Anne Nellie (Gwozdz) GENEST

Surrounded by her loving and devoted family, Anne Genest passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024 at RUH in Saskatoon.

Mom is survived by her 7 kids: Kathy (Doug), Gary (Kathy), Brent (Holly), Brian (Barbara), Allan (Gail), Kevin (Donna) & Tracy (Gary), 16 grandchildren & 14 great-grandchildren, sister Phyllis Evans, brother Don Gwozdz (Shelby) and sister-in-law Bertha Hainstock, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mom was predeceased by her parents Frank & Stella Gwozdz, husband Leo, brothers-in-law Geoff, Louis, Ralph, Albert and Mike, sister-in-law Violet, grandson Keith and granddaughter Ella.

Mom was born in Tichfield, Saskatchewan on September 15, 1931 in a CNR bunkhouse. The eldest child to Frank & Stella Gwozdz, she took her schooling in Tichfield, Macrorie and Conquest. After graduating high school, Mom took a stenographer’s course at Saskatoon Technical School. Upon completing her course, she took a job at Dugan’s Garage in Milden doing the books.

It was at the rink, in 1950, while attending a Milden Minto senior hockey game with some friends, a spark was lit between her and Dad that continued to grow and they were married on June 1, 1951.

Mom worked together with Dad on the farm as well as being very active in the community teaching 4-H Sewing, Sunday School and was a member of the Harris Ladies Legion Auxiliary for 45 years. Also, she spent several years involved with the Harris New Horizons prior to moving to Saskatoon. There wasn’t a community event that Mom wasn’t a part of whether it was fundraising for the Harris Rink, working the booth, Legion activities, Harris Track & Field Club, driving for sports and generally anything that the community, school or neighbors needed, Mom answered the call and was always there doing what was needed.

Mom moved into Riverside Terrace in Saskatoon on March 26, 2022 and resided there until her passing. She said many times that the 70+ years she lived in Harris were the best years of her life and while she “lived” in Saskatoon, Harris was always home.

Mom was happiest with a house full of family & friends. Many hours were spent around the kitchen table laughing, visiting and eating Mom’s incredible meals.  Mom & Dad attended many dances in the Harris area, dancing the night away. She was with Dad at the rink or was at a different rink following the boy’s hockey or the girls figure skating or anything else we decided to try.

Mom’s strong values, deep resolve along with her work ethic and determination have been passed on to all her kids and grandkids and we will forever be grateful for her kind, steady hand, strong will and loving care.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the Doctors and nurses that assisted in Mom’s care.

There will be a Celebration of Life held for Mom at the Harris Community Center on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saskatchewan Breast Cancer Society or the Harris Cemetery Fund.