Obituary of JEANNIE KOLBE

JEANNIE KOLBE It is with many emotions that the family of Jeannie Kolbe announces her peaceful passing on the night of Tuesday, July 19, 2016. Jeannie was a long time resident of the Lions Manor Personal Care Facility and finished her life in the place she called home. Jeannie was born in Winnipeg on November 11, 1925 and was predeceased by her parents Anna and Jacob Kolbe. Left to cherish her memory and bask in her amazing and fascinating legacy are her daughter Heather, her granddaughter Dayna (James) and great- grandchildren, Taylor and Aleena, who were a bright light for her when they came to visit. Coming from a small family, she cried tears of joy when Dayna, and then Taylor and Aleena were added to the family fold. Jeannie will always be remembered with love and fondness by Terry Poitras, whom she considered family. Her love of music and dancing often took Jeannie to the old Winnipeg Auditorium on the corner of St. Mary Avenue and Memorial Boulevard where she used to Jitterbug the nights away, winning many competitions and enjoying time with her friends. Jeannie was the original “Independent Woman” embracing single motherhood at a time that it had not yet become fashionable. She raised Heather mostly on her own, working hard to ensure that they had all that they needed and more, something she could never have accomplished without the help of her father, Jack. She embodied the motto “get up, dress up, show up and never give up” every day and instilled this philosophy in her daughter Heather. She was the quintessential fashionista and was always impeccably groomed and dressed. She passed her love of fashion and style onto Heather and Dayna. When Jeannie finished high school she took a position operating a comptometer at the Eaton's Mail Order department where she loved working with numbers. Her real passion soon took hold and she left there to take up her life long career in the entertainment and hospitality field. Jeannie was a well known patron of such places as Rancho Don Carlos and the Town and Country. She achieved local celebrity status hostessing at such well known places as the Roseland and the Famous Club Morocco where she worked side by side with the owner; her long term partner, Harry Smith. She sang with many famous acts that were in town, as was the custom at the time and did a regular singing gig with the Al Sprintz Band at the Club Morroco. Needing a bit of a change she eventually took a position working with the Trepel family at Ben Moss Jewelers where she loved helping people find the perfect diamond. She eventually made her way to the Top of the Inn, the Stage Door, Pantages, and finally to Chamberlyn's Restaurant where she worked up until her retirement. Harry and Jeannie were fortunate enough to have been one of four of the original developers of the lakefront properties at Falcon Lake, clearing the land for what would become their “piece of heaven” and where Jeannie and Heather spent their summers for many years. Jeannie had many friends that she held dear, particularly Rocco and Lita Rosati, Harry and Mary Timlick (who's son Lloyd loved to torment his mother and amuse Jeannie with his shenanigans), and Gene and Fritzi Telpner who welcomed her into their homes and made her feel like an honorary member of their families. Jeannie made many lasting memories with long time sidekicks Maria Armbrewster and Evelyn Manweller as well as her Holiday Towers companion, Gladys Kepron. No list of friends would be complete without her infamous accomplice, Gladys Balsillie and all her “girls”. Jeannie's love of people and natural ability to entertain and look after them earned her the nickname “the hostess with the mostest” throughout her career. She was known for the special care she gave to all she knew, including her special group of evening workers who used to frequent the Club Morocco and often couldn't get a seat by the time they arrived. Jeannie got in the habit of reserving an area of her section for them to ensure they were able to relax and enjoy a drink after a long nights work. Sadly, Jeannie suffered a stroke in 2004 and life as she knew it was never the same. Losing some of her mobility was a great strain on this vivacious and active lady, but the thing was most devastating to her was that she was no longer able to wear her signature high heels. The “hostess with the mostest” was reduced to wearing “flats”, a fact that did not bode well with Jeannie. After a short convalescent stay with her daughter she set up residence at the Lion's Manor where she was actively involved in all social activities and, in true form, became friends with many of the staff and residents. She played many organizational roles in the activities she participated in and didn't spend a lot of time in her room. The family would like to express extreme gratitude to the staff at Lions Manor for the exemplary care they gave Mom during her stay. In particular, we would like to thank Charge Nurse Karen Kearney for her support and care, Laarnie, for picking up the baton when Karen retired, Allison, Jane and Suzanna (HCA's) for doing what they do and making it look like its not the hard work we all know it is, Duty Nurse Mona for her comforting words and deep compassion the night Mom passed away and Daniel for holding her hand and letting her know that it was okay to go. Special thanks also to Linda and Patti for tending to her needs at all times. Many more people aided in Mom's care and she had such a fondness for, in her words, her “Magandas”. Having a parent in a facility can be a stressful situation and you all did what you do so seamlessly that it gave us deep comfort knowing she was in such capable hands. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. In addition, we would like to thank Diane and Tyson from Cropo Funeral Chapel for all their care and compassion, understanding that what is daily routine for them, is not for most of us, and for walking us through Mom’s arrangements with kindness and expertise. Every once in a while someone comes into our lives, or we into theirs, that we just know is special. Jeannie was that person to all who knew her. Every room was a little brighter for having her in it. She embodied class, style, grace and friendship to the very end and will never be forgotten. Although she leaves many behind to adjust to life without her, at 90 years old she also has many loved ones who have gone before and are patiently waiting for the “hostess with the mostest” to show up and let the party begin. In accordance with Jeannie’s strict wishes no service will be held but we hope that today and over the next while you will raise a glass with the beverage of your choice (preferably a dry martini, 2 olives) and toast Jeannie in celebration of one hell of a ride. There is a lifetime of memories to share. Heather and family would love to hear from anyone that remembers Jeannie or has any stories to tell. Please feel free to email us at htrosky99@shaw.ca Thanks to Lori for taking all of Mom’s memories and making this “easy” for us.