Winnie Gayton

It is with heavy hearts the family advises that Grimshaw resident Winnie Gayton passed away unexpectedly on December 29, 2020 due to a sudden illness, at the age of 85 years.

Winnie was well known as a dedicated and capable volunteer who could be found doing whatever needed doing, from cleaning and yard work, to chairing a meeting, or making sandwiches, for many organizations and causes.

A devout Roman Catholic, Winnie was a woman who lived her faith, often helping out people who had little family support, or were new to the community, or experiencing significant life challenges. She loved her gardening and flowerbeds.

She was born Winnifred Theresa Veronica Lang in October of 1935, on a small farm near Raymore, Saskatchewan.

She met her first husband, Les Gayton, in Red Deer, Alberta. They married in 1955, started a family, and moved to the Peace Country to be near Les’ family, with the intention of staying for a year. Their family grew, and Winnie became a fixture in the community. After Les’ passing, she later married Jim Clare and they were together until his death.

She leaves to mourn her children: Darwin (Heather), Sharon (Dennis), Greg, Linda (Bob), Pauline, Rita (Wally), Corinne (Marc) and Vivianne (Tom) plus 18 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Her grandchildren were unconditionally loved, and Grandma Winnie found great joy in connecting with them. She is survived by brother Sieg Lang, sister Rose Fries, sister-in-law Dorothy Malone, and cousin Paulette Gurak.

Winnie is predeceased by her son Darrell; spouses Les Gayton and Jim Clare; brother Henry Lang; and sister Margaret Foraie.

A Celebration of Life for Winnifred Gayton will take place at 2pm Friday August 12, 2022 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Grimshaw AB. Refreshments to follow in the church basement.

(Past Service)Due to current COVID regulations, the family will be holding a closed private service prior to interment. A larger Celebration of Life will be held when the rules permit; this will be the community’s opportunity to commemorate her. Those who wish to join us, can watch live on our YouTube Channel January 5, 2021 at 11am. Please see link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLe17dZTh0M

Memorial donations can be made to:

Lac Cardinal Regional Pioneer Village Museum Box 325 Grimshaw, Alberta T0H 1W0,

Peace Palliative Care Society Box 6954, Peace River, AB, T8S 1S7
, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Care entrusted to Peace Valley Funeral Home Peace River

780-624-1010

www.peacevalleyfuneral.ca

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Winnie Gayton, please visit our floral store.