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GERTRUDE MARIE YVONNE ARCHER
Born: Mar 01, 1943
Date of Passing: Apr 16, 2023
Offer Condolences or MemoryGERTRUDE MARIE YVONNE ARCHER
Gert passed away early on the 16th of April after a courageous battle with cancer. She passed away peacefully and gracefully with family by her side.
Gert was born in Hearst, Ontario, the second youngest of 14 siblings. She is survived by her sister Marianne and brother Camille. She was also pre-deceased by daughter Jennifer, son Michael and granddaughter Danielle.
Her first marriage, to Lucien Payeur, brought her to Sioux Lookout, Ontario, and shortly after she had children - Linda (Shawn McGrath) and Michael. Through her determination and resolve, she learned to speak and read English by listening to the radio and doing crossword puzzles.
Gert later met the love of her life, Don Archer, and they married in 1988. Their marriage reunited her bond with motherhood and raising his 4 daughters together, Jennifer (Rick McKenzie), Michelle (Andy Schardt), Natalie (Bob Popovic) and Nicole.
The union with Don also lit up the dance floor as they jived and celebrated so many occasions together. Gert had many creative talents including making numerous Halloween costumes, drawing, painting, and sewing, to name a few, and all with strong sense of style and design. She shared her keen eye for fashion with many while people working at Vivian's Lady's Wear and then at her own boutique, Le Papillion.
Gert, Don, and the girls moved to Winnipeg in 1985. There she continued retail work, including working many years at Sears, where she celebrated retirement.
Becoming a grandmother was the next big chapter of her life, and her love and devotion continued to shine brightly. Her first grandchild, Pascal (Ryan Simpson), arrived in 1995, followed in quick succession by Haylei, Marek, Andrew, Danielle, Jacob, Nicholas, Cameron, Cohen, and Madison.
Referred to by many of the grand kids as "Momma Dirt", it was only fitting that she was an excellent teacher of how to make any room sparkle top to bottom, in addition to her many other talents. She loved to play cards, and even more, she loved to beat Don. Gert also enjoyed travelling immensely, having her feet in the sand, and soaking up the sun, often with her niece Diane.
The family would like to thank the Winnipeg Regional Health Palliative Care Program and CancerCare Manitoba for their strong support, enabling Gert to stay home until nearly the end of her journey. A special thank you to Dr. McCauley and the nursing staff at the Riverview Health Centre.
Cremation has taken place and a Memorial will be held on July 8, 2023, in Winnipeg, MB
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 22, 2023
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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Sincere condolences to you Don and the rest of the family. Gert was a real Sweetheart and I’m sure you have many find memories that spring to mind. We hope these memories comfort you in the days ahead. Heart Hugs to you from John and Shirley Mustard - Posted by: Shirley and John Mustard (Friend ) on: Apr 25, 2023
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Don and family Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Gert. So many, many years ago, I worked with her at the Welcome Lounge. She was a sweet, kind, gentle and warm person. She was willing to teach us how to be an effective server. She was friendly and always had a smile on her face - truly one of a kind. No doubt she will be missed by everyone who loved her. I hope the memories you made see you through this difficult time. - Posted by: Pat Nichol-Henderson (Friend) on: Apr 22, 2023
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A true friend starting in Sioux Lookout and onto Winnipeg, I will miss Gert. Such a beautiful lady, inside and out. - Posted by: Grace Trudesu (Friend) on: Apr 22, 2023