It is with profound sadness and aching hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunty and Friend, Gayle Anne Vondrasek. In her 80th year, this beautiful soul left us quietly with family by her side on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
Gayle was born on May 26, 1945, the first child of John and Eleanor Elvish (Hogan). She was raised in a loving home along with her siblings, Tom, Lynda, Valerie and Loretta. On graduating highschool, Gayle entered into St. Joseph’s School of Nursing (1963), graduating in 1967. She began her career working at St. Joseph’s Hospital. The following year, 1968, Gayle married the love of her life, Tom Vondrasek. They would be blessed with the birth of their son Darren, at which time she stepped away from her career. Gayle was a deeply devoted stay-at-home Mom which brought her great joy. Together, they raised their son taking great pride in each and every accomplishment along the way.
Gayle returned to Nursing in 1990, working at Grandview Nursing Home until retirement in 2012. Gayle had a true gift of caring, as a wife and mother, and also throughout her rewarding career as a Registered Nurse. She had a strong work ethic, always giving her best to her patients, ensuring they were seen and heard, and were always well cared for.
Throughout the years Gayle was an avid reader, and she loved shopping, looking for that perfect gift for that special person. Family was everything to Gayle. She truly enjoyed the many trips taken with family to Vegas, Minneapolis, Florida, Kenora and Winnipeg to name a few, and the special times spent at her sister’s cottage at Bel Air Beach. Gayle never missed a family dinner on holidays, birthdays and celebrations, and her special lunches with the girls. She loved music especially the times at Jim and Louise’s where the instruments always came out and the night was filled with toe tapping music, singing and good times. She cherished each and every get together with her family and friends who she loved dearly.
Gayle will be lovingly remembered by her husband and best friend of 57 years, Tom; by her son Darren; her sisters Lynda Vibert (Walter Kocuba), Valerie (Phil) Matthes and Loretta (Kevin) Elvish-Kivisto; her sisters-in-law Sharon Elvish, Judy Kozak (Vondrasek); brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jerry and Shirley Vondrasek of Alberta; brother-in-law George Vondrasek and friend Carol McLeod. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives also survive.
She was predeceased by her parents, John and Eleanor Elvish; her brother Tom; mother-in-law and father-in-law Yvonne and Jerry Sr. Vondrasek; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jim and Louise Vondrasek; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Gord and Deanna Smith (Vondrasek) and sister-in-law Mary Vondrasek.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Gayle at a later date. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Gayle’s memory to Hemophilia Ontario or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.
