Obituary of Kathleen Jorgenson

It is with profound sadness that the family of Kathleen Jorgenson, beloved wife of the late Edward,  announces her peaceful passing at sunset on May 20, 2018.

Kathleen is survived by her children Carole (Lee) Koop; Bonnie Clement (Les Abrams); Gladys (Denis) Cadieux; Debra (Ross) Forman; Sharon (Don) Eadie; Lori Jorgenson (Doug Bedford); Brenda Jorgenson-Low (David Low); Wayne (Candace) Jorgenson as well as 20 grandchildren Ian, Eric; Brenda, Rochelle, Alain; Danielle, Dwight, Margaux; Jeffrey, Bradley; Thomas, Samantha; Tony, Jillian; Monika, Sarah; Ivory, Hillary, Ginger Mae, Taylor; and 5 great-grandchildren Laythan; Abigail, Maxwell; Hali, Kaden. Also surviving her are in-laws Jean Lewis; Berny & Ben Jorgenson; Colette & Larry Jorgenson; Pat Jorgenson. Kathleen was predeceased by her parents Lillian & Joseph Lewis,  infant son Allan, brothers Robert & Lorne, sister Josephine, son-in-law Lucien Clement,  her devoted husband Edward (1994).

Kathleen, the youngest child of Joseph George Lewis and E. Lillian (nee McPhaden) Lewis was born on the family farm 2 miles west of Morris. She first attended the country school Flowery Bank and later schools in Morris. Her love of horses was well known. At age 4 she received her own Shetland pony named Tony. Together they made the commute to school. Being an above average student, Kathleen had her sights on United College (now U. of Winnipeg) but her father dying unexpectedly changed her plans. She was needed on the farm helping with her 2 invalid siblings, the dairy herd and her mother through her tough times. She met Ed Jorgenson at a dance in Morris and they were married June 8, 1946 in Morris United Church. She began her homemaker duties at their Ste. Elizabeth 'Deerbank Farm'  making it into a beautiful welcoming place.

Participating in community affairs, regularly attending church and its functions, curling and enjoying the Ste. Elizabeth Ladies Birthday Club coffee parties were just a few of her early interests. Later, she was a reporter for the Carillon News, a member of the Valley Agricultural Society, Morris Women's Institute, and United Church Women. She sang in the church choir for several decades, was a dedicated board member and contributor to the Morris & District Centennial Museum.

The foster children (Kelvin & Clarence Littlejohn; Tony & Ann Ashby) found Kathleen to be a loving resourceful foster mother. As her own children left the nest, she and Ed then opened their home for B&B guests and school tours coming out mainly from Winnipeg via the Manitoba Farm Vacations Association. Kathleen held executive positions with the MFVA as well as with Canadian Country Vacation Association. It was then  that their own world travels began in addition to their visits to daughters across the country.

Meal / bread making, gardening, preserving the garden's bounty of fruits and vegetables, home renovating, furniture re-finishing &  re-upholstering were just a few of her many talents. Quilting, counted cross stitch, and scrap booking her photos were later hobbies with knitting (including mittens galore), crocheting, and sewing more like necessary work. Creating denim patch-work blankets was her signature gift to her children and grandchildren subsequent to the crib quilts for each new grandchild. Through the years a faithful pet dog was always close at hand.

Kathleen loved and was loved by so many. Her long life was full and well lived. In her later years, the mischievous side of her emerged. She loved to 'kibbitz', tease and tell jokes. She loved to dance, watch movies and stay up late! Her mission on Sundays was to go to church and wink at the minister. Kathleen enjoyed a road trip and always wanted to know - "What's next"? Kathleen was one of a kind, full of sparkle, a welcoming smile, a non-judgemental disposition and a beautiful soul. She did not hesitate to tell you she loved you and just how beautiful you were! She has left us all with so many memories to treasure forever.

The family is so appreciative that Kathleen's wish to remain living in her own home on Deerbank Farm was realized. This would not have been possible without her family's loving support and especially the dedication of grand daughter Rochelle who lived with her.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Fraser and all the many other health providers who cared for and supported Kathleen along her health journey. Their wonderful care for her has been appreciated beyond what words can express.

If you desire,  donations in Kathleen's memory can be made to: Morris & District Centennial Museum (Box 344, Morris, MB R0G 1K0);  Cystic Fibrosis Canada (www.cysticfibrosis.ca) or Morris United Church Mission & Service (Box 90, Morris, MB R0G 1K0).

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 2pm, Morris United Church - 207 Ottawa Ave., Morris, MB.

Viewing will be held Friday, May 25, from 1:00pm to 6:00pm at Morris Funeral Home.