GERMAINE GOUGEON

Since I was a storyteller, let me tell you, my story. So, grab a cup of coffee and let me begin.

My name was Germaine Louise Gougeon (Brophy). My friends called me Gerry, but my most precious called, me Mom, Nana, and Granny.

My Soul decided it was time to go home on, March 23,2024, at the age of 83. They came for me after midnight and took me to a star, just the other side of moonlight, it wasn’t very far.

When I arrived on my Home Welcoming Day, there to greet me was my dad and mom, Louie and Margaret (Danchuk) Gougeon, my two brothers, Larry and Richard and my son-in-law Tim Graham.

I was born in Winnipeg, MB. and was raise in Transcona, which back then, was considered a small community. My youth was filled with memories of days spent, at my second home, the East End Community Club. The memories of those days stayed with me my entire life and always brought a smile to my heart. I graduated from Transcona Collegiate in 1956 with honours. After graduation, I went to work at Great West Life, until the birth of my first daughter.

I was 20, when I married Roy Brophy and soon after, had my three girls. Three babies in less than three years. My oldest, Dawna (late Tim), My second Diane and my youngest Darlene (Dave). All three of my girls blessed me with grandchildren, Jesse (Kate), Morgen (Becky); Kaila and Cameron; Matt (Becca) and Amanda (Justin). And was blessed again to have 3 great grandchildren, Jackson, Hunter and Austin.

We moved to Anola, MB. in 1972. At that time, the thought of moving this city girl to the country, terrified me. It didn’t take long though for me to fall in love with country living. I worked in Beausejour, MB., at the Department of Health for 5 years and from there, I transferred to the Winnipeg Branch, when it was time for me to move back to the city. In 1985, I had the opportunity to work for the Manitoba Lotteries and later in 1993 moved to the Manitoba Gaming Control Commission, where I was the first women to be hired to the security division, as a licensing manager. I loved every minute of my time there, until my retirement in 2000. 

I’ve always had a love for photography and after taking a university course on it, it propelled me forward, seeing a brand-new vison, through the lens of a camera. After winning an award for one of my photographs, I was invited to take part in a month long photo safari in Kenya. With many concerns voiced from loved ones, I decided that if I didn’t go, I would later regret that decision my entire life so, off I went. We were encouraged to journal our experiences and I’m so grateful I did. From this trip came award winning photos and my first printed book called, Sensory Overload. 

My love for travel took me to many places around the world. Switzerland (three times), Ireland, Amsterdam, Africa, Alaska and 14 other states. But my proudest travel destinations, were to every province and territory in Canada.

While visiting all these places, I would take part in as many adventures as I could fit in. I explored caving systems and castles, traveled the ice fields, spent time with the Maasi Tribe, climbed the Anasazi Ruins, despite my fear of heights. I laughed and screamed my way down many white-water rafting adventures. Digging for dinosaur bones in Drumheller’s Badlands, in Alberta, with the scientist of the Manitoba Museum, was a dream come true for me. Many of my photos, from this dig, were displayed in the paleontology section of this museum.

In 2000, after retiring, I moved to Gimli, Manitoba. It had the same small town feel that I experienced growing up in Transcona and I knew I would love it there. I immersed myself into the community by joining many clubs and leagues. Some of them; the Catholic Women’s League, the Women’s Institute of Gimli, the Gardeners Club (Petal Pushers) and the Gimli and Lake Winnipeg Writers Club. I also served on the Gimli Seniors Residence Board and worked hard to get the approval for a large Grant for the new senior’s residence in Gimli. Becoming a member at New Horizons, brought me so much joy. Being involved in the community and getting the opportunity to meet so many people. Many conversations and laughter were had around the canasta table.

Spirituality in all forms was so important to me. From the Catholic church to Astrology, to all the mysteries of the other side. My life is full of unexplainable events. I have been divinely guided throughout my entire life; one only has to listen. I raised my girls in a house where conversations were far and wide about the different beliefs and philosophies held by the different souls on the earth and beyond. From these, unexplained experience, I was able to compile these stories into a book called Open Mind. I also was blessed to get a book published on my life experiences and unexplained events called, Cool in a Cosmic Bubble.

Though you may be experiencing sadness, now that you no longer see me, please know I am in the most wonderous place I have ever traveled to…Home!

I feel I have lived an extraordinary life and for this I am profoundly grateful.

Rather than sending cards and flowers, walk in nature and spend time with those close to you and cherish them dearly.

Until we meet again.

(written by Germaine’s daughters)

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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