - June 2, 2005 In the early hours of June 2, 2005, Irene Gillings passed away peacefully at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB, having celebrated her 81st birthday just days earlier. Her devoted husband Jack was, as usual, by her side as were children, grandchildren and sisters. Our hearts are heavy as we bear the loss of our wife, mother and grandmother who occupied the central place in our family life, our beloved Irene, Mum and Nannie. Irene leaves to mourn her passing her husband of 61 years, John Burt Jack Gillings; son John Burt Jr. (daughter-in-law Wendy); daughter and best friend Charlotte (son-in-law Joel Kettner); son Larry; grandchildren, Christopher Gillings and Stephanie Gillings, Heather and Ben Johnson, Jace Kettner, Beth, Michelle and Joanne Kettner, John (Christie), Edward (Robyn), Theresa (Richard) and Jennie Gillings; and great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Kiera, Nathaniel and two more on the way. Irene is also mourned by her sisters, Florence McDevitt and Esther Goetz (Clarence); brother Albert Ward (Lorraine) of Montreal; and sister-in-law Ruth Huggan. Irene was predeceased by her parents, John Charles and Ruth Eveline Ward; and granddaughter Helen. Irene was born on May 25, 1924 at home on Furby Street in Winnipeg, later living on William Avenue. She attended Montcalm School, Hugh John McDonald and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. She liked school (at least she said she did), especially loved music and played the violin. It was in 1940 that Irene and Jack met (May 18 to be exact, in a corner store on the northwest corner of Arlington and William) and it was then that their friendship, love and devotion began its 65 year course. They were married in 1944, and celebrated, beautifully, 60 years of marriage last August. Since 1978 Irene and Jack lived in close proximity to children and grandchildren in Monominto, MB, where they supported each other, their children and grandchildren in daily tasks and life-time hopes and dreams. Irene was an ever-present caregiver to our families, always appearing with surprises and treats, making Halloween costumes, scavenging for homework assignments and committing Jack to additional projects (soon please) in support of their children and grandchildren. Irene chose to make her family her life's work. We are blessed by our mother's leadership and love and by the example of the enduring partnership that our parents have enjoyed. Irene's life and presence will be with us forever and we look forward to being reunited with her. We owe thanks to the hospital staff and paramedics at Ste. Anne and to staff at the Health Sciences Centre whose sensitivity and support were very much appreciated. To Dr. Patrick Fredette of Centre Medical Seine, Ste. Anne, we offer heartfelt thanks for the primary care that he so thoroughly and respectfully provided to Irene for many years. Irene thought the world of Dr. Fredette and felt secure in his care. Irene loved flowers and so flowers would be a fine way to honour her passing. Alternatively donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 200-6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 or the charity of your choice would be much appreciated. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 7 at 12:30 p.m. at the Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. Interment and a reception will follow. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at www.chapellawn.mb.ca.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 04, 2005