Rowena Gibb

Peacefully on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at the Lion’s Prairie Manor, Rowena Gibb (Sherritt) of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, beloved wife of the late Jack Gibb, passed away at the age of 88 years.

Funeral Service will be held at the Trinity United Church on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 2:00 pm with Beth Kerr officiating

Interment will be held in the Oakville Cemetery on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 11:00 am, those wishing to follow in the procession can meet at the Omega Funeral Home at 10:30 am.

Rowena was born June 10, 1922 in Elm River District, the eldest child of Perce and Gertrude (Bray) Sherritt. The family moved to Oakville when she was 5 years old and she lived there until completing Grade 12. Rowena taught school for 40 years, starting her teaching career on “permit” in 1939 in Hartfield School. After attending Normal School and receiving her teaching certificate she taught in Ericksdale, Elm River, Oakville, Portage la Prairie and Lavenham. She retired from teaching Grade 6 at Crescentview School in June 1987. She enjoyed meeting and visiting with her many former students.

A highlight for mom was the weekly lunch at Tim Horton’s with former students. Family was an important part of mom’s life. She lived with her grandparents William and Lizzie Sherritt during the 1940’s, while teaching at Victoria School. At this time she learned about the Sherritt family history. Being the eldest grandchild she shared this information with the younger generations. Family visits, reunions, suppers and parties were an important part of mom’s life. Mom’s grandchildren, great grandchildren brought enjoyment to her life. While other retirees would take off for warmer vacation spots, mom went to her favorite spots “North” to The Pas and “South” to Melita. She always said “Why go somewhere you don’t know when you can go to these beautiful spots with family.”

Church was also an important part of Rowena’s life. She was a member of Trinity United Church, taught Sunday School was a CGIT Leader and a member of Unit B. Rowena was a lifetime member of Ruth Rebekah Lodge #3 holding many offices. Mom and Dad enjoyed square dancing, playing cards, bowling and horse shoes. Shuffleboard became a favorite pastime of mom’s during her time at Dalton Estates. She enjoyed socializing with old and new friend’s there.

Rowena was predeceased by her husband Jack Gibb, her parents Perce and Gertrude (Bray) Sherritt, brothers Edward and Arnold Sherritt and brother-in-law Stan Doupe. She leaves to mourn her passing her daughters Judy (Al) Lagimodiere of The Pas and Jacquie (Don) Skocylas of Melita, grandchildren Blair (Lesli) Lagimodiere, Renee (Dan Simpson) Lagimodiere, Becky (Brett) Reimer and Krystal Skocylas, great grandchildren Ashlee, Alec, Jesse, and Jadyn Lagimodiere, Sisters Loretta (Don) Wood of Oakville and Vel Doupe of Hamiota, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends may call for a time of visitation on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at the Omega Funeral Home.

If friends so desire memorial donations may be made in Rowena Gibb’s name to the Trinity United Church Memorial Fund, 15 Tupper St S., Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 1W7, Lions Prairie Manor Foundation Inc., 24 – 9th St S.E., Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3V4, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 21 Royal Road S, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 1T8 or a charity of one’s choice.

A tribute DVD in memory of Rowena Gibb will be produced by the Omega Funeral Home, condolences may be sent to the family c/o Omega Funeral Home, 83 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, R1N 1T8, 1-800-303-4621 or friends may leave a message of sympathy on our web site www.omegafuneralhome.com “Dedicated to those we serve”.