Obituary of Rhea Mae Gemus

 GEMUS, Rhea Mae, in her 96th year, passed away on July 2, 2021, at home with family by her side. 
She was born to the late Abraham and Lilian (Pitre) Berthiaume, May 23, 1926, in Windsor Ontario. She was predeceased by her only sibling, Ken.  Rhea attended St Mary's Academy in Windsor and completed her nursing training at Hotel Dieu Hospital in 1947, in Windsor. 
She married the late Lucien Gemus in 1948, they lived together in Montreal in the same home for 52 years before returning to Ontario. Rhea is survived by her two daughters, Sharon Gemus Zullo (Joe) of Ste. Therese, Quebec and Maryan Gemus Hamel (Richard) of Port Dover. Loving grandmother to her five grandchildren, Erika, Andrew (Jodie) and Paul Dancsak,  Sarah Zullo (Wassim) and William Zullo, and five beloved great grandchildren, Coleson, Gabby (Gabrielle), Audrey, Malek and Auston.
Rhea was an elegant, stylish lady who appreciated fine things with simple yet elegant lines. This is probably what drew her to the practice of Ikebana , the Japanese art of flower arranging, blossoms, branches, leaves and stems to bring out the inner qualities of live materials and express emotion,  an art form she studied for many years and derived great pleasure from. She also loved flower gardening, was an avid reader and a devoted fan of the Blue Jays. She remained very interested in world events and current affairs. She loved her cheeses (supplied by Jenny at the Dover Cheese Shop) as well as dark chocolate and an occasional bag of chips. 
Special thanks to Elana, Marissa, Natasha, Danielle and all the other wonderful nurses who kept her comfortable during her final journey while supporting the family and enabling us to keep her at home.
A service of remembrance will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to THOMPSON WATERS FUNERAL HOME 519-583-1530. For those wishing, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Online donations and or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca