Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Julia Catherine Gerwien on April 2, 2020 at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with MS.
Julia was the second of five children born to John Munkland Cross and Eleanor (Leggat) Cross. She was raised with her four siblings on the A7 Ranche, west of Nanton Alberta. She attended the Braehead School, a one room schoolhouse for six years, and subsequently attended Stratchcona Lodge School as a teenager on Vancouver Island, where she boarded. There she made some lifelong friends, excelled at sports, and became somewhat of a legend for pinching the bell that woke her every day for 6 years. (She returned it eventually and solved the mystery of its disappearance!!)
When Julia finished her education, which included a stint at The Emily Carr Art School in Vancouver BC, she returned home to Alberta, and there she remained for the rest of her life. Before her marriage she worked for the family on the A7 Ranche, bookkeeping and helping out where she could. She became an active member of the Stavely Royal Purple and an active member of the ranching community.
Julia married Carl Gerwien, her rodeo cowboy, in 1980 and they settled into their life at Willow Spring, a home that they would share for a lifetime. Willow Spring eventually became known as Willow Spring Ranch. There they had three children; Blake, Carla Jo, and Steven who completed their beautiful family.
Julia and Carl built up a ranch and successful cutting horse business together over 30 years; breeding, showing, and selling horses. Julia kept track of it all, loved each and every foal born, and named them to boot. Together they created a wonderful home, made many friends, and were a big part of the community.
Julia was intrepid, courageous, gifted, kind, bright, and she was a pillar of grace under fire for most who knew her. She dealt with MS for many years in a way that most people didn’t notice her disability. They only noticed her smile, her welcome, her humour, quick wit, and her graciousness, and those lucky enough to call themselves her friend saw her courage and grit, and ability to face life straight up with an acceptance that made you humble.
Julia enjoyed her life out at the ranch. Her favourite thing to do was to sit out on the deck in the sun, paint and watch the birds. Every spring she picked out the most beautiful, colourful flowers for her deck. Talking about the ranch and reminiscing about the good old days was a favourite pastime of hers. She could talk for hours about the land, grass, and all of its animals. She loved having company over, enjoying long visits with her friends. She never passed up a chance to watch Carl ride and show his horses. She was his best friend, number one fan, and his biggest supporter. Julia cherished her time with her grandchildren, and Anna. The kids brought her so much joy.
Julia was a devoted wife, mother, and friend who always put the needs of others before her own. She was very proud of her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her family was her whole world. She holds a special place in so many hearts. She will be missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her.
Julia is survived by her husband Carl and her children Blake, Carla Jo (Matthew), Steven, and her two grandchildren, Madden and Avalon. She is also survived by her sister Susan (Phil), her brother Bill (Arletta), her sister Jane (Kerry) and her brother John (CaryAnn), as well as many nieces and nephews.
The Gerwien family would like to thank all of the amazing and supportive caregivers Julia has had over the years. They assisted her in living out a full and happy life at home. Julia’s wish was to stay out at the ranch for as long as she could, and her wonderful caregivers made that possible for her. Thank you.
As we can’t all come together at this time, we hope to have a celebration of Julia’s life when we can again gather and remember happy times.
If desired, memorial donations may be made in Julia’s memory to the MS Society of Canada. To email condolences, please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, High River. (403-652-2222)
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Julia Catherine Gerwien Nanton November 28 1951
April 2 2020..
Death notice for the town of: High-River, Province: Alberta
death notice Julia Catherine Gerwien Nanton November 28 1951
April 2 2020
mortuary notice Julia Catherine Gerwien Nanton November 28 1951
April 2 2020
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