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GAIL HALLONQUIST (BUCHANAN)
Born: Oct 28, 1933
Date of Passing: Jun 12, 2020
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GAIL HALLONQUIST
(nee BUCHANAN)
Mom made long lasting, deep friendships very easily. She still cherished her childhood friends from growing up on Kingston Crescent in St. Vital. Her relationships with her co-workers from Glenlawn Collegiate remained very special to Mom to this day. Her optimistic personality allowed her to see everything from a positive perspective and to remain hopeful for every outcome.
Mom loved to travel. Whether a quick shopping trip to Grand Forks, or a month long stay in Honolulu, Mom was up for a trip. She did many road trips to Madison, Wisconsin to visit family and to shop, shop, shop. Her band of trouble-makers (sister Judy and friend Marilea) spent many good times eating out at their regular haunts and browsing for bargains. Mom loved to eat out at different restaurants - she had her favourites and loved to discover new ones.
These past few months were very difficult for Mom. Not being able to see her friends and family took a toll on her emotionally and physically. She very much missed her friend and roommate, Thelma. Her pain is now over and her well-deserved time of rest has come. Thank you so much to the staff at nursing station 1 at Tuxedo Villa for their care and compassion.
Mom is survived by her two children, John (Lynne) and Kathryn (Marcel); three grandchildren, Bryan, Erin and Chris; and her two great-grandchildren, Brody and Addie. She also is survived by her sister Judy Danbert; nieces, Kathie and Barb; and her nephew Doug, always held a special place in her heart. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Marjorie Buchanan; husband Wayne, and her daughter Leslie.
Based on Mom's wishes, she has been cremated and the family will hold a private interment. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date when permitted.
Until her death, Mom was a dedicated supporter of Siloam Mission. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mom's name to help someone less fortunate.
We discovered this lovely poem in Mom's papers:
Afterglow
I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles
when the day is done.
I'd like to leave an echo whispering
softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times,
and bright and sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve
to dry before the sun.
Of happy memories I leave behind,
when the day is done.
- Helen Lowrie Marshall
www.voyagefuneralhomes.com
Publish Date: Jun 20, 2020
GAIL HALLONQUIST
(nee BUCHANAN)
Longer obituary to follow this Saturday in the Free Press.
Publish Date: Jun 16, 2020
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 16, 2020, Jun 20, 2020
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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My condolences to family on your loss- I had the amazing good fortune to work with her as my secretary (boss—with her friend co-boss Agnes Houston) as a new and rookie Principal at Glenlawn in 1981-What good fortune as her professionalism, knowledge and constant positive approach with staff and students helped us create a climate of caring. She loved the young people that she interacted with on a daily basis and her smile, her laughter and her openness allowed our administrative team to work effectively in the best interest of both students and staff-Trust was built and Gail was a key factor in the climate of caring and excellence that we as a team began to create- As a young leader-I owed a great deal to both her and her cohort Agnes for mentoring me- I will miss her not only today but also in 2023 when we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Glenlawn-A celebration of individuals like Gail who made the school a special place. - Posted by: Wayne Ruff (Friend and former Glenlawn colleague) on: Jun 27, 2020
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Gail and I have been good friends for almost 50 years, ever since I started working in the office at Glenlawn Collgiate. We remained good friend with lots of laughs and good times. I shall miss you, my friend. - Posted by: Bunny Reid (friend) on: Jun 23, 2020
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Genuine condolences to Gail’s family, and sincerely thinking of you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Brent Hamel (Family friend) on: Jun 23, 2020
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Although Gail and I met just a year ago while she shared a room with my mum Thelma - I had an instant connection with her and felt like we had known each other for years. She had a lovely way of making everyone feel comfortable and at ease. Gail was a wonderful friend and roommate to Thelma and as Dale mentioned - we are forever grateful to her for looking out for our mum. Frank and I used to enjoy seeing their faces light up when we brought them their Tim’s coffee - which they both loved. I do hope that they get to enjoy a cup together on the other side. Kathryn, John & Lynne, Judy and extended family I am very sorry for your loss. May your wonderful memories of Gail keep her with you always. Rest peacefully Gail. Tracey - Posted by: Tracey Henry (Daughter of Thelma (Gails roommate) and friend) on: Jun 22, 2020
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While a student at Glenlawn in the late 1970s, I worked for some of the teachers and had to report in to the office to report my hours, etc. Mrs. Hallonquist was my contact and I learned so much from her. She was a wonderful lady who treated me with respect. My condolences to her family on the loss of a truly special lady. - Posted by: Virginia Thiessen (Student at Glenlawn) on: Jun 22, 2020
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I only knew Gail in the short time she was my late mother Thelma's roomie at Tuxedo Villa. She was a lovely woman with a quick wit. She was so kind to, and a wonderful friend to my mother. I hope that they have had a chance to meet again. It was a pleasure to have known Gail. My sister Tracey and I will be forever grateful for her kindness. - Posted by: Dale Henry (Son of friend, Thelma ) on: Jun 20, 2020
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Although I had met Gail a number of years ago, I got to know her better when she moved to Tuxedo Villa, where my mom is also a resident. I often popped in to say hi and she would sometimes join us for coffee. My mom and I always enjoyed her cheerful company. She was a sweet lady and I will miss her. - Posted by: Enid Brown (Friend ) on: Jun 20, 2020
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I am so sad to hear of Gail's passing. What a wonderful lady and friend. I worked with Gail at Glenlawn for many years and she made me feel very welcome. We belonged to a group calling ourselves the Glenlawn Gals. We had many good times and good parties. Gail was always so friendly and caring for others. We will all miss her. My sympathies to her family. Myrna Jubinville - Posted by: myrna jubinville (friend) on: Jun 20, 2020
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Leah and I are so sorry to read of your dear mom's passing. A very difficult time in life. We send you our condolences and a big hello after all these years. Hugs from your Via friends, Jill Palmer and Leah Dupuis (nees McWhinney). - Posted by: jill palmer nee mcwhinney (friend to John and Kathryn from via rail canada) on: Jun 20, 2020
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So sorry to hear of Gail passing away. She was a terrific lady. I really enjoyed the time I had to get to know her. My condolences to the family. Val kostelnick. - Posted by: Valerie kostelnick (Friend from tuxedo villa.) on: Jun 20, 2020
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Gail was an amazing friend for over 25 years. We met at Glenlawn and I have bee blessed to have her friendship over all of these years. Our yearly pot luck lunches, our yearly Grand Beach trip, and our lunches will not be forgotten. Rest In Peace my friend! I know you are having a great time with Wayne! - Posted by: Pam Deverdenne (friend) on: Jun 16, 2020
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Gail was a wonderful friend who noticed little details. She knew intuitively when things were wrong or when they were right. My grandchildren loved her. I envied that she had a sister like Judy and that they had such a wonderful relationship. We are all missing her wonderful personality. Goodbye my friend. Wayne and Leslie will look after you now. - Posted by: Linda Howell (Friend) on: Jun 16, 2020