GERTRUDE (TRUDY) VALERIE COLBURN -

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GERTRUDE (TRUDY) VALERIE COLBURN 1926 - 2012 Our mom Trudy passed peacefully from this life on January 17, 2012 with family by her side. Mom is predeceased by her mother, Vroona, father Rufus, and sister Beulah. She is survived by her children, Valerie (Marshall), David (Florence), Frank (Peggy), Rhonda (John), grandchildren Cory (Diana), Chody (Mike), Rufus and Christopher, great-grandchildren Quinn and Cavanaugh. She is also fondly remembered by Ron. Mom was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. During the Second World War she volunteered with the Red Cross at the General Hospital. After attending high school at Daniel Mac she was employed at Agriculture Canada for one year. She then worked at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (1961 to 1974) in the Crime Index Department. While with the R.C.M.P. she was a Steward with the Union advocating for civilian employee rights. In 1975 she went to work with Corrections Canada until her retirement in 1990. At Corrections Canada she worked in the Psychology Department at Stony Mountain Penitentiary in administration supporting the psychologists often working one on one with inmates inside the prison. She was proud to have made a difference in many inmates' lives. Of her many accomplishments, her crowning achievement, was while working full time, she attended the University of Winnipeg and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1977. Mom is best remembered for her talents as a seamstress sewing many ball gowns for herself, her daughters and her granddaughter. This Christmas she was proud to see her great-granddaughter Quinn wearing a dress she had sewed for her granddaughter Chody in 1977. Mom is also best remembered as a great baker. Fruit cakes baked with the wooden boxes from Eaton's, Angel Food cakes for David because he didn't like the cakes she baked for others, and Christmas would not be the same without her famous oatmeal cookies and mincemeat tarts. The family wishes to express their thanks to Oakview Place for all the care they gave to mom. A celebration of her life will be held Friday, January 20, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. in the Wheeler Funeral Chapel, 211 Regent Ave. West. Private family interment to follow at Brookside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. Funeral Arrangements In Care Of WHEELER FUNERAL CHAPEL 211 REGENT AVE. WEST AT BOND 224-1525

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 19, 2012