HOPE GWENDOLINE KITSON

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HOPE GWENDOLINE KITSON June 13, 1933 - February 06, 2016 We will be forever touched by the tender, gentle and caring nature of Hope Gwendoline Kitson. On February 6, Hope passed away peacefully at home with her family close. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Dennis; sons, Don and Chuck; daughters-in-law, Arolynn and Cheryl and grandchildren, Anders, Austin, Riel, Emma and Emerson; many nieces, nephews, family and friends. She is survived by her older brother Nelson (Hazel) Olson whom she fondly nicknamed Diddy, of MacGregor, Manitoba. She is predeceased by her parents, Ivor and Nellie Olson; brothers, Donald and John and dearly loved sister Gloria Wilson. Hope grew up on the family farm outside MacGregor, MB enjoying the simple pleasures of rural life that defined much of who she was and what she held dear; family, friends, gardening, cooking and caring for others. As the youngest of five, she had a special place in the Olson family, always being cared for and watched over by her brothers and sister. She met and married her high school sweetheart, Dennis. For the next 60 years they were inseparable. Everyone who shared time with Hope immediately felt welcome, embraced, loved and knew they mattered. It is no wonder her career choice would be nursing, as it fit perfectly with her personality. Hope graduated from Winnipeg General Hospital Nursing School in 1955 and became invaluable at the Portage Medical Clinic, retiring at age 61 ready to take on the challenges and joys of being a grandparent. At a time when women seldom juggled marriage, family and career, Hope successfully broke with tradition. Always in style, this trend setter was the envy of her generation (especially her sons) driving the original pony car a '67 Mustang. Her family values extended to her cottage at Buffalo Point where she spent many summers with her grandchildren and found comfort knowing this was a place where family could always all be together. A celebration of Hope's life will be held this summer. We would like to thank so many who helped, the generous support from our younger nurse in the family, Donalda, "Monday's with Aleda", musical interludes with Doug, and visits from all of the Wilson, Olson, Sloane, Kramarchuk and Guinn crews....and many more. Special thanks to our home care staff, Gloria and Tracy, who cared for Hope and supported Dennis in the past months. Fun, witty, kind, thoughtful, loving, unabashed, tender, genuine, generous, and forever in our hearts, Hope. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to: www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 20, 2016