1941 ~ 2014
July 7, 1941 – May 8, 2014
Peacefully, and maintaining her sense of humour to the end, Jo-Anne Barbara Gourlay passed away on May 8, 2014
She was the proud Nanny (grandmother) to Kaitlin, Lisa, and Mitchell Adey, and to Robin Gourlay, Mother to Debby Adey and Laura Gourlay, and special friend to Brian McDougald.
Mom was born and raised in Windsor ON, marrying Robert (Robin/Bob) in 1963 and living for a short while in Toronto before moving to Winnipeg in 1964 where she and Robin raised their daughters. Mom owned a nursery school and started up and was the director of a multi-centre daycare, before moving to Brereton Lake. There she first co-owned and operated the Rennie Hotel, then purchased the Whitemouth Kitchen, and moved to Whitemouth where she and Brian McDougald spent the past ten years together, loving and caring for each other. Nanny was the most devoted grandmother and supportive mother, spending her retirement years raising her youngest grandson for his first six years as she supported Laura in her struggles. Mom’s inner strength has helped her through many challenges through her life, and kept her in good spirits in her final weeks.
Thank you to Dr. Bruneau, the staff of Pinawa Hospital, and to Michelle and Connie At Cancer Care Pinawa for your friendly, professional, and respectful care of Nanny this past year.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pinawa Hospital for the purchase of Internet sticks and tablets to help chemotherapy patients maintain contact with family and friends while receiving treatment, or towards the purchase of an ultrasound machine for the Pinawa Hospital.
As Mom said in her last days: “Life is Beautiful ”
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 16, 2014 at the Whitemouth Recreation Centre.
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Pauline Fia and Hank deJong
Laura and Debby,
We are so saddened to hear of Joanne’s passing. I am specially sad to hear that she had been ill as she was such a live wire and always had so much energy…
Please know we are thinking of you and sending big hugs maybe not as big as your Mum’s but big ones , just the same.
Much love, Pauline and Hank
Jim and Mary Tauber
Debbie and Laura
Jim and I are sending our deepest condolences to you both. Your mom was one of a kind, we are glad she never lost her sense of humour. Mum is now at the eternal house where there is no pain. Mum will still be watching and giving the instructions with her humour.
God Bless to you both
Jim and Mary Tauber
Joanne and Ron Gillan
Dear Deb., Mike and Family and Laura and Robin: So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing, I was planning to get to the funeral, but couldn’t get out of town on time. May all your fond memories sustain you through this very sad time. Most sincerely, Joanne and Ron