Gisela E. Monteith

July 30, 1941 ~ March 17, 2011

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our Wife and Mother, Gisela Monteith, on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at the Ste. Anne Hospital.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband John, daughter Sandra Hawman (Paul) and David (Judy) Monteith, grandchildren Amanda (Tyler), David, and Todd (Danielle), great grandchildren Kaynen and Maddox and sister in-law Janet (Ron); nieces and nephews Bernice (Dwight), Bob (Carol), Holly (Stan), Garry (Shelley), Kathy, Gord (Wendy), Ken (Judith) and Dorothy (Don). She was predeceased by her brothers in-law Louis Barth and Alfred Jundt, sister Dora Barth and parents Heinz and Elisabeth Busch.

Gisela Elisabeth Grundei came to Canada from Germany in 1953 with her Mother Elisabeth and Sister Dora. In 1959 she met John and they were married in 1961 and have been inseparable since. Together they had two children Sandra and David. In 1966 the family moved to Saskatoon where she assisted John representing JH Ryder Machinery from their home. In 1969 the family returned to Winnipeg and in 1970 they moved to Leighton Ave where they lived for 26 years and acquired lifelong friends whom have become like family. In 1971 John and the late Don Horn ventured into business. They opened Industrial Truck Service Ltd on Nov 1, 1971. During the period of 1971 to 1988 when Don Horn passed away, Gisela was a homemaker and supported John from home.

In 1972 she decided to open up her home to Aboriginal Children through the Dept of Indian Affairs. She cared for sick children for 4 1/2 years as well as her own children. She was actively involved with Brownies, YBC Bowling, Bronx Park CC and everything else her kids became involved in. After the passing of Don in 1988, John continued the business with Gisela at his side. Although Gisela had little formal education, her organizational and academic skills were unmatched.

Gisela had a unique ability to make friends wherever she went. Her door was always open and a fresh pot of coffee was always there waiting. She had a huge heart for all strays, humans and animals alike. Although she wouldn’t admit it, she loved to care for her yard which included many beautiful trees and flowers.

In 1996 John and Gisela purchased their retreat near Anola, MB where they have enjoyed life together until her passing.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place in the summer of 2011.

In lieu of flowers, if friends and family so desire, donations in Gisela’s memory may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 9Z9.

Condolences for the family may be offered at www.SoberingFuneralChapel.com.

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