Lauraine Ganton

(M) LAURAINE GANTON

  Peacefully, on Saturday, June 6, 2020, two weeks short of her 84th Birthday, Lauraine passed away at Betel Home in Selkirk. She leaves to mourn, her daughter, Colleen (husband Bob), her precious granddaughters, Stefanie, Lindsay (Dorian), and Chelsey (Chris), and great granddaughters, Cadence and Cassidy. Mom will be watching over the two new arrivals later this summer. She also leaves behind a whole crew of nieces and nephews, their families, extended family members, and friends from all over Manitoba.

  Mom was predeceased by her husband, Paul (2003), and her beloved son Joe (2019); by her parents, Samuel and Anna McLeod, and by all of her siblings and their spouses; Clifford (Jean), Dick, Ken (Gloria), Lil (Bert), Mary (George), Mabel (Clarence), two brothers and one sister in infancy, as well as her nephew, Doug, and nieces, Brenda and Barbara. Predeceased also by her sister- and brother-in-law, Gordon and Evelyn.

  Lauraine was born in Kelvington, Saskatchewan in 1936. She often shared memories of her times there, some wonderful, and some, not so much. They moved back to Manitoba, and times were not always easy. She loved gardening and cooking with her Mom, and being outdoors on the farm. She couldn’t wait to grow up and head into the City, like her sisters.

  Mom worked at the T. Eaton Co., and that was where she blossomed. She loved the contact with customers and her co-workers. She played Shortstop for the Eaton’s Baseball Team, and she still had her MVP ribbon in her treasure box. She worked as a Santa’s Helper during the holiday seasons, and her beautiful smile in her photos show how much she enjoyed those times! She also worked at the CIBC in Lundar, and loved the people contact that provided.

  Mom and Dad were married in 1956, and bought a small house in Winnipeg. Their son Joe was born in 1957, and daughter Colleen followed in 1960. Dad’s job with MTS had them moving house about every 3-4 years, so we certainly got to see the province (the Interlake, anyway!) Once Dad retired, they took many road trips, including a camper holiday to Terrace, B.C., to see Joe. They made numerous trips to Alberta, to visit with Bob and Colleen and family. They were always happy to get home.

  Three years after Dad’s passing, Mom decided it was time to go to England. She wanted to visit her niece and nephew and their families there, as Dad had always told her she should go. She got on the plane, and started talking to a couple that she sat beside. She told them about her plans, and where she was going, and that couple made sure she went to the right gate in Toronto to catch the flight to London. When she returned, she claimed she was now a seasoned traveller! It was her trip of a lifetime! She enjoyed a bus trip to Nashville, one to the East Coast, and a few casino trips, as well.

  We moved Mom from Teulon to an apartment in Selkirk when it was obvious to us that she was struggling. Bob found the perfect place for her, and she loved it! She loved to go shopping, out for lunch, and to come to our place in Lockport. Her favorite times were spent with the family, and especially at Christmas, where she spent happy moments with her granddaughters and great granddaughters. Mom once hid all of the dirty pots and pans in the oven so we could all open presents sooner!

  Mom was a TV Sports fan. She loved watching curling, but especially the Toronto Blue Jays! We knew not to call her if there was a baseball game on. She would be telling you who was at bat, or stealing home plate, and the volume was always turned way up. She was also a voracious reader, and her membership at the Selkirk Library was well used. Seven or eight books at a time, returned before the 3-week deadline, was the usual. Mom had incredibly beautiful handwriting, too, and took great pride in writing letters and sending cards to friends and family. If you sent Mom a card, for any reason, we can assure you that it is now in our basement, because she kept EVERY single card she received. Drawings and notes from her granddaughters are carefully folded and tucked in the treasure box. A “Sweetheart” pillow cover that Dad bought her before they were married, in the treasure box. Joe’s school report cards from Grade 1, 2, and 3, are in the treasure box. The first pink dress that Colleen wore, is in the treasure box. Maybe we should all have a treasure box, so those important things can bring back memories of a different, and a wonderful time. Mom had her share of hard times, health issues, worrying about everyone and everything, but she was a trooper. She got up every day with love in her heart, and a smile on her face. Her faith kept her hopeful, and we know, she is now in a better place, making coffee and a sandwich for Dad and Joe. Amen. Love you forever, Mom!

  The family would like to thank the staff of Betel Home in Selkirk for their care and compassion, and to Gilbart’s Funeral Home (John Dent) for his assistance with planning and arrangements during this difficult time.

Due to the restrictions in place, a private (immediate family) graveside service will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, if you so desire, please make a donation to Diabetes Canada, Manitoba Division, The Alzheimer’s Society, or a charity of your choice.

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