GENEVIEVE MAY BODNER

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GENEVIEVE MAY BODNER May 31, 1914 - December 2, 2014 Genevieve (Grannie), mom, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend left us this day to be with her husband John, son Ken and long-time friend Anne. She will certainly be missed by son Len (Dianne); grandchildren Jay (Lori), Joel and Erin; great-grandchildren Hannah, Jace, Joey, Seth and Mya, and her adopted Fleming family. Grannie was one girl amongst seven brothers and her early life in East Selkirk consisted mainly of being her mom's assistant looking after the large family and keeping tabs on her youngest brother; all the while being the target of mischief from her other siblings. As a young woman in Winnipeg, she worked as a housekeeper. It was in Winnipeg that she met John whom she married in 1938 and over the years, the family expanded to include Len and Ken. She was very proud of her two boys and made sure that they were well-presented at all times. Even during her sons' teen years, she remained confident that she was in firm control of their lives. Grannie loved her vegetable garden and flowers, but was unassuming about their bounty. John took care of extolling the largesse and beauty of her efforts to his friends and was unabashed in offering guided tours and even samples, which was a definite no-no and a source of contested words between husband and wife. In friend's and family's opinions, she was simply unparalleled as a cook and baker. Occasions such as Sunday dinners always saw her brothers hastily exchange greetings at the front door and rush into the kitchen for an introduction to the day's fare. Grannie was a key participant in Len's and Dianne's careers by providing babysitting services beyond the call. Up to just recently, she still thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing about the grandchildren's antics and escapades and her take on the necessary retributions. After John's passing, Grannie moved into a seniors' complex where she continued to live mostly independently for many years, taking time to regularly visit the Taché Day Program where she made new friends and became proficient in cards and shuffleboard. She also took pride in sharing her knowledge of cooking with her home care aides in the preparation of various meals. Due to health reasons, Grannie had to seek more assistance in her daily life and chose Poseidon Care Centre as her new home. There, she became a vociferous reader while continuing to hone her shuffleboard skills and act as an unofficial meal consultant. She was fortunate to receive the support and encouragement of the care staff over the years. It was particularly heartwarming to know that the staff considered her "a special lady" who had a privileged place in their "on-site family". The family sincerely appreciated the care and friendship provided by home care and Poseidon staff. It really meant a lot. Thank you. Kudos to you Grannie on your 100 years from all those that you touched on your journey. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, December 8 at 10:00 a.m. at Desjardins Funeral Chapel, 357 DesMeurons Street, with viewing beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be sent to www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca Desjardins 204-233-4949 1-888-233-4949

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 06, 2014