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GERALDINE (GERRY) MARY KJARTANSON
Born: Sep 21, 1933
Date of Passing: Nov 15, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGERALDINE (GERRY) MARY KJARTANSON
Peacefully, in early morning hours of November 15, 2023, Gerry passed away with her son Mike at her bedside in the Fred Douglas Lodge where she had resided since June 7, 2023.
Gerry is survived by her two sons: Terry (Kay) and Mike; five granddaughters: Katie Burt, Melanie Farrage (Basil), Holly Kjartanson, Tia Kjartanson (Alex), and Tiffany Kjartanson; two grandsons: Ryan Kjartanson (Laura) and Andrew Kjartanson (Kathleen); two great-granddaughters: Saphira Burt and Teagan Kjartanson; and two great-grandsons Calum Burt and Branden Welch. Gerry was predeceased in 1996 by her husband Terry, her father Edward (“Gub”) Ryan in 1970, her mother Phyllis (McCash) Ryan in 1968, her siblings Andy Ryan, Jim Ryan and Edna (Ryan) Steel, her daughter-in-law Darlene Kjartanson (Davidson) in 2006, as well as numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Gerry was born September 21, 1933, in Winnipeg, the fourth child of Edward, and Phyllis’ only child. Being much younger than her siblings, Gerry grew up as an “only child” in Winnipeg’s “West End”. Gub and Phyllis owned a grocery store on Burnell Street near Notre Dame and, during Gerry’s school years, she worked in the store with her mother while Gub worked outside the store. She attended high school at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute, and it was here where she met the love of her life, Terry. During her high school years Terry and Gerry attended many dances in the West End and she would attend Terry’s numerous sporting events.
Terry and Gerry got married on June 7th, 1952, in the First Lutheran Church with a reception at the “old” Strathcona Curling Club. Terry and Gerry moved into their small two-bedroom house in Brooklands (Winnipeg) immediately following their marriage. During her first year of marriage Gerry worked at a bank on Notre Dame while Terry biked to work at the CN’s Fort Rouge shops (they didn’t have a car). In the cold winter weather of that first winter Gerry used to come home at lunch time to put coal in the basement stove to keep the water pipes from freezing! In June 1953 their first son Terry was born. Gerry was now a “stay-at-home mom”. In June 1956 Mike was born. Gerry recounted that things were better in the house on William Avenue as the sewer system had been extended to Brooklands in 1956 and they now had indoor sewer plumbing. Prior to this, Gerry packed up laundry and “Little Terry” and washed laundry at Mom and Pop K's place on Spruce Street. Despite these habitation challenges, Terry and Gerry persevered. Gerry’s patience was incredible. Over the years a hand-dug “mud” full basement was developed and, in 1979, Terry built a magnificent two-car garage with carport. This garage served as their living quarters in 1981 when Terry, with the help of his high school friend Dan Sancan and sons Terry and Mike, almost totally razed the original house and constructed their new home complete with a new concrete basement. Gerry’s patience was exhibited again and again as the finishing touches inside the home took many years to complete. It was in this new home that many wonderful family gatherings occurred over the years - usually featuring Gerry’s wonderful cooking and baking. Her grandchildren have many fond memories of sleepovers at Grandma and Grandpa’s place where they were totally spoiled.
Once sons Terry and Mike were old enough, Gerry re-entered the workforce. Starting out working the evening shift at the Winnipeg Police Station’s canteen, Gerry moved on to get her “dream job”. As a librarian at the Brooklands Branch of the Winnipeg Libraries Department, Gerry interacted with many residents of the community – often children and grandchildren of people she’d known for decades. She loved the people she worked with and the people she served.
Gerry retired from the Brooklands Library several years prior to Terry’s death and together they enjoyed a number of great retirement years. They went on several trips, most notably their trip to visit Anne Allan’s family in Ireland. Anne was the daughter Gerry never had (her words), and Anne’s family was Gerry’s family.
Following the devastating loss of Terry in 1996, Gerry “soldiered on” alone in her home. She was a very active member of the Brooklands Active Living Centre and, with her close neighbourhood friends Maxine Warenko and Pat Sawicki, she spent many wonderful years there socializing with seniors from the Brooklands and Weston areas.
Anyone who knew Gerry knew that she loved cats. She often had many cats living with her. On one occasion, as a “birthday present” to Gerry, her son Terry ended up taking two kittens from a litter that one of her cats had so that she wouldn’t exceed the number of cats that one homeowner could legally possess. It was also through one of her cats that Gerry met her lifelong friend Bev Gaboravic. Bev and her husband lived nearby, and, under very unusual circumstances, Gerry found out that one of her cats was now living at Bev’s place (where her cat was being totally spoiled!). Bev and Gerry became the best of friends and, in later years when Gerry had difficulties getting out, Bev often shopped for her.
Another source of strength for Gerry, especially following Terry’s death, was her attendance and participation in the First Lutheran Church. She was very active and volunteered on a number of its committees. She sorely missed attending church following the onset of Covid-19 but appreciated the visits and calls from the FLC’s Pastor Michael Kurtz. It was also during Covid that Gerry stopped driving. She recognized her limitations and didn’t wish to cause any harm. This, however, made her very dependent on others. Friends, neighbours, and family finally had the opportunity to repay Gerry for the kindnesses and generosity she had extended to them over the years.
Gerry’s mobility and mental acuity diminished significantly over the past two years. Following a bad fall in September 2022, and a week in the Grace Hospital Emergency Ward, Gerry returned to her home – this time with the assistance of home care workers. Over a period of about six months her health further deteriorated, and, after another fall, she spent about two months at the Misericordia Transitional Care Unit. From the Misericordia’s TCU, on June 7th, 2023, Gerry relocated to her final residence, the Oak Unit at the Fred Douglas Lodge.
The family wishes to thank the staff of the Fred Douglas Lodge for their excellent care and deep compassion as Gerry’s abilities continued to diminish.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday December 2, 2023, at the First Lutheran Church, 580 Victor Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 1R2, with a reception to follow at the First Lutheran Church. Cremation has taken place. A private family burial service is planned in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the First Lutheran Church, the Brooklands Active Living Centre 1960 William Avenue West, Winnipeg, MB, R2R 0C4, or a charity of one’s choosing.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 25, 2023, Nov 25, 2023
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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A very long time ago we met Gerry at Brookland's Library. As a young family, we were treated like royalty. Her amazing memory, smile and kindness are just some of things we are gonna miss. Knew something was wrong when we did not see her shopping, and we did not receive a Christmas update card this past Christmas. So very sorry to all the family and our deepest condolences. - Posted by: Deb and Harold Kozeluh (Friend) on: Jan 19, 2024
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I had the privilege of preparing commonion with Gerry on Sunday mornings. - Posted by: Alda Thomasson (Fellow church member) on: Dec 01, 2023
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Gerry was such a friendly and thoughtful neighbour. When we first moved next door, Gerry was the first person to come and introduce herself with a warm, friendly smile and let us know that she was right next door if we needed anything. We were privileged to have her as a neighbour and she will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences to Mike, Terry and family. - Posted by: Jeff and Blaine (Neighbours) on: Nov 28, 2023
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Mike, It has been many years from SJCI. I wanted to send my condolences to you and the family on the passing of your Mom. She was an amazing woman and you have captured the essence of her life in the obituary. Best to yo. Mr. D - Posted by: Tom Dercola (Teacher) on: Nov 26, 2023
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Gerry was a friendly face at Brooklands library. After she retired we enjoyed her Christmas cards. She made our three year old sons day when she let him help checkout his books. Rip Gerry - Posted by: Phil and Pat Buckingham (Aquaintance) on: Nov 26, 2023
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We met Gerri when my sister Anne Allan brought Gerri home to Ireland and we made friends in an instant,who wouldn't, she was that wonderful comfortable to be with person and we remained friends since We , Gerri ,Terry and us did a trip around Ireland and had a Ball. We had many a big slap up dinner in Gerri and Terrys,where Terry and Paddy battled it out to see who could shift the most steaks. Best memory is folklarama. Paddy and I were guests of honour and the band on stage for the night was Irish Stew. My old Dublin pal Andy McGrath was leader and they kept getting gifts of drink on stage all night. Andy sent All their stout and beer to our table and big Terry at young Terry had a night to behold. Hahaha 🤣. Gerri was a sincere friend and great pals with Anne and Jimmy Allan to the end. May she rest in peace and she and Terry are united again forever. Our sincere condolences to the Kjartanson Family. We will miss them both. Amen. Mary and Paddy Farrell from Dublin. Ireland. - Posted by: Mary and Paddy Farrell (Very close friends ) on: Nov 26, 2023
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Over the past 18 years I often sat beside Gerry on Sundays at First Lutheran Church. We had such great quick conversations before the service started! Gerry was such a warm and caring person with a wonderful smile and we'll really miss her there. - Posted by: Rhonda Gorham (Friend) on: Nov 25, 2023
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A beautiful & touching tribute to such a remarkable Lady. Thank you for including Gerry's trip to Ireland with Anne into this incredible story of her life, I'm sure that also means a great deal to my parent's ,Mary & Paddy ( Anne's sister & brother-in -law) . Gerry's love of life was contagious. Always smiling , a beautiful soul. I had the privilege of spending time with Gerry & Terry ( and Mike ) & travelling through the Rocky Mountains on a road trip in the 1980's while in Canada visiting my dear Aunt Anne & uncle Jimmy & I also met their lovely family . I was just sharing all these photos & memories with Anne & Jimmy while they were on their recent trip here to Ireland this year because this kind of warmth & experience of meeting such lovely people in your life is not something you ever forget . Happy to say Gerry's love of cats was also contagious..my own family have four cats !. Gerry will always be an inspiration to all who met & loved her, a strong & determined woman, with a wonderful smile, a very sad loss to her family, friends & community, my extended sympathy to you all .May she Rest in Peace with all those who love her & are waiting for her, especially Terry. Sending love from Ireland : Joan, Lorca , Jennifer, Lydia & Kevin . - Posted by: Joan Farrell connolly ( jojo ) (Friend) on: Nov 25, 2023
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Gerry was a very kind person and a beautiful soul, who was gifted with a great sense of humour which we got to enjoy when in her company. We were fortunate in having her touch our lives. She’ll be sadly missed by many. Our condolences to her family who loved her very much❤️ - Posted by: Jim and Chris Main (Friends of the family) on: Nov 25, 2023
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Our deepest sympathy to Terry and Mike and all of Gerry’s family. Anne and Jimmy brought Gerry into our lives many many years ago, and what a privilege it was to know her and spend time with her both in Ireland and on visits to Winnipeg. Terry and Gerry were a devoted couple, full of fun. Gerry was one of life’s gems, so kind and considerate and always interested in people. What a beautiful smile Gerry had, we especially loved her laugh. Gerry still wrote us Christmas cards until last year always telling us how proud she was of her family. This beautiful lady will not be forgotten by her friends/family in Ireland. Anne and Jimmy our sympathy to you both also. Gerry loved you dearly. Barbara, Jimmy, Robbie and Justin x - Posted by: Barbara Egan (Friend from Ireland ) on: Nov 25, 2023
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Missed you from Monday afternoons the last few years. RIP Gerry - Posted by: Thea Firth (Friend from Brooklands) on: Nov 25, 2023
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Missed you from Monday afternoons the last few years. RIP Gerry - Posted by: Thea Firth (Friend from Brooklands) on: Nov 25, 2023
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So sorry for your loss, what a wonderful lady your Mam was. I have so many wonderful memories of both Gerry & Terry especially when they came to Ireland. Gerry had a wonderful smile and such a gentle caring lady . I so loved to visit Gerry when in Canada, I remember being so spoilt , her dinners were legendary. Sending all our love to you all xxx Lynda, Crawford & Cindy Millar (nee Farrell) - Posted by: Lynda A Millar (Anne Allan's niece and Gerrys ) on: Nov 25, 2023
