Obituary of EVELYN GABBS

EVELYN GABBS (nee DOBRINSKY) October 4, 1916 – January 20, 2012 Our Mom passed away in the wee hours of January 20. Mom was born and raised in W. Kildonan and lived in her home until the illness of dementia overtook her and Fred Douglas Lodge became her home the last 5 ½ years. Mom was the eldest of 9 children and while in Grade 9, had to quit school to help her mother care for her 8 siblings. That resulted in Mom becoming a hard worker, excellent homemaker and great matriarch to her own children. This also instilled in us, the importance of hard work and good work ethics, and, to never give up. Mom married Dad in 1939 and after Dad returned from WWII, they began raising a large family. Mom was strong, athletic, a great dancer and above all, had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. She loved to entertain and make people laugh, especially her grandchildren who thought she was a "hoot". No telling what Mom would say or do to have us rolling in the "aisles". That humor stayed with Mom right to the end. Recently, Mom was presented with a pin for 50 years of service with the Ladies Auxiliary Branch 141. That Legion was Mom’s 2nd home until her illness. Mom is survived by her children, Danny (Jan), Donna, Bonnie, Rick (Dianne) and Glenn (Karen); brother Bill; sisters Nerky and Dee Dee; grandchildren Mia Perrier, Kristjan Gabbs, Destiny Gabbs, Karine Gabbs, Regan Gross and great granddaughter Danielle; sister-in-law Denise Gabbs, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by husband Dan in 1987, daughter Suellen in 1993 and siblings John, Steve, Fred, Mabel Olynyk and Ann Bachman. A special thanks to the nurses on Evergreen Unit for caring for Mom while she was at Fred Douglas. A Celebration of Mom’s Life will be held on Friday, January 27 at 2:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral chapel, 1442 Main St. Donations in Mom’s memory can be made to D’Arcy’s Arc Animal Shelter.