Jean Gudmundson

Jean Stella Gudmundson (nee Lazorko), our mom, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away peacefully at Golden Acres Lodge in Wynyard, on Saturday June 24, 2023, at the age of 93 years.  Jean was born at the homestead of her parents Fred and Anne Lazorko on October 23, 1929.

Jean is predeceased by her husband, Arnold, her son, Brian, and her parents, Fred and Annie Lazorko. She was also preceded in death by her brothers Lawrence and Merv, a brother who was stillborn, and her sister Doreen in infancy, as well as her sister Lorraine. Additionally, she lost her brother-in-laws  Edward Petryshyn and  Walter Dvernichuk, along with numerous nieces and  nephews.

Left to cherish her memory are her children include Judi (Henry) Jones, Lenore  Gudmundson, Faye (Gord) Sanders, Garry (Cheryl) Gudmundson, Fern (Norm) Hall, and Patti (Ron) Lawson. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, sister  Irene Dvernichuk, sister-in-laws Sandra Lazorko and Sadie  Lazorko and many special nieces and nephews.

Jean attended Birch Creek School up until grade nine at which time she left school to help her parents on the farm. In 1950 she married Arnold Gudmundson and they started their life together on the Gudmundson family farm where they raised seven children. 

Mom loved the outdoors and every aspect of farm life, the crops, the animals, and gardening.  Mom took great pride in creating and     maintaining the yard at the farm, with her green thumb it flourished and resembled a beautiful park.  Mom was an amazing cook and could prepare a delicious full-course meal for 20 people at the drop of a hat.  She worked for 20 years at the chicken plant, during this time many life-long friendships were created and many were recipients of her many harmless, fun pranks.  Everyone knew Jean by name as she brought so much laughter and fun to their lives. 

Jean and Arnold were active members in their community.  They were proud to do their part to care for Birch Creek Cemetery and it was an honour for Mom to donate an archway to the entrance. 

Mom had a special way with words and was a talented speech writer.  She wrote many articles to the newspaper, and for 35 years she wrote and presented powerful speeches, each one better than the last at the Remembrance Day services at the Wishart Legion. 

Mom’s greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  When they came to visit  she spent countless hours sharing her knowledge, her love of the outdoors, playing games and preparing their favourite foods.  She took great pride in watching them learn and grow, and was always interested in what they were doing in their lives, and strongly encouraged and supported them along the way.

Mom made a new home in the last three years of her life as a resident of Jubilee and Golden Acres.  She was very active and made many new friends. She often spoke of how well she was treated and the special care she received. 

In Lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory can be made to the Birch Creek  Cemetery or the Wishart Legion care of Garry Gudmundson, Box 987, Foam Lake, SK, S0A 1A0