With her family by her side, Susan Gascoigne passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 76 years.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Gerald of Portage la Prairie; children Allison (Darrell) Lee of Portage la Prairie, Dawn (Russell) Hepworth of Winnipeg and Kevin (Lys Stevens) Gascoigne of Gatineau, Quebec; grandchildren Tanner Ritchie, Anna Gervais, Vinny Gascoigne and Elliott Stevens; sister Gayle (Ivan) Schutte of Thunder Bay, Ontario; step-brothers Dennis (Joy) Dunn and Jim (Susan) Dunn; cousins Kjell (Tammy) Lysnes and Randi (Bob) Cameron along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Susan was predeceased by her parents Sid and Margaret Smith and her step-mother Beth Smith (nee Dunn).
Susan was born in Fort William (Thunder Bay) ON, to Sid and Margaret Smith on April 12, 1946. She grew up in the Vickers Heights neighborhood where she attended primary school and then completed her education in Fort William. While in high school, Susan met the love of her life Gerry Gascoigne. They married on May 20, 1967.
Susan and Gerry started their family with the arrival of their first born, Allison Joy on Feb 10, 1970. The family continued to grow on March 19, 1971 when their second child, Dawn Leslie, was born. By Aug 18, 1975 the family was complete with the arrival of their 3rd child, Kevin James. During that time, Susan and Gerry had traveled away from Thunder Bay, and had settled in Winnipeg and Minnedosa, Manitoba. Susan and family also spent time in Brandon, before settling in Portage la Prairie in 1987. In every stop along the way Susan enjoyed many memorable family accomplishments, strong friendships, and various career achievements. Susan began her banking career shortly after high school and it spanned most of her working life. After stepping away from the banks, Susan remained active by taking on part time positions with the City Hall in Portage la Prairie, the MASC Flood Office, and various election offices during multiple federal and provincial campaigns. Another notable position includes working as an Education Assistant at Crescentview School in the ESL program when the family first moved to Portage la Prairie. In every position, Susan has created many lifelong friendships and connections.
Susan is best known as a loving, caring, and compassionate individual who had a strong sense of community. Her greatest joys in life were spending time with her family, extended family, and friends. She enjoyed the outdoors, camping, gardening, knitting, traveling, cooking/baking and entertaining. She passed many of these enjoyments on to her children and grandchildren.
The Beta Sigma Phi Sorority group has played a huge role in Susan’s life. She belonged to chapters in Minnedosa, Brandon, and Portage la Prairie. Her sisters have been a strong social connection providing
support in shared life experiences, transitions from various communities, travel, and numerous volunteering opportunities in community events. Other organizations that Susan was involved in include The Kinnettes, PAWS (Portage Animal Welfare Society), and Homes for the Holidays.
Susan’s family would like to extend a sincere appreciation to the following: Central Plains Cancer Services, Portage District General Hospital (Dr. Kinnear and all the nurses and staff involved in Susan’s care), and the Oncology Team at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg.
There will be a gathering to celebrate Susan’s life on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at the William Glesby Centre at 1:00 pm. A private family interment will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Susan’s memory to Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), 121 12th St. NE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 4A2 or Central Plains Cancer Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8.
A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com