Silvia Gunderson

Silvia was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on January 16, 1943 and grew up in Minaki, Ontario where she gained a love of the outdoors knowing how to hunt and fish by the time she was 8 years old.

In 1966 Silvia married her best friend Glen and together they had four children: Heather (Butch Wensley), Kirsten, Karl (Lynda), and Von (Cara). She was a proud grandmother to Jeromy, Patrick, Madeline, Kienna, Boyd, Isabella, Gabe, Harper and Odin; brothers and sisters-in-law Morley Gunderson and Melanie Brady and Gayleen and Bill Szlauko. She was predeceased by parents Jim and Martha Hayward. She is also survived by nieces and nephews Bob, Sandy, Coreen, Brady, Jesse, Rory and Brendan.

Trained as a nurse, she worked at La Verendrye Hospital. After nursing, she was a caregiver to many children in her home and she will always have a special place in their hearts.

We will always remember Silvia’s extraordinary dedication to the community. She was a very active member of the Legion, serving as president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, Branch #29 for many years and was the current District Commander for the Northwest Region. Silvia was a sorority sister of Beta Sigma Phi for over 50 years. She was a truly committed member of the Zion Lutheran Church and

her work throughout the district was very meaningful to her personally and the community. In 2012, she was a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

She had a love of curling both as a player and spectator, especially when it involved travelling to a Brier. Renowned for her baking in general, she will be remembered by many for the hundreds of wedding, birthday and school cakes she decorated.

Silvia loved being on the lake fishing, boating and canoeing. She taught her children how to be strong and fearless in the outdoors and when taking on all of life’s challenges. She was the rock.

We are all better for having been blessed with her devotion to family, shared wisdom and appreciative of the generosity with her time. The pleasure of being with her when she was having fun at conventions, playing cards, or hanging out at the cabin created memories we will carry over our lifetime. Silvia was always ready with a cup of coffee and time to hear and share a story or two.

A heartfelt thank you to the excellent care provided by the La Verendrye cancer unit, nurses, support staff, and, a special thank you Dr. Ruppenstein for his comfort and kindness.

Honourary pallbearers are Tony and Luci Andreacchi, Scott and Tara Hamilton, Rob and Barb Morgan, Anna and Dan Pierroz and Barb Turgeon.

Until we meet again, we are filled with gratitude to a dear wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.

Friends are invited to a celebration of Silvia’s life on Wednesday March 7, 2018, 1:00 PM at the Zion Lutheran Church.

Donations can be made to the Ladies’ Auxiliary, Branch #29, P.O. Box 819, Fort Frances, ON, P9A 3N1 or the Zion Lutheran Church, 1105 Scott Street, Fort Frances, ON, P9A 1J7.

Online Condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.