It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend on March 1, 2024, at qathet General Hospital in Powell River, BC, at the wonderful age of 91. She was predeceased by her husband Marshall and her parents Isaac and Stella Grudeski.
Born January 8, 1933, Gen was raised on her family’s farm outside of Riding Mountain, Manitoba. In 1951, she graduated from Normal School and began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse.
In 1956, Gen and Marshall married, moved to Brandon and shortly after welcomed three children Jo-Ann, David and Shaunah. The family moved to Powell River for employment in 1967 and quickly settled into the community. Mary (Lloyd), Marshall’s cousin who lived with the family in Brandon, rejoined them in Powell River.
Gen was dedicated to her family and friends. Generously hearted, she always welcomed everyone to her table with many receiving care packages to take home with them. Gen loved to listen and tell stories, and laughter abounded when people came to visit. Summers were a favourite time of hers as her grandchildren Celine and Davis vacationed with her.
A lifelong learner, Gen was always busy experimenting with different recipes and trying an array of art and sewing projects. Teaching was her passion and she loved to use her imagination and creativity to invent interesting ways for students to enjoy and succeed in her classroom. Working in both the public and independent systems in Powell River for many years, Gen retired from teaching at the age of 70.
Later in life, Gen enjoyed coastal holidays and picnics by the beach, spending quiet time sitting at her living room window watching the birds and doing puzzles, playing a spirited card or board game and using her iPad to stay in touch with the world.
Gen will be missed by her children Jo-Ann, David (Tina), Shaunah, her grandchildren Celine and Davis (Josh), her brother Arnold Grudeski, and many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A funeral mass will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, April 13, at Church of the Assumption, 7109 Glacier Street, Powell River. Reception to follow in the parish hall. Burial will take place at a later date in Neepawa, Manitoba.
A livestream of the funeral will be available on YouTube: “Church of the Assumption Powell River.”
In lieu of flowers, donations to Backpack Buddies, the HIPPY Program (Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society) or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
