Obituary of Gerardine Christina Moen

GERARDINE (GERRY) CHRISTINA MOEN

Gerry was born on October 3, 1930 in Mervin, Saskatchewan, raised in Regina, and attended Connaught, Davin, Luther and Balfour schools. She trained and worked as a Dental Assistant, where she met and later married her life partner of 53 years Peter Owen Moen. They were married on June 21, 1952.

She was predeceased by her husband in 2005; her parents Len and Louise Chase; sisters, Mary Mader and Peggy Helgren; brother George; son-in-law Bryan Woods; brothers-in-law, Jack Mader, Henning Helgren, Grant Moen, Pat Moen, and Don Bolt; and sisters-in-law, Angela Moen, Tim Moen, and Mona Bolt.

Gerry is survived by her children, Terri Woods, Barb (Lyall) Friesen, Tom (Michelle) Moen, Richard Moen, and Keith (Rae Anne) Moen; as well as numerous grand and great-grandchildren.

The most important parts of Gerry’s life were her family, community, and her great faith in God.

A Charter and active member of St. Anne’s Parish for more than 50 years, Gerry looked after funeral receptions and acted as a Welcomer, Eucharistic minister, and Gift Bearer. She is past President of the Parish, Regina Regional, and Regina Archdiocesan Council Catholic Women’s League.

Gerry served over the years on the Boards of Marian Centre, Campion College, and Catholic Family Services, on the organizing committee of the volunteers for the Regina Geriatric Centre and on the Women’s committee of the Farm Progress Show.

She organized the Volunteers of Santa Maria Nursing Home when it was built and set up the format for monthly birthday and bingo parties that is still followed today.

Gerry is also past President and a long-time member of the Canadian Club of Regina and in 2014, was awarded a Life Membership.

She is a past Honoured Queen of Job’s Daughters.

Gerry’s most fulfilling volunteering was organizing the Co-Workers of Mother Teresa in every province in Canada, having been appointed as the first National Chair by Mother Teresa. She met with Mother Teresa and other International Co-Workers on four occasions. A very special blessing in her life was a private audience in Rome with Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, and Co-Worker Chairs from 20 countries.

In 2012, Gerry attended as the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly honoured the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Her father, Sgt. Leonard Chase, served at Vimy. For many years, Gerry encouraged everyone to remember the anniversary in schools and churches, and at the Cenotaph and Legislative Building. She has also shared for viewing the large collection of war souvenirs her father brought back from France in 1918.

Also in 2012, Gerry was one of six people in Saskatchewan presented with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal by Prince Charles. In 2016, Gerry was honoured to be invited to the Women in Leadership breakfast with Her Highness, the Countess of Wessex.

Over the years, there were many happy summers spent with family and friends at the cottage at Regina Beach. She cherished visits with the babies, as families grew to include grand and great-grandchildren. Gerry also enjoyed playing bridge, trips to Las Vegas, pets and animals, happy hours, sports (and particularly the Saskatchewan Roughriders), and visiting with her many, many friends.

Gerry’s long-stated goal of maintaining her independence was achieved as she continued to live in her condo and spend time at her cottage until the time of her stroke on August 31.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated with family and friends at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Parish, 1701 Cowan Crescent, Regina, SK on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. A Private Interment will take place at a later date in Riverside Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a favourite charity would be welcomed.