GWENYTH ANNE LISTER (BECKSTEAD)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GWENYTH ANNE LISTER (nee BECKSTEAD) November 30, 1928 April 28, 2014 Sadly, in the early morning of April 28, surrounded by her loved ones, Gwen left us. We were blessed to have had her in our lives and will miss her terribly. Gwen leaves her devoted husband of 64 years, Peter, with many wonderful memories of their life together. Also left to mourn are her children, Linda Plexman, Leone Rondeau and Jeff (Glory) Lister; her grandchildren, Janelle and Jon (Amber) Lister, Carrie-Lynn and Whitney (Brett) Plexman and Kieran Rondeau and her great-granddaughter Sophia Plexman. Many valued relatives and dear friends will also miss her. There to greet her in heaven were her parents, James O. and Carrie Beckstead; her siblings Lewis (Veta) and Ted (Marguerite) Beckstead and Winona McLennan; her grandsons Jamison Lister and Braden Rondeau and her son-in-law Bob Rondeau, as well as many more relatives and friends who were a part of her life. Gwen was born in Crystal City, MB and began her life as the youngest child of the town's school principal. She had many fond memories of those years and the friends that she made there. When Gwen was 11 years old, the family moved away from Crystal City and lived in several communities before settling in Tyndall, MB in 1943. She completed her schooling there and then went to work at the Royal Bank in Winnipeg. It was in Tyndall that Gwen met Peter after he returned from service in the Second World War and they were married on July 9, 1949. They began their married life in Tyndall, where their three children were born, starting out on the farm and then moving into town. Then in 1963, they moved to their new home on Fial Crescent near Lower Fort Garry. Gwen kept busy with her family and her home. She kept a large garden that provided produce to be pickled, canned and frozen. She made the best apple juice, which her grandchildren loved, and perfect homemade bread and buns that were a family favourite! During this time Gwen took on other challenges as a 4-H leader and Sunday School superintendent at Little Britain United Church. Later she enjoyed singing in the church choir. In 1968, Gwen decided to begin working outside the home. First, for a short time, at the Eaton's Catalogue store in Selkirk and then as a manager of the Sears Catalogue store, where she worked happily until her retirement in 1986. In 1992, Gwen and Peter sold the house on Fial Crescent and moved to a condo in Winnipeg on St. Anne's Road. Gwen enjoyed participating in the social activities with the other residents. While living at the condo Gwen became involved with a painting group. She produced many beautiful works of art that adorn the walls of her home and those of her family members. In 2010, it was time to take things easier so Gwen and Peter made the move down St. Anne's Road to the Seine River Retirement Residence where they enjoyed the mix of independence in their own suite and daily meals in the dining room. Gwen loved people and made friends wherever she was. Those friendships lasted for years and were an important part of her life. She will be remembered as a loving wife, caring mother and grandmother and a good and faithful friend to many. Our thanks go out to the many people who were a part of Gwen's life. We especially would like to thank the doctors and other health care providers who have been a part of her care over the years. We also extend our thanks to everyone at Seine River for your attention and friendship. Thank you to the emergency room staff at Victoria Hospital for your respectful care of our Mom and your kindness and compassion that was extended to her family. A service will be held to celebrate Gwen's life on Saturday, May 3, 2014 in the Little Britain United Church at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Little Britain United Church or a charity of your choice in her name. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 01, 2014