Obituaries

COLLEEN GECHEL

DECEMBER 17, 1933 – AUGUST 30, 2023

     With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother.

Colleen will be missed by her daughters Brenda Boychuk (Tim Boychuk), Shauna Butters (Ross Teaque), and son Brad Gechel (Michele Rupert).  She was the proud grandmother of Cassandra (Scott Boyd), Ashley, Stephanie, Liam, Ella, and Luke, and great grandmother to Braden.  Colleen is also survived by her sister, Donelda Asuchak.  She was predeceased by her husband Joe, and her brothers Merv and John Huntley.

Colleen was born and raised in Fort Macleod, Alberta, to John and Grace Huntley, the first of 4 siblings.

Colleen started her working career in Lethbridge, Alberta.  At a community dance she met her loving husband, Joe.  They married in Lethbridge in 1955 and soon thereafter, started their family.  Through Joe’s work, they moved to Edmonton in 1971 and then to Winnipeg in 1974.  Colleen and Joe quickly embraced the friendly Winnipeg community, becoming involved in many activities, including membership at Breezy Bend Golf & Country Club.  In 1986 Joe and Colleen were transferred to Thunder Bay, Ontario, however, returned to Winnipeg in 1992, as Winnipeg was dear to both Colleen and Joe, both for family and friends.

Colleen lived a full life as a wonderful mother, homemaker, and worked as a telephone operator at AGT and MTS.   She loved to cook and hosted many dinner parties. She always looked forward to spending time with family on special occasions.  With encouragement from Joe, Colleen took up golf as a social hobby that led to many wonderful friendships with members of Breezy Bend.  Colleen with Joe travelled extensively including winter vacations in Arizona and Texas, and other parts all over the world. Colleen was also an avid reader and spent many hours solving crossword puzzles.  She was a member of the Presbyterian Church for over 60 years.

Colleen was a very social person and enjoyed many activities, including bridge, membership with the Red Hat Society, and interacting with condo neighbors in the Linden Woods community they resided in for close to 30 years.  At the Boulton River Heights Retirement Community, she looked forward to taking part in all social activities.  She loved her family and instilled in her children, strong values that have served them well. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

     A service will be held at Westwood Presbyterian Church, 197 Browning Blvd. on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.

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