Obituary of Gerry Tomkins

TOMKINS, Gerry

We are deeply sad to announce the passing of our Mum and “Grandma T”, Frances Geraldine (Gerry) Tomkins (née Boone), on Monday, April 15, 2019.

Gerry was born on June 19, 1923 in Hartland, New Brunswick, and grew up on the family potato farm as the eldest, and the only girl, of six children. Early during the Second World War, she moved to Ottawa, where she worked for the Department of National Defence and later for the British High Commission. While living in Ottawa, she met Bob Tomkins, and they married in 1944. In 1947, Bob and Gerry moved from Ottawa to Regina, Bob’s birthplace, where they spent the rest of their lives.

Bob was a respected engineer, while Gerry was a homemaker and a very good one. She provided a home where her children were loved and nourished, and they knew it. She was a great cook, and her apple pies and butter tarts are still of legend. Gerry had many interests, including curling, bridge, cryptic crossword puzzles, summer trips to Waskesiu, and of course the ‘Riders. But her greatest interest was her family, both immediate and extended, and all of whom she loved unconditionally. Gerry was funny, smart, and even had an occasional streak of mischievousness. She was unfailingly considerate, generous, and forgiving to her family, her many friends, and even to strangers, and if she ever had an unkind thought about anyone, she must have kept it to herself.

Gerry was predeceased by Bob in 2003, and by her brothers George, Kenny, Ron, and Kenneth.  She is survived by her five children, Jim (Lynn), Don (Carol), Barb (Kirk), Gerald (Penny), and Dave (Karen); her brother Edward; fifteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces.

Gerry lived a full and happy life, and she was alert and comfortable to the end.  We extend special thanks to Beatrice and Emmanuel and the staff at Hillsdale Care Home for their loving care during Gerry’s final months and to Dr. Enrique Filomeno for his thoughtful care and for always treating Mum with respect and dignity.

There will be no public service. A family celebration of Gerry’s life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favourite charity.