Obituary of Jean Wedlake

JEAN WEDLAKE Peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, Jean Audrey Agnes Wedlake (nee Mortimer) passed away at Concordia Place on October 23, 2010. She is survived by her sons Bill Jr. (Ingrid) and Ross (Brenda), daughter Joan, brother-in-law Frank, grandchildren Adam (Nola), Sean, Jeffrey (Amanda), Heather (Al Rempel), and Lee (Jason Hurton), great grandchildren, Emma, Mary, Caitlyn, Hannah, Cole, Lily, and Colin, nieces and nephews, Karen, Barbara, Bob (Michelle), Murray (Pat), and Cathy (Brian Wagner). She was predeceased by her husband, Bill Sr., her parents, Herbert and Agnes, her sister, Joan, in-laws, Ivor and Ellen, sister-in-law, Marguerite, brother and sister-in-law Hubert and Dorothy, and son-in-law George Murray. Jean was born in Winnipeg on July 30, 1920, grew up and attended school in West Kildonan. As a young woman, she worked at the T. Eaton Co. until she married Bill in 1942. They spent 3 years living together in Halifax during the war while Bill served in the Canadian Navy. After the war, they moved back home and settled in the North End where they raised their family. Jean was a stay-at-home mom, a great cook, master seamstress, and household organizer extraordinaire. She served on many parent auxiliary groups with the school and church where she assisted with countless dinners, teas, and celebrations. After her children had grown, Jean returned to work at Eaton's where she became the head of the catalogue order desk. Jean and Bill were married for 67 wonderful years. They enjoyed many great summers camping, both in their tent and pop-up trailer. Later years saw many relaxing winters, fun times, and great friends at Magic Valley Park in Weslaco, Texas and two memorable trips to Hawaii. In 1972, Jean and Bill moved to Victoria Arms, an apartment in St. James, where they lived for 32 years as active members of the Seniors' Club and where many long-lasting friendships were made. In 2006, there was a move to a brand new Concordia Village which brought the entire family closer together in East Kildonan. Mom made countless personal sacrifices for her family. Family occasions were very special to her and she never missed any. She sincerely loved and was very proud of all of her family. She was an incredibly hard working mother and grandmother, a devoted wife, a great friend, a good listener, and ultimately wanted nothing more than to see the people she loved happy. We all learned so much from her - how important it is to laugh, even through difficult times, how to love unconditionally, and how to make way too much food at family dinners. Special thanks to the staff on the 3rd Floor of Concordia Place for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Concordia Foundation, 1095 Concordia Avenue, Winnipeg, R2K3S8. Cremation has already taken place. Interment will occur at a later date at St. John's Cathedral. A celebration of Jean's life will be held on Friday, November 5, 2010, 1:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main. Mom - we love you - we already miss you. It is difficult thinking about you not being here with us. You were so important in all of our lives, we will treasure your memory - rest in peace - we are so happy that you and dad are together again. Cropo Funeral Chapel 586-8044