After a long courageous battle with Cancer Jan passed away on June 2, 2020.  Jan was pre-deceased by her husband Daniel Stephen Gabbs mother and father Georges and Lorraine Guertin, her brother Denys Guertin, her step-daughter Reagan Gross.  She leaves to mourn her children Michèle and  Kristjan (Jennifer) grandson and love of her life Finn. Her Grand-daughter Danielle Hawryluk.   Her sister Paulette Richardson, brother Geo Guertin & Stepmother Sheila Guertin.  Nephew and god-son Denny Guertin (Araceli) Dr. Dalia, Denise & Desire.   Marcus Richardson (Charlene) Trinity Tosh and Tanner.  Niece Kerri (Dino) Lucas and Ben. Niece Janette Hedley (Jason) Mckinley Niece Jennifer Dufour Charlie and Georgia Niece Courtney McIntyre (Stuart) Baby Crue 

 

Jan grew up in the West End and attended Convent of the Sacred Heart. She and her life-long best friend Delphine Boyd were exceptionally close and loved spending hours together. Jan also adored spending time at the Big Whiteshell cottage with her family, and she reveled in re-telling stories from days 'at the lake'. She was outstanding at serving the public through various endeavours with companies like Revlon, Air Canada, Cancer Care, Super Store Cosmetics and others. She possessed poise, intelligence, and class, which were exemplified in her impeccable dress and beauty. All Jan really wanted out of life was to be a mother, so she quit Air Canada as a successful flight attendant to make raising her children her main priority. She loved her time in the air, but never once regretted her decision.  Jan was a remarkable woman who held no judgments against others, always insisted upon inclusivity and consistently put the comfort and happiness of others before her own. The absence of her kindness, huge heart, sense of humour and generosity in the lives of those who knew and loved her will be noticed. 

 

Jan and her daughter Michèle (Mia) had a very close relationship which they both valued dearly. They shared many of the same gestures, characteristics, viewpoints, and thoughts, often finishing each other's sentences, and they adored making one another laugh. She will be sadly missed by her best friend and daughter, but she will live on as inspiration for continuing to make a better world than how she left it.  

 

(Kristjan) Mom was selfless, giving and loving, always certain not to leave anyone out of a get together, which you could bet was full of homemade goodies and a gourmet meal. During grade school she would gift our teachers some of her homemade dill pickles and relish, they always raved about how good they were and hinted at more next season, which of course mom always obliged. On one occasion she put together an impromptu birthday for a friend that did not receive a party from their family. When mom learned of this, she whipped up a party, found a gift and made sure they were celebrated. Mom was always more concerned with everyone else's wellbeing rather than her own and always put her kids first. We will apply her teachings of generosity and the all-embracing good nature she demonstrated throughout her life.  

 

We would like to thank all the staff at Cancer Care especially Nick, Julie, Tiffany and Dr P. Harris), St Boniface Palliative and Grace hospice for their care during her illness and final days.

Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00pm – 3:00pm on July 19,2020 at 1033 McLeod Ave Winnipeg, Manitoba, which will take place outside in the yard - Due to Covid-19 we will be accepting RSVP’s - Masks and Sanitizer will be provided.  Any questions and RSVP's please call Paulette at 204-799-5479 by July 10th, 2020.