ELFREDA FLINTOFT

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ELFREDA FLINTOFT Marion Joan Elfreda Flintoft (nee Staynes) passed away on October 17, 2006 at her residence with loving family at her side. Elfreda was born on May 21, 1932 in Three Rivers, Quebec - the first child of Marion Watson Staynes and Wilfred Staynes. On May 28, 1955 Elfreda married Christopher Henry Flintoft (son of Felicia and Edward Percy Flintoft of Montreal). Their family began with Ross (wife Nancy and daughters Lauren and Sarah - Edmonton, AB) and Gail (Toronto, ON) and continued with Peter (sons David Paul Flintoft and Cody and Dustin Vernie - Winnipeg), James (wife Kathie and children, Scott, Marcus and Colleen - Calgary, AB), Catherine (daughter Lindsay and Catherine's partner Bob Scott - Winnipeg), niece Jane White (husband Bruce and children, Kevin, Jennifer and Christopher - Winnipeg), Dawn Boyce (husband Donald and son Peter James - Bradford, ON), David (Winnipeg), and Iain (wife Tina and daughter Emma - Brantford, ON). Chris had been requested by his Montreal firm McDonald Currie (now Price Waterhouse) to establish an office in Winnipeg and so, their new life began. Elfreda and Chris made a great many friends and cherished them all. Both were active participants in many charitable organizations and events. Once Iain reached school age, Elfreda began her lifelong volunteer commitment in the community. In 1969, Elfreda joined the St. Agnes Guild at the Children's Hospital. Over the next 37 years, she filled various executive position including Guild President 1993 - 1994, Fall Festival Chairman 1994, Shop Chairman 1996, Guild Council Chairman 2001, Peter Pan Club member 1995 - 2005, Children's Hospital Bookmarket Chairman 1997 - 1998, Children's Hospital Research Foundation Board Member and 1st Vice-President Guild Liason. In 1997, Elfreda received the Children's Hospital Research Foundation Teddy Award in recognition of her contributions to Pediatric Medical Research for which she felt very honoured. Elfreda's many family members from across Canada were to delighted to surprise her by joining in the celebration - particularly her 91 year old mother. During these years, Elfreda also volunteered her time at Grosvenor School, River Heights School and Kelvin High School, as well as driving teams to and from practices, games and events. The house was always filled with children (hockey teams as well as lunchtime school friends from nearby Kelvin!). In the 1970's, Elfreda shared Girl Guide activities with the girls when they enrolled in the company at St. George's Anglican Church, Crescentwood - including four years as Guide Leader. As a member of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Committee, Elfreda spent many hours as the coordinator of field trips by schools to the Concert Hall to encourage enlightenment and education about the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. From 1962 to present, Elfreda enjoyed her summers at the family's Minaki cottage where she recharged her batteries ! Most years, she didn't leave the island retreat from arrival at the end of the school year to departure at Labour Day weekend. Many family members and friends have enjoyed the lake where all kinds of activities and chores filled the days - and where all the grandchildren learned Granny's rules . In addition to her nine children and 14 grandchildren, Elfreda leave in sorrow her four siblings - Sylvia, Howard (wife Patricia and children David and Charlene), Jocelyn and Agnes (husband John Ancio) - all currently residing in the Niagara Region in Ontario; her brother-in-law John Flintoft (Winnipeg), and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Elfreda was predeceased by her Dad (1981 - aged 80 years); her husband Chris (1986 - age 59 years) and her mother (2003 - aged 96 years). The family wishes to extend special thanks to all who helped her live her last months at home with dignity and grace - Dr. A. Khalil, Dr. M. Cohen, Dr. A.W. Maksymiuk and staff of CancerCare Manitoba, the staff of 5 North Victoria General Hospital and the W.R.H.A. Palliative Care Program nurses and health care aides. If friends so desire, donations in Elfreda's memory may be made to the Children's Hospital Foundation, CancerCare Manitoba or the Winnipeg Humane Society. Memorial service will be held on Friday, October 20 at 2:00 p.m. in Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. THOMSON IN THE PARK FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 1291 MCGILLIVRAY BLVD. WWW.THOMSONINTHEPARK.COM 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 20, 2006