Obituary of Ruth Arlene Henrickson

HENRICKSON: Ruth Arline Henrickson (née Gillespie), April 19, 1927 – November 6, 2012. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. On November 6, 2012, surrounded by those who loved her most she went on to join the many family that have gone before her. Mom was born in Winnipeg on April 19, 1927 to Russell and Edith Gillespie. The eldest of five children she had much responsibility thrust upon her at a young age during the depression years; responsibility readily accepted and carried throughout life as she became the centre of her immediate and extended family. Mom was the life coach, security blanket, comforter, adviser and historian to her siblings, children and their children. The hardships of early life taught her many life skills of which cooking, baking, sewing, and knitting were particular favourites. All of us have wonderful memories of many an evening spent in Mom's kitchen enjoying good conversation and delicious treats of fruit cake, shortbread cookies, apple pie, and chocolate cake. Her fondest memories were those of her family and the current crop of great grandchildren were no exception. With failing eyesight she was able to witness her latest great grandson (two month old Christopher) by viewing his photos on a big screen television. Mom served her country during the latter stages of WWII as a staff driver in the Canadian Army. It was here that she met our dad Harold, who was a mechanic with the army, and on June 1, 1946 they married. In those early years, after we kids were in school and old enough to look after ourselves, Mom put her cooking skills to work and operated a family restaurant located in the Nicolett hotel in St. Boniface. The family moved to Thompson, MB in 1961 where she worked for the Post Office, and then later when the family relocated to Brandon, MB she worked at Brandon General Hospital in the CSR unit until her health prevented further employment. Mom's attitude about life was 'don't complain, deal with it, and carry on'. Although in pain at the end; she never complained, she just dealt with it and carried on. Our family is forever grateful to the wonderful staff and caregivers at Fairview Home in Brandon and Minnedosa Care Home, who with their dedication, compassion and love looked after Mom for the past several years and especially during her final days and hours. You will always be in our hearts. A special thank you goes out to Pastor Jason Zinko of Redeemer Lutheran Church (Brandon) for his heartfelt friendship and comfort for our mother during her last days. Mom was predeceased by her father, mother, beloved husband Harold and her four siblings, Joseph, Shirley, Donald, and Bill. Left to cherish her memory are: son Bob (Elaine), daughter Debbie (Bryon) Gaiser, grandson Bob Gaiser, granddaughter Krysta (Dale) Giesbrecht and great grandchildren Carter, Jessica, and Sarah Gaiser, Matthew and Abby Giesbrecht, and Christopher Ogilvie. A celebration of her life was previously held at Brockie Donovan Funeral Home with interment in Rosewood Memorial Gardens at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Unit 3-824-18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 5B7 or to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, 354-10th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4G1.