Margaret Marion Glew (Newman)

August 12, 1945 – October 8, 2024

The family is deeply saddened by the passing of our beautiful sister Margaret Glew (Newman) at the age of 79 years. Marg fought a courageous three round battle with cancer that ultimately ended in the early morning on Tuesday, October 8.

Marg was predeceased by her parents, Stan and Betty Newman and her life partner Leo Girouard, as well as her beloved dogs Toby, Rusty and Bella. She is survived by her son Darren (Tamara) and five siblings Stan (Barb), Les (Eleanor), Ken, Randal (Brad) and Valerie as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. She will be missed by so many friends.

Born in Windsor, Ontario she moved to Winnipeg with her parents and four brothers in 1957. After arriving in Winnipeg, when she learned her mom was having another baby, Marg told everyone about her plan to move out of the family home unless it was a girl. In June 1958 she finally got that little sister.

She attended Churchill High School and started her working life at St. John’s College with the University of Manitoba. She moved from there into Real Estate, initially as an Agent and finally as Marketing Coordinator for Re/Max Professionals. It was during this stage of her career that her first battle of cancer took her away from work.

Marg was married in 1967 and raised her son Darren in Transcona. She was involved with the executive board of Oxford Heights Community Centre and was first a hockey mom, then a football mom. She enjoyed hanging out at the Central Hotel in Transcona where she made so many friends. Marg played softball with her Ballbuster gal pals in Transcona, enjoyed curling, playing cards, and spending time with friends and family. She always had a story or a joke to share. Marg loved her family and friends so much. She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her.

A gathering of family and friends is scheduled for Saturday, October 19 from 11am to 2pm at the South Osborne Legion, 426 Osborne Street. 

We would like to thank the staff at Victoria Hospital who were so kind in her last few days. Thanks also to Interlake Cremation and Memorial Services. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter or Winnipeg Humane Society.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Margaret’s memorial page using the comment field below.

Sigmar Lawrence Johannson

A gentle giant, Lawrence Johannson, passed away on October 2, 2024, surrounded by four generations of family. Lawrence is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Carole; son Dean (Tina); daughters Catherine and Lara (Jerry Shewchuk); grandchildren: Christopher (Keely), Alycia (Naser), Kristjan, Ryan (Abigail), Selena (Eric), Elizabeth (Kyle), Nicholas (Jasmine), and Anders (Giuliana); and great-grandchildren: Katarina, Henrique, Margaret, Sophia, Leon, Lyla, and Angelika. He is also survived by his siblings Wally (Sandra), Barbara (Bernest Orbanski), and Neil (Denise), as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Lawrence was predeceased by his parents, Thorkell and Gudrun; parents-in-law, Sigrun and Carl Lavergne; sister Eleanor; brother Ronald; and sister-in-law Norma.

Lawrence was born in January 1940 in Arborg, Manitoba, where he was raised as well. Lawrence and Carole were childhood sweethearts who met at an Arborg Luther Rally in 1958, and they shared 66 wonderful years together. His love for family was always evident, lighting up whenever a family member entered the room. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his treasures. Although a quiet man, when Lawrence spoke, his words were always worth listening to. His sense of humor remained strong until his final day.

From a young age, Lawrence had a mischievous spark, which led to his lifelong career as a Journeyman Electrician. He worked for Keewatin Electric until 1971, when he proudly founded Inner-City Enterprises, which he owned and operated until his retirement.

Lawrence’s true passion, however, was the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. A dedicated fan for over 50 years, he was a proud season ticket holder, rarely missing a game or a Grey Cup and always cheering on his beloved team. His loyalty to the Blue Bombers was unmatched, and it was a big part of who he was. In addition, he enjoyed following the Winnipeg Jets.

Lawrence’s family extends heartfelt thanks to: Dr. Adeniyi (ADE) Adegbesan, Dr. Martin Karpinski, Dr. Joseph Silha and Dr. Lorne Hurst for all the years and quality time they spent with Lawrence. 

 A Happy Hour for family and friends to send Lawrence on his journey will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Johnson Hall, Waterfront Centre, 94 1st Avenue, Gimli, Manitoba.

Memorial donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Lawrence’s memorial page using the comment field below.

Harry Gerardus Van Helden Sr.

February 17, 1922 – September 29, 2024

Peacefully, on September 29, 2024, at the Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg, Harry (Opa) passed away at the impressive age of 102.   Harry is predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Maria (Oma), his son Karel, and grandson Don.  He leaves behind his son and daughter-in-law, Harry and Joanne, daughter-in-law, Lynn, his grandchildren Mia, Monica, Michael and Karolyn, great-grandchildren Drake and Oliver,  close friend Marlene, and many friends and relatives in the Netherlands and here in Winnipeg.

Harry, (Opa), was born on February 17, 1922, in Venlo, Netherlands. He had one brother and five sisters and would often tell stories about being in a house with five girls – “Can you imagine, sharing one washroom with five girls? Ha!”.  He went to boarding school when he was eight and spent his childhood years swimming in the river or community pool, and playing soccer with friends.  He met our Oma in Venlo when they were both kids living in the same neighbourhood and over the next few years they became friends.  During World War II, Opa worked just over the border in Germany and would sneak back home from time to time to see his family.  He reconnected with Oma when the war was over and they were married in Venlo in 1947.

In 1951 they immigrated to Canada with their son, Karel, and Opa quickly found work at a bakery in The Pas, Manitoba, where they later welcomed their son, Harry.   After moving to Winnipeg, Opa and Oma opened Harry’s Bakery on Sargent Avenue and were in business for 18 years. Opa went on to work in the bakery at Misericordia Hospital until he retired in 1986.  After years of making memories at their cottage on Star Lake in the Whiteshell, hosting friends and family to delicious meals and baking at their home on Jessie Avenue, and countless card games, they moved to Vancouver Island where they spent many more wonderful years road-tripping across Canada and the USA and making meaningful memories and friendships. In 2002 they moved back to Winnipeg to be closer to family.  

After Oma’s passing in 2009, Opa continued to go on road-trips and was still driving until the ripe old age of 99! Every time he would stop by he would always bring us a bag of homemade buns or bread and was sure to bake a cake for every occasion.  Opa continued to travel back home to Venlo every two years to visit the many friends and family he stayed connected with through the years until he could no longer travel.  He always looked forward to going to “the Pub” in Venlo to reconnect with everyone and reminisce about his time there.  Even though he left for Canada in 1951, Venlo was always his home. 

Opa moved into Middlechuch Home of Winnipeg, where he was a volunteer for many years, after celebrating his 100th birthday. He always looked forward to seeing his group of ladies who would visit and take him for lunch from time to time.  We would like to express our thanks to everyone who cared for and knew Opa at Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg.  He will be missed.

A private family service will be held at time of interment.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Harry’s memorial page using the comment field below.

Sandra Dawn Olek

October 11, 1960 – September 23, 2024

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Sandy at the age of 63 years.

“We are broken hearted to lose her”

Sandy leaves to mourn her best friend and partner Charlie, her mother Margo Eagleton (Nee Gillespie-Olek) (Graham), brother Jim and sister Wendy, nieces and nephews Sherri (Kevin), Bobby, Cole, Eric, Austin, Cassius and Eva and was predeceased by her dad Nick and sister Karen.

Our family would like to thank Charlie for all you have done for Sandy.  You are one in a million, there are no words!

Good night sweet girl and sweet dreams.

Love Mom xoxo

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Sandy’s memorial page using the comment field below.

Jean Gail Ellis

September 8, 1951 – October 3, 2024

With profound love and the deepest sadness, we share with you that Jean Gail Ellis, extraordinary woman, wife, mother and grandmother, passed away at the age of 73 years.

Jean lived life to its fullest, bringing joy and kindness to all those around her.  Everyone, from her forever friends and family to those who only knew her briefly, will always remember her easy smile and the bright sparkle in her eyes.

Jean leaves Earl, her husband of 50 years, sons Michael (Haley) and David (Kristina), and her beautiful grandchildren Lydia, Jesse, and Ethan to grieve for her, along with the many extended family members and friends whom she held dear.

Growing up, Jean developed her tenacity and positivity with the support of her sister Linda and her mother, Edith.  Once married, Jean settled happily with Earl and the boys in Petersfield, MB after living in Winnipeg, and in New Brunswick for a short time.  Jean loved living on the farm and all the adventures and hijinks that arose raising two boys on 40 acres with various farm animals and their beloved dog Sandy. She worked most of her career for the provincial government, and she cherished the friendships she made working at the Legislature and MDA.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the East Gate Lodge PCH in Beausejour, MB, for their thoughtful care and incredible kindness.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held on Saturday, October 19th at the Lutheran Hall, 330 Manitoba Ave, Selkirk, MB at 1:30 p.m. Family and friends will gather to honour Jean and share stories of the happiness she brought to us all.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Arthritis Society or The Alzheimer’s Society in Jean’s memory.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Jean’s memorial page using the comment field below.