Obituary of Gwendolyne "Gwen" Jean Trott

TROTT: At 86 years young, Gwen (Pritchard) Trott passed gently to her heavenly home on Wednesday, July 4, 2012, at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon, MB. Gwendolyn Jean Leece was born October 3, 1925. She was the middle daughter of John and Jean Leece who farmed in the West Derby area near Lake Lorne. When Gwen was a child during the depression years, she recalled using wet sacks to control sparks from prairie fires. But she also fondly remembered her school days at West Derby - cold wagon rides, Christmas concerts and community dances. Her mother was a resilient, spirited woman who gardened, preserved, baked, raised livestock and loved fun. Gwen learned well and became a hard working woman with similar skills. She also truly shared the love of laughter and games. Gwen was also a founding member of the West Derby Ladies Group. In 2011, Gwen was honored as one of two surviving original members at a reunion in Killarney. Gwen completed grades 10 and 11 by boarding in Cartwright. The war years framed her adult life. A young bride at 18, Gwen said farewell to her new husband, Wm. Evans Pritchard. He was posted with the RCAF in Britain in 1943. She moved to Winnipeg to study at Dominion Business College and then worked for Northern Assurance Co. on Portage Ave. It was a great fit as Gwen's father was a businessman and she used her new skills throughout her life. These first years of marriage certainly required bravery and faith. Gwen's prayers were answered and her husband returned in 1945, but with lingering health issues. They shared a farm home with the Waldie family until they could finally purchase the Hazeldell district farm through Vereran's Land Act (VLA). Gwen and Evans' family grew with the birth of their son and four daughters; however, the years also included many challenges. Due to Evans' health, eventually Gwen and their young son, Murray, managed the farm work. As well, her gentle father passed away but the support of Hazeldell neighbors and her mother kept the family strong. A new life started after the farm auction in 1961. The family of seven settled in Roblin, Manitoba and due to limited houses to buy, they rented a two-bedroom house without the convenience of running water! Evans worked for Veteran's Land Act there and together they proudly built a new home in 1962 for their family. Gwen joined the Legion Ladies Auxiliary, curled, golfed, managed the home and harvested a huge garden. Many friends were made and the family loved to spend time driving through the countryside and enjoying picnics at nearby lakes. The family relocated to Brandon in 1967 and moved into their new home on 27th Street. Once again, Gwen managed the family home while many new friendships were formed. Gwen continued her active involvement with the Legion and became a Life Member of the Ladies' Auxiliary #247. She found her church home at Knox United where Gwen took great pride in the congregation. She also enjoyed camping and traveling with family and friends. It was often Gwen who maneuvered the travel trailer into tight spots and through cities like Toronto and Vancouver as that first trailer went across Canada over two summers! The children grew up, some began young families and Gwen continued her care giving ways as Evans' health faltered. He passed away in 1982. Heartbroken, Gwen started to build a new life, enjoyed volunteering, part-time work and was a supportive, loving mum to her adult children and their families. Trips to world championship curling in Scotland and Switzerland were a highlight of these years. Gwen's life began a wonderful new path when she married Don Trott at Knox in 1991. Together they enjoyed many trips and winter getaways to Portugal and Arizona. They loved to relax on their deck and bird watch. They enjoyed many years of music and dancing, and pastimes such as board and card games as well as golfing and curling. Gwen supported Don's many community involvements and enjoyed the families of his children, Rob (Joan) and Sandra. Don willingly joined in Gwen's family life and was especially kind to her mother, Jean, who lived almost 99 years. The two of them made many road trips across the prairies to visit family. And true to Gwen's spirit, she cared for Don as his health failed and he passed on January 2, 2012. Sadly Gwen's own health quickly declined and she has spent the last five months struggling with many challenges. With heavy hearts her family has had to say goodbye. We are Murray and Audrey Pritchard (Winnipeg), Trudy and Bill Gray (Killarney), Shirley and Grant Watson (Brandon), Val and Michael Morley (Medicine Hat, AB) and Faye and Doug Allison (Brookdale). Gwen celebrated the birthdays, sports, music, and graduations of eight grandchildren. She danced at the weddings of five grandchildren, and was blessed with 11 great-grandchildren. She will also be fondly remembered by her sisters, Helen Gardiner (Clearwater) and Doris Stout (Winnipeg) and extended family. Mum also maintained her connections to the Pritchard family. Gwen's sense of humor, her generosity and caring ways with family and friends will be her cherished legacy. We love you, Mum, Grandma Gwen and Grandma Great. The celebration of Gwen's life was held at Knox United on Sunday, July 8. Her six grandsons were pallbearers, her two granddaughters shared grandma stories, granddaughter Breanne read her special poem, and daughter Valerie spoke about Mum. Rev. Harvey Hurren graciously officiated a service full of music and memories. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Gwen to Knox United Church Memorial Fund, 451-18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 5A9 or to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Room 0N1160, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9.