Colleen Julie Gray

Colleen Julie Gray

November 20, 1952 – July 12, 2025

Passed peacefully at Swan Valley Hospital at the age of 72

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Colleen Julie Gray on July 12, 2025, at Swan Valley Hospital. Colleen was born on November 20, 1952, in Fort Frances, Ontario.

Colleen dedicated many years of her life to her work, building a respected career with Great Lakes Forest Lands, Avenor, and Weyerhaeuser. She also proudly owned and operated the Golden Eagle Resort on Lac Seul. She truly loved her working life and was known by colleagues as exceptionally kind, dependable, and warm-hearted, a true gem in any workplace.

Colleen poured her heart into raising her three daughters, Jenna, Joylyn, and Jodi with unwavering love and determination. Her greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother, and she found deep purpose in caring for her family.

Later in life, Colleen moved from Dryden, Ontario, to Swan River, Manitoba, to be closer to her daughters and begin a new chapter. She worked at Y Not Johnny’s restaurant, where she was affectionately known as “Mama C.” Whether she was filling in at the last minute or comforting someone with a kind word, she was always there - coming to the rescue with her calm and care signature.

Colleen’s greatest strength was her incredible capacity to care for others. Her compassion, generosity, and open-hearted nature defined her life. She had an innate ability to make people feel seen and valued, and wherever she went, she was deeply loved and respected.

She was known for her infectious smile and her love of conversation. Whether it was a long phone call, a quick text, or a spontaneous chat in the grocery store, Colleen always made time. She had a way of making people feel instantly at ease, and her presence brightened any room.

She took immense pride in her daughters and the strong, kind women they became. She made sure they were raised with love, discipline, and grace—and always encouraged them to be their best.

Colleen is predeceased by her loving parents, George and Florence Gray; her sisters, Shirley Brigden, Marguerite Graten, and Glenda Gardiner; her brothers-in-law, Rene Asselin and Harry Brigden; and her nephew, Randy Brigden.

She leaves behind her daughter Jodi and husband Ward Perchuk of Swan River; daughter Jenna and husband Johnny Wintoniw of Swan River; and daughter Joylyn Forsythe and partner Joel Roy of Dryden, Ontario.

She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Mitchell Perchuk, Carson Forsythe, Brody Forsythe, Nicholas Roy, Isabelle Roy, Parker Wintoniw, and Quinn Wintoniw.

In addition, she is survived by her sister Bev Asselin of Thunder Bay, and her brother Bill Gray of Butterfield, Minnesota.

Colleen will be remembered for her kindness, her work ethic, her strength, and her radiant smile. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her—especially her daughters and all the lives she touched with her compassion, humour, and joyful spirit.

A private service will be held in her honor at a later date.

⸻

A Mother’s Love

A mother’s love is never far,

It echoes in the morning star.

In whispered wind and skies of blue,

We feel her near in all we do.

Forever missed, forever dear—

Her voice, her laugh, still drawing near.

In honour of Colleen’s love for her grandchildren and their education, donations may be made in Parker and Quinn’s name to support French Immersion programming, a cause close to her heart Box 2827 Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0 or E-transfers can be sent to:cpfswanriver@gmail.com