Genelle and her two brothers Keith and Kent were raised by her loving parents Ken and Pat Burak in Thompson, Manitoba. Genelle’s mom and dad did everything for their kids, keeping them busy with many activities. Genelle loved many years of figure skating, dancing, swimming lessons, baton classes, was in a bowling league, played baseball and was in Brownies and Girl Guides. She also spent a lot of time at the hockey rink watching her brothers play, and her dad coach.
Genelle’s favorite time of year was the family trips to her grandparents’ farms where she enjoyed playing with her brothers and many cousins for what felt like the whole summer. She also really loved going to matinee movies with her mom and older brother. As a young teenager, Genelle took a big interest in cooking and baking. She remembers making a huge mess in her moms very neat and tidy kitchen, but her mom always cleaned up after her with a smile on her face.
Her first couple of jobs were working in delis, and she eventually decided she wanted to open her own deli. Genelle asked her dad for help, and together they started “The Corner Deli”, which was a popular lunch spot for locals. As with everything she did, Genelle put so much passion into the deli and had a couple of great years with her dad, which she spoke fondly of. The deli was sold many years later by the family, but still exists today in Thompson.
Soon after high school, Genelle met a pilot named John who was stationed in Thompson. He was from BC, which was a bonus – as the winters were just a bit milder! Shortly after, they moved to BC and married. Genelle’s new passion would be to become the best wife and mother. She always wanted a family; her 2 kids, Michelle and Jeff, and her husband John made her so happy. Her family got to enjoy her amazing cooking and baking daily and she even perfected cooking all the Mennonite food John was used to eating. John and Genelle would regularly host parties and family gatherings where there was always an extra seat at the table and everyone felt welcome.
Watching her kids grow up and teaching them values, spirituality, strength and hard work ethic was important to her. Genelle spent many years at home raising them and being the best mom to her kids. The family was very close and enjoyed family camping trips and vacations to Disneyland, Mexico, Las Vegas and countless other adventures. The memories made will be cherished for a lifetime.
John and Genelle started the airline Airspeed Aviation in 1986. In the early years, John handled the business, piloting flights and taking care of administrative work while Genelle raised young kids at home. As the kids grew older, Genelle decided to join John at the airport, where she thrived in the field and forged many relationships, helping Airspeed soar to new heights. She really enjoyed her time with their passengers and the airport staff.
When the kids got older and could drive, John and Genelle purchased a vacation home in Hope, near Kawkawa Lake. They loved how it was only an hour away and could really be enjoyed by all of their friends and family. Michelle and Jeff’s friends were always welcome; and they would spend hours out boating on the lake. After a day on the water, Genelle would spoil everyone with a delicious array of snacks, followed by an amazing dinner. John and Genelle would spend the weekends there with the kids and their friends and became more than “parents” – they were their friends too. She genuinely loved opening her home to all.
Michelle and Jeff both married, and their spouses were both immediately part of the family – she treated them like her own children. A few years later, Genelle couldn’t have been more excited to be blessed with four grandchildren, who became her world. She truly was the most amazing and proud grandma.
After over 20 years serving the Fraser Valley with Airspeed, the time seemed right to sell their airline. As relatively young empty nesters, they felt it was time for a new endeavour and they moved onto a chicken farm on an acreage. The farm had an old farmhouse on it which Genelle fell in love with, as it reminded her of her grandparents’ house on the farm. Her talent for gardening and decorating, along with her TLC made the house and property a cozy, welcoming home which she knew the whole family would enjoy for years to come. John and Genelle really loved their new life on the farm.
Genelle felt like she had more to give; and took on a part time position at a nursing home called the Menno Home. She quickly realized how much she loved working there and her part time position turned into full time. With her kind-hearted nature, she gained many more friends there. Shortly after she took her full-time position, she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
Genelle made the most out of her remaining 2.5 years, by fearlessly fighting her illness. She was incredibly strong and would not let her health hold her back from enjoying time with her family. Despite countless treatments of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, she continued to be strong.
On September 7, 2020, she passed away peacefully at home with her family surrounding her. She had recently turned 57 years old.
The family would like to thank the staff at BC Cancer Abbotsford, the palliative home health nurses as well as the pharmacy team at the Highstreet Walmart for providing excellent care for Genelle.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the family is planning a private celebration of Genelle’s life in the future.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Genelle May Giesbrecht September 7th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Aldergrove, Province: Colombie britanique
At a time when words are seldom enough, this is touching and wonderful tribute to a truly remarkable woman. She will be sadly missed and has warmly set an example for many to follow.
With sincerest of heartfelt sympathies.