Gertrude “Gert” Dustin, 86, of Rainycrest Home for the Aged, Fort Frances, Ont., formerly of 1220 Strachan Place, passed away at her residence Thursday, Oct. 4, 2001.
She was born July 7, 1915 in Peterborough, Ont. to the late Ernest and Charlotte Freeman. Gertrude spent her early years in eastern Ontario as the daughter of a section foreman until her marriage to William “Bill” Dustin on May 18, 1935.
Following their marriage, the family moved to Rainy River District in 1938 and settled in Crozier. Her most recent years were spent in Fort Frances, where she enjoyed her crafts, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Her main interest in life was her home and family, where you would often find her preparing meals for her family and friends.
Gert shared her many gifts throughout her life. From her childhood onward, she cared for people–first taking care of her five-year-old brother, her father, and later her husband, children, grandchildren, and friends.
She saw each day as a new beginning, taking the small offerings and creating more. The community benefitted from her many talents in cooking, sewing, knitting, gardening, and husbandry.
Her everyday common sense, and her sense of humour in handling the challenges of her life, were most admired by the people in her life.
She was predeceased by her husband, “Bill” Dustin on Aug. 1, 1978; two granddaughters, Melani Sutton and Robin Duston; and grandson, Robert Dustin.
Gertrude is survived by her son, William “Bill” Dustin and wife, Jean, of Thunder Bay, Ont.; and four daughters, Bonnie and husband, Floyd Wood, of Fort Frances, Ont., Cheryl and husband, Charles Arnould, of Thunder Bay, Ont., Donna and husband, Larry Pihulak, of Dryden, Ont., and Fawn Dustin and husband, John Sutton, of Fort Frances, Ont.
Also surviving are 16 grandchildren, Larry Dustin, Carrie and Doug Martin, Julie and Steve LeBlanc, William and Patty Dustin, Cathy and Gary Trewin, Richard Dustin, Bonnie and Brian Doucette, William and Louise Wood, Ronald and Avis Wood, Ross and Brenda Wood, Garry, Dale, and Brent Arnould, Jeff and Shauntelle Pihulak, Brad Pihulak, and Naomi Sutton; 18 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Lawrence Freeman and wife, June, of Lon-don, Ont.; and numerous nieces and nephews, and her very special friend, Mary Misner.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2001 at 10 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Pastor Brian Keffer officiated, with interment in River-view Cemetery in Fort Frances.
Friends visited with family at Green Funeral Home on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2001 from 7 until 9 p.m.
Honourary pallbearers were Gert’s grandchildren.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, P.O. Box 444, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8, La Verendrye General Hospital-Continuing Care Unit, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7, or Rainycrest Home for the Aged, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3T2.