GERTRUDE STELLA ARBEZ

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GERTRUDE STELLA ARBEZ Peacefully on August 17, 2015, at the age of 92, Mam (nee Desautels) passed away at l'Action Marguerite Foyer Valade. Mam's dedication to her family, sense of humour and positive outlook will really be missed by all who knew her. Left to cherish her memory are three children, Guy (Dawn), Marc (Nancy) and Pauline (Todd), her grandchildren Lise (Steven), Jeanne, Claire, Pierre, Renée, Julien, Jacques, and her great-granddaughter Rose. She also leaves to mourn her sisters Leontine, Evelyne, Lucille, Huguette, and her brothers Pere Alfred and Raymond, as well as many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Mam was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Andre in 2012, her parents Antoine and Annie, two sisters Therese and Raymonde, and two brothers Pere Maurice and Edouard. Mam was born on August 13, 1923 in Ste. Anne, Manitoba. Raised within a family of 11 children Mam learned at an early age to willingly share and work joyfully with others. When her father passed away Mam selflessly left school in Grade 9 to lend a hand with her younger brothers and sisters as well as in the family store in Ste. Anne. Mam was a quiet, loving person with an ability to engage in conversations with anyone around her. Her favourite topic centered around family, both hers and theirs. Mam was always there when needed and we all cherish many happy meals where family favourites such as chili con carne, spaghetti with meat balls or homemade soup made with a week's leftovers was served. Mam especially enjoyed serving dessert where she would offer double or even triple portions to the unsuspecting guest. Mam worked for over 20 years at Eaton's and was particularly proud of the family discount she was able to offer as a result of her working there. We all remember Mam completing numerous painstaking multiplications rounded to the nearest penny as we received our discounts. Camping was always a highlight for Mam and Pa. In our younger years we enjoyed many family trips to locations such as the Black Hills, the Canadian Rockies, Yellowstone and Expo 67 site. Pa drove the car and Mam did everything else to keep a family of five happy. Winter snowbird getaways were especially welcomed by Mam. Mam simply loved to laugh, enjoyed the company of others, and consistently focused on the positives in their lives. She always made others feel special. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Action Marguerite Foyer Valade and previously Action Marguerite Centre Tache for their caring attitude, dedication and willingness to share a laugh or two with Mam and her family. We know she really appreciated the wonderful support received. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mam's memory to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. A celebration of Mam's life will be held on Saturday, August 22 at St. Boniface Cathedral with eulogy at 9:45 a.m. and funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. Desjardins 204-233-4949 1-888-233-4949 www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 20, 2015