Sondra Gilbert

Memorial Service

Friday, October 22, 2010

at 2:00 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church

Sondra Gilbert passed away on October 17, 2010 at Lake of the Woods District Hospital at the age of 73.

She is survived by her husband Jim of 56 years, children Suzanne (Doug) McIntosh; Lesley (Chris) Ratchford, grandchildren Daniel, Erin and Jennifer McIntosh, Jordan and Emily Poschner, and Sarah and Cameron Ratchford; brother Len Janiec (Ingrid), sisters Val Brook and Kay Litchfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her parents Ada and Leon Janiec; infant son Mark; brother Walter Janiec, and sisters Stella Opchany and Fran Stewart.

Sondra was born in Brantford, Ontario on February 6,1937 and moved to Kenora with Jim in 1960.

Sondra was a warm and deeply caring person; many thought she was the kindest person they'd ever met. Second only to the love of her life Jim, were her grandchildren. She delighted in their individual personalities, always making them feel special and making sure they could spell correctly! One of her favorite times was when all the families were together for 'galas' -

dinner, games, singing and lots of laughter. The Rabbit Lake Olympics were a particular favorite of hers.

Music played a very important role in Sondra's life, starting in her youth in Brantford. There she won awards for her singing, sang in her school Glee Club, and in her church choir, which is where she met Jim. When she and Jim moved to Kenora in 1960, she immediately became involved in music in the community. She was a long time member of the G-Clef choir, and a well known soloist in town.

Most important to her was her service to the church through music. She and her good friend Kay devoted over a decade to directing a highly respected junior choir. She also sang in the church's senior choir for close to 50 years.

When Sondra retired from her job as librarian for the Kenora Board of Education, she enjoyed dabbling in many different crafts, particularly quilting. Here she spent countless hours learning and laughing with her "quilting buddies".

Her laughter and singing will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 22, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tuberous Sclerosis Canada, 92 Caplan Avenue, Suite 125, Barrie, ON L9N 0Z7 or First Presbyterian Church, Kenora, ON.

Online condolences may be made at BrownFuneralHomeKenora.com

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