It is with broken hearts that we announce the unexpected but peaceful passing of Gail Anne Denesiuk (née Hayden), treasured mother, sister and aunt, on Saturday, August 22, 2020.

 

Left to cherish her time with us are her daughters, Dinine and Dana (Tyler), sister Pamela, nephew Joey and niece Jamie (Michael).  Gail is also survived by her extended family of aunt and uncles, cousins and their families, and the friends that she held dear.  There are many loved ones that preceded Gail in her journey; we are most comforted knowing that she’s in the loving arms of our Mom and Dad, Jack and Kay Hayden, who she missed inconsolably for what seemed like a lifetime.

 

It is near impossible to sum up the life of a loved one.  We can say without a doubt, though, that Gail was love, courage, conviction, passion, and strength - personified.  She was never outwardly aggressive about any of these traits, but instead lived her life most humbly, navigating the good and the challenges her way and on her own terms. She might be surprised to be described as a nurturer, but in everything she pursued in life – as an accomplished pianist and fierce music lover; as a registered nurse, who held many roles in Northern Manitoba, British Columbia and at home in Winnipeg, settling only for being completely hands-on and providing the best patient care; to her love of pets, plants, cooking, sewing, crocheting and quirky crafting; as the best big sister and auntie; and of course, her most valued pursuit – as a Mama and very best friend – nurturing was the common denominator.  She often reminded us laughingly but seriously, while wagging her finger, that she changed all of our diapers, and had earned her stripes as the matriarch of our family! She was an irreplaceable part of everyone’s life, for anything that came our way, never wavering but…always the pragmatic one…she didn’t believe in hanging about – she encouraged looking to the future and being positive moving forward.

 

It is because of this practical nature and Gail’s steadfast belief in God’s Plan, that we have been just able to begin processing her passing.  This Plan comforted her, and she fully embraced her belief that our life paths are set for us from the day we are born, and that the events of our lives happen for reasons that become clear to us in some way.  Even though she is not with us, she is ‘with us’, right beside us, pulling us together, giving us strength, making us laugh, loving us and reminding each of us what it will take to soothe, grieve, and move forward. She has made sure that she is and will remain a strong and constant force in our lives. For this, we are forever grateful.

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In keeping with Gail's wishes, cremation has taken place. Due to the current restrictions relative to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private celebration of her life will be held. In the meantime, Gail’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives consider sharing memories and stories about Gail using the comment section on this page.

 

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation in Gail’s memory to the Winnipeg Humane Society.

 

How can you mend a broken heart,

how can you stop the rain from falling down?...

 

Smile, an everlasting smile, and that smile will bring you near to me…

 

You don’t know what it’s like, to love somebody, to love somebody, they way I love you.

~ B. Gibb