Obituary of Fay Anne Gerrard

Fay was born on July 1st, 1943, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to Mike and Bea Haliwyz; the oldest of five children. Fay graduated from Riverview High School then attended the School of Nursing at Providence Hospital in Moose Jaw where she graduated as an RN.  Nursing took her to Ontario, British Columbia, Germany, Swift Current, Saskatoon, and eventually Yorkton. She was born to be a nurse; always taking care of other people.

Fay married the love of her life Alex Gerrard on June 24, 1972; settling in Yorkton to start their lives and raise their daughters. Fay was a stay-at-home mom while the girls were young. She flourished in this role, sewing costumes for Halloween and dance recitals, organizing family trips, and simply just being an amazing mom.  She returned to nursing when the girls were older in 1988, retiring in 2003.

Fay was a talented artist who loved to oil paint and sew.  She was quite crafty, always thinking of new ideas of what to create or new things to make. She also loved playing bridge, listening to music while in the kitchen, and catching up with friends and family.  

Fay was always very active. She was a lifeguard as well as teaching aquacise and swimming lessons to many, including students at the Lions School. She enjoyed aerobics and went to the gym for many years after she retired. She and Alex also enjoyed going on bike rides and walks throughout the neighbourhood. She was always doing something; only sitting still to read a good book, play Sudoku, or to sew.  

Fay and Alex did a considerable amount of travelling, including cruises to the Caribbean and Panama Canal, touring Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, Cuba, Mexico, Hawaii and their favourite, a one-month adventure around New Zealand. They also explored Canada, including several trips to the Maritimes as well as countless road trips south of the border. They especially enjoyed their winters in Mesa, Arizona for over nine years where they would often spend their days hiking in the surrounding mountains.   

But one of their favorite things to do was their impromptu road trips where they would just jump in the car and drive through the countryside; never having a plan, just exploring new places and enjoying each other’s company.

Fay lived a rich life filled with joy, laughter, friends, and family.  Her strength came from her positive outlook, always looking on the bright side, and never once complaining even when things were difficult. She never let herself have a bad day. She lived with the philosophy that every day is a good day and not dwelling on the negative. 

Simply put, Fay made the world a better place and made everyone around her better people.   

Fay leaves behind Alex, daughters Alana McLennan and Angie Gerrard, sons-in-law, Kimber McLennan and Randy Schwartz, and four wonderful grandchildren, Mya McLennan, Jace Schwartz, Tate McLennan, and Jett Schwartz. Fay is survived by her siblings, Jim Haliwyz (Joan), Marie McLaren (Nolan), Andy Haliwyz (Deb), Kathy Haliwyz (Dave), in-laws Gord and Coreen Gerrard and Valda and Steve Muir, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan or to the Kinsmen Telemiracle as gifts of remembrance.