Obituary for Mrs. Julie Amanda Gayoski-Luke
Julie Amanda Gayoski-Luke
June 19, 1972 – March 15, 2023
On March 15th , we lost a wonderful person. Julie was a caring daughter, a devoted wife, a loving mother, a dear sister, a compassionate daughter-in-law, a fun aunt, a cherished friend, a dedicated teacher/administrator and a furious Pokemon trainer. Julie lived life to the fullest, and when she got her mind set on something it was happening. She was a force to be reckoned with. Julie always chose to see the best in people, but she spoke her mind. Julie was a talented artist, an amazing tailor sewing some of her own dresses and jackets and an extremely knowledgeable gardener. She loved her family and we loved her and needed her.
Julie was born in Fort William (Thunder Bay), Ontario on June 19, 1972. She was raised and grew up in Vickers Heights. Julie attended Vickers Heights and Riverdale Public Schools and Westgate C.V.I. She continued her education at Lakehead University graduating in 1990 with a BA majoring in History and Sociology, and a minor in Gerontology. Later, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Education.
She grew up in the Christian Reformed Faith and her childhood activities also included lessons in swimming, music, dancing, skiing, Girl Guides, modeling, and babysitting. In her later teen years, she waitressed at the Airlane Hotel, Pizza Hut, Perkins (Strawberries), and the Golf Dome.
She is survived by her husband Marc and daughter Maya; by her sibling Jeannie (Ryan), Noah, Austin and Ty McWhirter. Her parents Ed and Joan Gayoski, Aunty Debbie Gayoski, and numerous cousins, mother-in-law Florence Luke, sister-in-law Tara Fish, Layla, Jordan and Morgan and many others.
She was predeceased by Lynda Gayoski (aunt), her grandparents Michael and Oepkjen Gysen, and Ed and Mary Gayoski.
The next chapter of her life, she began teaching at Lakehead Public Schools. She taught at Fort William C.V.I., Port Arthur C. I. And Westgate C.V.I. where she deeply cared for her students. She later became a part of the Program Department and then became a Literacy Lead for the Ministry of Education. She moved on to become an Administrator at Westmount School, McKenzie School and most recently Claude Garton School.
An active member of the Vickers Heights Community Centre where she organized community events and even brought back the Lumberjack Jamboree that she had enjoyed during her childhood.
One of her favourite pastimes was going to the family camp at Graham Lake where she spent time with family fishing, playing cards (Canasta) and picked blueberries.
Things that were important to Julie, try to include these in your memory of her. She loved all animals; you can never show your pet too much love and take care of the environment; the future belongs to our children.
Arrangements for cremation entrusted to the Everest – Westfort Funeral Chapel, 420 W. Gore Street.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Hope Christian Reformed Church, 1315 Crawford Avenue at 11:00 a.m. with visitation 1 hour prior to service with Rev. R. Hoekstra, Officiant.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Thunder Bay & District Humane Society, or The Heart & Stroke Foundation.
June 19, 1972 – March 15, 2023
On March 15th , we lost a wonderful person. Julie was a caring daughter, a devoted wife, a loving mother, a dear sister, a compassionate daughter-in-law, a fun aunt, a cherished friend, a dedicated teacher/administrator and a furious Pokemon trainer. Julie lived life to the fullest, and when she got her mind set on something it was happening. She was a force to be reckoned with. Julie always chose to see the best in people, but she spoke her mind. Julie was a talented artist, an amazing tailor sewing some of her own dresses and jackets and an extremely knowledgeable gardener. She loved her family and we loved her and needed her.
Julie was born in Fort William (Thunder Bay), Ontario on June 19, 1972. She was raised and grew up in Vickers Heights. Julie attended Vickers Heights and Riverdale Public Schools and Westgate C.V.I. She continued her education at Lakehead University graduating in 1990 with a BA majoring in History and Sociology, and a minor in Gerontology. Later, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Education.
She grew up in the Christian Reformed Faith and her childhood activities also included lessons in swimming, music, dancing, skiing, Girl Guides, modeling, and babysitting. In her later teen years, she waitressed at the Airlane Hotel, Pizza Hut, Perkins (Strawberries), and the Golf Dome.
She is survived by her husband Marc and daughter Maya; by her sibling Jeannie (Ryan), Noah, Austin and Ty McWhirter. Her parents Ed and Joan Gayoski, Aunty Debbie Gayoski, and numerous cousins, mother-in-law Florence Luke, sister-in-law Tara Fish, Layla, Jordan and Morgan and many others.
She was predeceased by Lynda Gayoski (aunt), her grandparents Michael and Oepkjen Gysen, and Ed and Mary Gayoski.
The next chapter of her life, she began teaching at Lakehead Public Schools. She taught at Fort William C.V.I., Port Arthur C. I. And Westgate C.V.I. where she deeply cared for her students. She later became a part of the Program Department and then became a Literacy Lead for the Ministry of Education. She moved on to become an Administrator at Westmount School, McKenzie School and most recently Claude Garton School.
An active member of the Vickers Heights Community Centre where she organized community events and even brought back the Lumberjack Jamboree that she had enjoyed during her childhood.
One of her favourite pastimes was going to the family camp at Graham Lake where she spent time with family fishing, playing cards (Canasta) and picked blueberries.
Things that were important to Julie, try to include these in your memory of her. She loved all animals; you can never show your pet too much love and take care of the environment; the future belongs to our children.
Arrangements for cremation entrusted to the Everest – Westfort Funeral Chapel, 420 W. Gore Street.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Hope Christian Reformed Church, 1315 Crawford Avenue at 11:00 a.m. with visitation 1 hour prior to service with Rev. R. Hoekstra, Officiant.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Thunder Bay & District Humane Society, or The Heart & Stroke Foundation.