Obituary of Gertie Sewell

Gertrude Jacqueline Sewell of Coderre, SK passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2014, at the age of 87 years. Gertie was born on February 14, 1927, in Gravelbourg, SK. She was the 18th of 21 children born to Ovila and Permilia (nee Brissette) Michaud. On August 14, 1947, Gertie married Bernard "Buns” Sewell of Lafleche, SK, and they were blessed with ten children. The family lived in many communities while Buns worked for the CPR. In 1970, Gertie and Buns settled in Coderre, SK. She worked for a couple years as a cook for the Convent in Coderre. Gertie always supported community events; she enjoyed the weekly Bingo nights, watching curling bonspiels, slo-pitch tournaments at the Shamrock Park, and made a family event of going to the dinner theatre in Coderre. She was a willing volunteer to help with cooking for events, and her homemade soup became quite popular. Gertie loved the community and people of Coderre, and remained there until October 2013, when she decided to move into an apartment in Moose Jaw. Gertie was a very strong, courageous, caring, thoughtful and friendly person. These traits were the reason why Gertie’s home was a very popular place to stop by for coffee, enjoy a home baked snack and, of course, to talk. Gertie found wealth in her family and friends, and her door was always open for a visit. Gertie was very proud of her family and felt blessed. To her family, Gertie was a perfect example of courage and quiet acceptance of the fate reserved for her by God. Gertie’s memory of kindness and love will live on forever in their hearts, and she will be dearly missed. She is predeceased by her husband Bernard Sewell (1983); daughter Marie Kemick; infant son Armand. She is survived by her daughter Liz (Tom) Steen; daughter Jean (Leroy) Sordahl; daughter Theresa (Jack) Weiterman; daughter Yvonne (Deles) Yaschuk; daughter Diane Heimark; son Denis (Cathy) Sewell; daughter Alice (Chris) Hawkins; son Armand (Glenda) Sewell; son-in-law Dave Kemick; 33 grandchildren; 60 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; as well as numerous relatives and friends. Prayers were held on Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Charles Roman Catholic Church, Coderre, SK. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, March 13, 2014, at 2:00 p.m., at the Coderre Community Centre. Memorial donations in memory of Gertie to the Coderre Community Centre, Box 101, Coderre, SK S0H 0X0. Online condolences can be shared at www.pichehawkinsgrondinfuneralchapels.ca. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels, Assiniboia & Gravelbourg.