Dorothy "Gwen" Gwendolyn Bailey

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Gwen Bailey.  Gwen passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at Portage General Hospital, after many years of difficult health.

She is survived by her sons Darryl and Brent (Yvonne), her granddaughter Laura Unger (Jordan), and great granddaughter Athena Unger.

Born in the historical Caledonia House (also known as “Halfway House”) that once stood in the area of the north Winnipeg perimeter, Gwen was raised on a farm in Reaburn, Manitoba and moved to Portage la Prairie, Manitoba in the early years of her marriage.

For her, family was paramount.  Over the years, she, and her sister Margaret, became mothers, not only to their own children, but also to a wide assortment of nieces and nephews, for whom they were very special caregivers.

Mom always enjoyed physical activity and, in the 1960’s, developed an interest in yoga.  Not being a traveler, she surprised all of us when she flew to California, a few times, to become an accredited yoga teacher.

A natural artist, she also loved to paint.  Annoyed with art instruction, she relied instead on her own intuition, exploring many of the same issues the French Impressionists had focused on.

For decades, she endured severe health issues with a smile, showing patience and kindness in her connection with others.  On the morning of her death, the doctors felt the many years of hardship had finally taken their toll.

She will be greatly missed.

Her ashes will be buried next to those of her deceased husband Edward Bailey and a memorial gathering will be held for family members at a future date.

We would like to thank the staff at Douglas Campbell Lodge for their help and care over the last five months.

Donations can be made in Gwen’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.

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