Gertrude Chartrand

Gertrude “Gertie” Josephine Chartrand
1944-2015

Gertrude “Gertie” Josephine Chartrand of Swan River, Manitoba, passed away at the Swan Valley Health Centre on the morning of February 16th, 2015 at the age of 70 years.

Gertie was born in Duck Bay, Manitoba on May 30th, 1944 to Virginia Campbell and Rudolph Flatfoot. She was later adopted by Harriet Contois and Steve Reynold, which who she considered to be her parents.

She was educated in various communities where her father taught school.

On July 8th, 1961 at St. Columba Roman Catholic Church in Swan River, Gertie married Gilbert “Baby Boy” Chartrand of Briggs Spur, Manitoba. During their life together, Gertie and Gilbert lived in Briggs Spur from 1961-1987; and then Swan River right up until her passing.

Although Gertie did not have many jobs outside of the home, she was a full-time cook, a cleaner and a babysitter. Gertie spent her time insuring her family was well taken care of. Grandpa Steve said she was the “Rock of the Clan”. She was.

Gertie’s hobbies and interest included quading, playing cards, playing bingo and enjoying family celebrations. Her Catholic faith was also always a very large part of her life.

Gertie is survived by her children Gilbert Jr. (Paullie) and his wife Frances Chartrand of Swan River, Karen and her husband Mark Richard of Dauphin, Dennis Chartrand of Swan River, Patrick (Paddy) and his wife Wanda Church of Swan River, and Rachel Chartrand of Swan River; as well as 18 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Gilbert on February 28th, 2013; her father Steve Reynolds on November 19th, 2006; her oldest daughter Kathleen on August 5th, 1989; her brother Joe Reynolds in the summer of 1973, Leonard Chartrand in May of 2013, Jim Flatfoot in November of 2000; sister Theresa Spence in May of 1992; an infant sister Linda; and her great-grandson Brody Church-Chartrand on August 19th, 2007.

A funeral service was held at 10:30 on Friday, February 20th, 2015 from the St. Columba Roman Catholic Church in Swan River with Father Roy George Zazaplankudiyil officiating.

Active pallbearers were six of her grandson Randy Campbell Jr., Dennis Chartrand Jr.,  Kyle Richard, Steven Chartrand, Paullie Chartrand and Travis Church-Chartrand.

All of her family and friends are to consider themselves as honorary pallbearers.

Cremation took place at Heritage Memorial Gardens in Swan River. Gertie was laid to rest in the Birchwood Cemetery in Swan River on February 21st, 2015. Urn bearers were her granddaughters Ariel Chartrand and great-granddaughter Tiffany Kematch.

Should friends so desire, memorial donations in Gertie’s honour may be made to the St. Columba Roman Catholic Church, Swan River, MB.

Paull Funeral Home and Crematorium was honoured to have served the Chartrand Family.