KATHLEEN GAYLE THORSTEINSON

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

• I just heard. The world is a better place because Gayle lived. Thank you God. I truly believe that Gayle has gone to that better place that she always expected to go. I am happy for her but so sad for all her children, family and friends that miss her so dearly. - Posted by: Lois Doig (Cousin) on: Jul 23, 2014

• My deepest condolences to Gayle's family. I am going to miss my friend. She was an encouragement to me and my children. We all loved and appreciated her. Here is a prayer of hers she shared with me several years ago. I hope it is an encouragement to you all and I'm sure you all know it well. " he light of God surrounds you. The love of God enfolds you. The power of God protects you. Wherever you are God is, and all is well." - Posted by: Audrey Winter (Neighbor and friend) on: May 20, 2014

• My deepest heartfelt sympathy to the Thorsteinson Family, I was fortunate to be able to spend the last 5 months with Gayle & Carl and I truly came to love both of them. It sadden me to hear of Gayle's passing she would always say that one day she would be with Our Lord Savior, and now she is. I'm happy that she was able to make home before she made her journey to be with Our Lord. I'm glad we were able to say our last "I love you". Gayle you'll truly be missed. Carl I continue to keep you and the family in my prayers. I miss you. Much love you all. - Posted by: Cynthia Prude (Friend) on: May 18, 2014

• Gayle knew that her children had come to earth to train her in parenting. The tutors were tough but one day she would understand what they were each about. I recall days when Chris was a complete mystery to her but her great heart, exuding love, would carry her forward for the next lesson. I now assume that Gayle finally understood what each of her children, grandchildren and in-laws were about and had learned all the lessons, passed the exams and was graduating to the next level of existence. I pray that by some means that path she followed will open up for me with her light. Always dazzling even in the midst of life's storms. My privilege to have met such a great traveller in life! - Posted by: Derek Doyle (Friend from the 70s) on: May 18, 2014

• I met Kris almost a decade ago and although I never met his mother Gayle, she seems to have been a remarkable woman from all that I have heard from Kris over the years. I was saddened to hear of her passing on Mother's Day. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Kris and all of his immediate family. Gayle is the bones in your spine, keeping you straight and true, she is your blood, running rich and strong, and she is the beating in your heart. I know she will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Greg Teckles (Friends with son Kristjan) on: May 17, 2014

• I was so saddened to hear the new about Mrs. Gayle. In the short time I knew her I grew to love her like family. My deepest sympathy go out to the family. - Posted by: Maricela Pineda (friend) on: May 17, 2014

• Carl, Gayle, my late husband Ross & I were friends for many years. We seem to have lost contact over these past years but have never forgotten. My sincere sympathy is extended to Carl, boys & families. - Posted by: Carol Ingimundson (Friend) on: May 17, 2014

• Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Wish we could be there with you. Know that you are in our prayers and we send our love. - Posted by: Lorna Holtzman (Aunt) on: May 16, 2014

• I was so saddened to hear of Gayle's passing. She was a longtime friend of my late husband Gordy and myself, Many a good time were had in Gimli and also our trip to Red Deer, to visit with Gayle and Carl. She was a loving and devoted lady. Her family and particularly her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life She will be missed dearly, but fond memories will last forever of a very loving and giving person, To Carl and the entire family I send my love and deepest condolences Joyce Peterson - Posted by: Joyce Peterson (Long time friend) on: May 16, 2014

• My heartfelt sympathy goes out to my cousin Carl and the boys, and all their families. Love cousin Ethel - Posted by: Ethel Bergen (cousin) on: May 15, 2014

• It is difficult to just say a few words about my mother. I would use the word brilliant as one. Gayle was a very intelligent woman. No matter the topic, she could hold a conversation with the best of them. Many business leaders, politicians and actors were amazed at my mother's grasp of World events and politics. Especially politics. She and my father have been on the personal Christmas card list of 5 Prime Ministers. She was very vocal about issues and was known to call or write those at the very top to get things solved. Usually to her liking!! She had an uncanny ability to raise 5 boys, run a household and help with the family businesses. My mother was a beautiful and elegant woman. Her sense of fashion and flare for decor helped build our family's many business ventures using her talents to market and merchandise our brands. Be it in RV business, or doing massive events. All my expertise and eye for talent and decor and styles, I got from my mother. She was an amazing mother, attending every sporting or school event of 5 boys. She was involved in community charities and charities world wide. Gayle was a big supporter of Compassion Canada and she never declined a request to drill water wells in Africa, or support a school being built in Asia. NEVER! I brought many charity projects to her, and she always wrote a cheque. And did so anonymously. No fanfare. Especially for kids. It was never about press for her. People have no idea the number of amazing charity projects Gayle funded. She gave far more than most people ever would. She was worried for the world before it became fashionable. She was a deeply spiritual woman who taught me to find my God and to know I never walk alone. On top of that, she had 17 grandchildren. 17! and loved each and everyone and made them feel like her favourite. She had a big heart, so big it finally gave out from literally too much love. The Serenity prayer was her favourite and I had it memorized since my youth. I will miss my mother every day. Every day. And although I cannot turn back the clock, and get her back, I am very fortunate and grateful to have been the son of such a unique, charismatic and genuine human being. I love you, and I will miss you mom……………….. We all will! And you will never be forgotten. Please, if you knew my mother well, or are family, and we could not find you, please come by for a visit on Saturday. - Posted by: Robert Thorsteinson (Son) on: May 15, 2014

• Gayle, my eldest sister, was a real beauty! So much so, as a teenager she was crowned Carnival Queen at our Winnipeg Beach Ice Carnival. It was a money vote system, and while we certainly were not in a position to spend much on votes, our town saw Gayle's beauty and she became their queen. Gayle had a lot of challenges early in life to help Mom raise her younger siblings as our Dad died very young. There are many stories of our early years at the Beach that my sister could convey, being the eldest. And there were a lot of them. She had class that girl! And smart too! Gayle stood top of her class in high school and I always said, she would have made a terrific states woman. Instead, she chose to raise 5 wonderful boys, who will miss her in the deepest way. And Carl, my heart goes out to you. And I will always miss you Gayle, I love you dear sister. Nannie Dodie, as you called me when I was little. - Posted by: Barbara Nancy Kolodie (Sister) on: May 15, 2014

• A snippet of how wonderful my dear sister-in-law was: My sister-in-law Gayle, the matriarch of our family, was so special and these are examples of that. When I was a new young mother, somebody did something really mean to me. Gayle happened to drop by that day and I burst into tears. She asked me what was wrong and when I told her, she came over, sat beside me and put her arms around me, and I will always remember her words. She said, "Maureen, you have to pray for that person and in your heart, you have to forgive them." If you don't do this, you will carry that burden for the rest of your life. She was so wise. Another show of her kindness was in a department store. A daughter was showing her mom a bicycle and the mother said she couldn't afford a bike for her because she had hardly enough money to feed themselves. Gayle picked up on this, and as the mother and daughter walked away, she took hold of the bike and walked it to the checkout. Slipping in line just in front of the mother and daughter, she paid for the bike, then turned to the mother and daughter and said, "This bike is for you." Then she walked away! I have seen her do things like this. She was so compassionate. I will always remember you with love. Maureen Kolodie - Posted by: Maureen Kolodie (Sister-in-law) on: May 15, 2014