GISEL McCARTHY

Gisel Marie McCarthy, 60, of Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances.
Gisel was born Dec. 20, 1952 in Fort Frances. At a very young age, she moved, with her parents and siblings, to Atikokan, Ont.
Gisel met and married Dennis McCarthy in Atikokan on July 29, 1972. At the time of their marriage, they lived briefly in Winnipeg, Man. before returning to Atikokan, where they remained until September, 2013, when they moved to Fort Frances.
Gisel was a competitor, with a zest for life. She was involved in numerous Atikokan sports leagues, including ladies’ softball, bowling, slo-pitch, swim team, golf, darts, and broomball.
She also was an active volunteer with the organizations her daughters were involved in, including the Nakokita swim, Atikokan dance, and Atikokan figure skating clubs.
Gisel and husband, Dennis, opened their door for many years (18) to children as foster parents. She loved her family, and especially cherished the time spent with her four grandchildren.
Gisel was employed by Contact North for the past 15 years. For the past six years, she held the title of the Atikokan Centre site co-ordinator.
Gisel will be sadly missed by her husband, Dennis; eldest daughter, Sheri, and husband, Chris Kehler, of Sarnia, Ont.; youngest daughter, Jennifer, and husband, Robert McLeod, of Kingston, Ont.; and her four grand boys, Matthew and Tyler Kehler, and Zachary and Jacob McLeod.
Also grieving her loss is her only sister, Elaine Barr of Fort Frances, Ont.; eldest brother, Harold Barr of Thunder Bay, Ont.; youngest brother, Glen Barr and wife, Phylis, of Atikokan; three nieces, Raven, Savannah, and Natasha; and two nephews, Rian and Harley.
She also will be sadly missed by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other extended family, and many close friends. Gisel touched the lives of many.
Gisel was predeceased by her parents, Ronald and Leona Barr; and three brothers, Ronald Jr., Angus, and Thomas Barr.
A celebration of Gisel’s life was held Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the Riverview United Church in Atikokan, with Lay Minister Lynne Dimma and Pastor Shane Belding officiating.
Cremation has taken place, with inurnment in Little Falls Cemetery in Atikokan at a later date.
In memoriam donations may be made to Tamarack House Medical Centre, Suite 501, 984 Oliver Rd., Thunder Bay, Ont., P9A 7C7 or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences can be offered at greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com