Obituary of Gwennyth Elliott

ELLIOTT: Gwennyth Hilda Elliott (nee Price). A life well lived with love, compassion and friendship is something to be cherished. On April 13, 2020 our mother, Gwennyth Hilda Elliott (nee Price), passed away quietly with family present while at the Brandon Regional Health Centre Palliative Care unit. Mom was born at her parents' home on Norah Street in Fort William (Thunder Bay), Ontario on July 21, 1931. She attended local schools including training as a registered nurse at McKellar General Hospital, where she was awarded the gold medal upon graduation. Her father supported Mom as she obtained musical training to the grade 10 level on piano. She was a life-long and active member of the Anglican Church, including her involvement with the young peoples' group (where she met our father) and the ACW support group. Her faith was an important part of her life. From a young age mom's family owned a cottage at Chippewa Park in Thunder Bay where her family enjoyed an active outdoor lifestyle, leisure and community there. After graduating in nursing Mom relocated to Manitoba before her marriage to our father, Kenneth Robert Elliott (RCMP reg. no. 16703), on June 30, 1956 at St. Paul's Anglican Church in Fort William. Mom worked as a clinic nurse in Lynn Lake before moving to Flin Flon after marrying. Over the years our parents lived at various RCMP postings in Flin Flon, Winnipegosis, Ste. Rose du Lac, Swan River, The Pas and finally Brandon. She often took on administrative duties at some of the smaller detachments to help our father. Mom loved her career in nursing, especially in the maternity and emergency wards in those communities, enjoying the camaraderie and friendship with other nurses. Mom was also very active with the BRHC Foundation where she enjoyed giving back to her community by fundraising to support the hospital. She had a deep love of family and friends, and enjoyed summers in Thunder Bay, leisure time at her family cottage at Thomas Lake (Sandy Lake area), and her home. She was a consummate reader, usually finishing a book a week. Despite declining health she was still outwardly focused on her family, children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter and her friends. Mom talked often about her father's example: compassion, calm and maintaining a kindness toward everyone. Mom was that kind of person … one who was always concerned about her family and friends but was also always full of love, understanding and subtlety. We cannot express enough our gratitude for the example Mom and Dad provided … their never waning love and this life we were so blessed to share with them. We love Mom with all our hearts. "Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds, there I put out my hand, and touch the face of God." (Adapted J.G. Magee). Mom was predeceased by her mother, Alice Hilda Price (nee Wild); father, Edward Fairclough Price; husband, Kenneth Robert Elliott; brothers, Maurice Fairclough Price and Mervyn Edward Price; in-laws, Robert Thomas Elliott and Ivy Bessie Hazell; her brother-in-law, Thomas Bruce Elliott and sisters-in-laws, Elizabeth Joan Elliott (nee King) and Melinda (Maurice) Price. She is survived by her 5 children and their spouses Robert "Ted" (Susan), Barry (Carmen), Barb (Ted) Sokolowski, Jeff (Susan), and Lynda (Michael) Bilyk. Mom's grandchildren: Shaun (Holly), Matt, Brad, Jeremy, Mark, Liam, Jordan, and Alexandra; and great-grandchild, Jayne, will dearly miss her. Thank you to Lion's Manor, Rotary Villa and the Assiniboine Centre for the support, friendship and care our parents received after leaving their long-time residence on Lily Crescent. In addition, thank you to Brockie Donovan for their compassion and professional arrangement of Mom's service. A very small family service will take place on April 17, 2020 at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Brandon. Due to the current worldwide pandemic a public memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gwennyth may be made to the BRHC Auxiliary, 601 9th St, Brandon, MB R7A 4B3 or to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200 17 St E, Brandon, MB R7A 7M6.