ISABEL GAIL JONES

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dearly loved mother, Yaya, sister, auntie and friend Gail Jones of Winnipeg on September 7, 2023 at the age of 75.

Gail was born on June 29, 1948. She was the youngest of four siblings and very much the baby of the family. As a child Gail’s fondest memories were spending summers at the cottage in Grand Marais with her large extended “Thomas” family. Gail developed a love for sewing and won awards for her talent. She went on to sew for close family throughout the years.

After graduating from Miles Mac High School, Gail worked for A&W in the corporate office. She carried on a "Teen burger" birthday tradition with her children and grandchildren. She went on to work for Paulin’s Chambers for many years. One of her favourite jobs was working at Culinar where she made lasting friendships and helped her family and friends pack on the pounds by bringing home cases of candies, cookies, and treats. Gail’s final position was at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM) where she was the Administrative Assistant in the youth program until her retirement in 2013. She was an incredible caregiver to her parents and to her Uncle Art Lounsbury all while working full time.

Gail had an everlasting bond with her sister Sheron spending hours talking, visiting, shopping, and travelling together. They were affectionately known as the “snoop sisters”. After her retirement from AFM, they travelled to Mexico during the winters and went on a trip of a lifetime to Italy. Sheron and Gail also made several trips to Edmonton as both their sons resided in Alberta.

Gail's pride and joy were her children and her grandchildren. She was the most loving and fun mother to Charlene and Blake and cherished any moment spent with her grandchildren. She always made birthdays and holidays extra special. The family spent a lot of time together at baseball tournaments, camping, renting cabins with friends, visiting family in Lac du Bonnet and Gail's favourite; shopping in Grand Forks. She decorated every corner of her house at Christmas and made beautiful Halloween costumes. As her children grew older and started families of their own, she remained a big part of their everyday lives and when she couldn't be there, she was a phone call away. She was Charlene's best friend and closest confidant. Gail played a monumental role in helping Charlene raise her granddaughter, Julie. Julie and her Yaya had a unique and special bond that will be everlasting. 

Gail’s greatest quality was her heart and her unconditional love for those closest to her. Gail’s gentle spirit and calm demeanor drew not only people to her but animals as well. All the grandpets in her life adored her. She rarely said a harsh word and focused on the good in everyone.

In 2015, Gail was diagnosed with early onset dementia. The devastating effects of this disease slowly and steadily robbed her of all life’s pleasures. She was particularly distressed about losing her independence and all it entailed. Despite her struggles, her family ensured that she was included in as many events as possible. It was especially important to attend family gatherings and activities related to her grandchildren. She also never missed an opportunity to hear Charlene sing. In 2019 Gail moved to La Salle to be under the watchful eye of her daughter and when the COVID pandemic hit she moved in with Charlene and her family until moving into Supportive Housing. She spent a year and a half at Irene Baron Eden Centre where she made fast friends with David Nicol and the pair were inseparable.

Gail will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by her daughter Charlene (Todd) Kubin of La Salle, MB, grandkids Julie (Josh), Jolene, Jackson and Jasmine; son Blake (Amy), grandson Dylan of Gainford, AB. In 1996 Gail was joyfully reunited with the daughter she placed for adoption in 1965. The gap in her heart was filled when Carla (Kevin) Jones, grandkids Brendan (Devon) and Kaitlyn completed her family.

Gail was predeceased by her husband of 45 years Charlie; her parents Arnold and Olive Lounsbury; brother George; sister and brother-in-law Joan and Tom Crate and her beloved granddaughter Rachel Jones.

She was affectionately known as "favourite aunt" to her niece Heather Unfried (Ruben) and nephew Glen Unfried. She was proud to be honorary “Auntie Gail” to many of their friends.

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She will also be sadly missed by her sister Joan's family; nieces Shelly (Robert) Murdock, Sandy (Dudley) Begg, Lorelei Karol, Jeff Crate, and Roberta (Doug) Murdock, and their families.

Gail was beloved by all who knew her. She had close, long-time friendships with her St. Boniface neighbours Fran and Laurie De Jonckheere; Lydia Cinq-Mars; Barb Christie and Lorraine and Gerry Moquin to name a few. Gail’s happy place was her cottage at Spruce Bay where she will be greatly missed on the beach and around the campfires by her lake buddy and best friend of over 45 years, Leona (John) Drzystek, as well as friend Mavis Puchlik and their families.

Gail's absence will be felt around the table for the biannual "Culinar Gang" brunches by former coworkers and friends Wayne Rudyk, Rick Stokoloff, Ron Cooke, Mark Rolland, Ken Shumay, Pam Elliot, and Bruce Gilmore.

Thank you is not enough, but a special thank you goes out to niece Heather Unfried for assisting Charlene in Gail's weekly hands-on care over the past 2 years. Thank you also to Charlene's mother-in-law Lynne Kubin for all the visits and homemade gifts.

Although heartbroken by her loss, her family will forever be reminded of her by all that she loved – her cabin, vanilla ice cream, McCafe, Jeannie’s cake, antiques, the parade of homes, carnations, autumn leaves, margarita’s, Carlo Rossi (white), the colour purple, and watching curling.

A memorial service and lunch will be held on Friday, October 13th at 11am at Meadowood United Church at 1111 Dakota St, Winnipeg, MB.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Stollery Children’s Hospital in the name of Rachel Makayla Jones. Gail would be proud to know that a plaque adorns the wall of the hospital with her granddaughter's name on it because her friends and family have donated over $12,000 to date to the hospital in Rachel's name.

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We will always remember the way you looked,

The way you walked and smiled,

The things you did for us

Are with us all the while.

You never failed to do your best,

Your heart was true and tender,

You lived your life for those you loved,

And those you loved will remember.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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