- The Carillon Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
KIMBERLEY (KIM) BREARS (TOEWS)
Born: May 15, 1965
Date of Passing: Mar 01, 2016
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
KIMBERLEY (KIM) BREARS (nee TOEWS) Peacefully, on March 1, 2016, at home, Kim passed surrounded by friends and family at the young age of 50. Kim was born May 15, 1965 in Steinbach and lived there until she left early in life to pursue a university education. Kim worked to pay her own way through school. It was at one of these jobs that she met Garry and they immediately became inseparable. Garry often referred to her as his "panda girl" as she was an interpreter at the "Pandas in Motion Tour of 1989". She continued her education in the financial services industry, obtaining many degrees and letters behind her name. Kim joined Lawton Partners Financial in 1997, working with the Laurie Baird Team right up to her premature retirement in November, 2013. In late 2013, Kim was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, which forced her to focus on her health and treatments, along with bonding with many close friends. Her positive attitude never waned through this time; it was more important to live for today and to live to the best extent possible. Kim was rewarded by meeting so many kind people through CancerCare, from the doctors, too many to list, to the treatment staff, and the clerical staff. It was infectious to see her spirit renewed with each visit, as the CancerCare workers are truly angels among us. The care received by Kim was amazing and she wanted to thank each one for the gift of that care and support since being diagnosed. Between treatments, Kim was able to travel many times to the BC coast, twice to Hawaii, her home away from home (don't tell the doctors), and finally last September, a dream cruise with close family friends to Alaska. Kim's shortened life was enriched by many close friends too numerous to mention without leaving someone out. Special friends Laurie Baird, Jean Riggall, Carol Belton, "Hot" Donna LeClaire, Diane Lee Sousa, Laura Lee, and Ed and Diana Dwyer provided Kim with extra comfort and laughter as she walked this journey. Kim is survived by her birth family, Frank and Linda Toews, siblings Alvin, Wilbert, Bernie, Reg and Esther, husband Garry Brears of 22 years and his family of Dave and Bev Brears, siblings Garth (Christine - Tim, Debs, Steve, Sarah), Dennis (Janice - Teighan, Tori) and numerous other nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. In accordance with Kim's wishes, cremation has taken place with a private family interment to follow at a later date. A Celebration of Life in her honour will take place on Friday, March 11, 2016 between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Breezy Bend Golf and Country Club at 7620 Roblin Blvd. Guests will be encouraged to share their memories. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba, to the Winnipeg Humane Society, or to a foundation which the family plans to establish in honour of Kim to fund metastatic breast cancer research and treatments. Remember: Life's too short; don't sweat the small stuff. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Make a donation to
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 05, 2016
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
-
Kim was one of my mother's best friends. When I was a little kid she used to bring us gifts every time she visited. Kim was such a badass woman. Even as a child I could just feel it radiating off of her. Mom and Dad miss you, Kim. Thank you for the Spirit VHS. I'll always remember dinners with you at our old house back when I was a little kid and how you were always rocking a trendy haircut and sleek turtlenecks. I hope wherever you are, you're at peace. - Posted by: Jillian (Daughter of Friend) on: Mar 07, 2021
-
Kim and I shared so many great fun school holidays, and Sunday afternoons at the Toews' house. We used to climb the tree to get away from her little sister Esther, and we would sing school songs up there. I would stay for night whenever I could, especially at the old house before they built the big new one. Life there was always so wild and rambunctious. I will always remember my great friend Kim! - Posted by: Lois Bukar (nee Unrau) (childhood friend from Steinbach, from Bergthaler Mennonite Church, from Elmdale school) on: Mar 06, 2016
-
Dear Garry ( Bear ), I am so sorry to hear about Kim. Please know that my thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. Mum and Janet also send their condolences. Take care - Posted by: Michael Hinson (Friend) on: Mar 06, 2016
-
Garry, we're so sorry to hear of Kim's passing. You are, and will be, in our thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Hardy & Vera Enns (Friend) on: Mar 05, 2016