IRENE ELIAS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

IRENE ELIAS It is with deep regret and sadness that the family of Irene Elias announces her passing on Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at Health Sciences Centre. Irene, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away at the age of 59 years. Irene is survived by her husband of 40 years, Art; her two sons, Colin and wife Kyla (Dalgleish) and their three children, Katie, Taylor and Ashton; David and wife Susan (Prociuk) and their two children, Mackenzie and Nicholas. She also leaves to mourn her passing, her sisters, Ann Stefanyshyn, Lilian and husband John Tankard. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Olga Wintoniak. Irene was born on April 18, 1947 in Kiel, Germany and came to Canada in 1951. Irene's love for her five grandchildren was immense. They brought joy and laughter to her every day whether they were with her or whether she was sharing stories about them with friends. Her sense of humour worked magic on many. She used it often to make tough situations easier. She passed it down to her two sons who often used humour to get around their mother. She beautified the world through her love of gardening. Her gardens were her passion and provided serenity to her family and friends. She helped each grandchild plant their own special pot of flowers each spring. Irene loved summer and cherished her week at Victoria Beach with Art and her grandkids - no parents allowed. She enjoyed golf especially with her Niakwa Wednesday afternoon golf group, and a week-end with Niakwa friends each August, usually in Brainerd. She was on the 1999 Provincial Ladies Senior Curling Championship Team, and competed in the Canadian Championships in Saskatoon. But no matter her interests, her grand-children counted most. She'd say that when something was troubling her, she needed only to think of them to feel better. The youngest, Nicholas, probably won't remember her when he grows up, but no one will forget seeing his face light up when she visited, or his shrieks of delight when she made him laugh. The family would like to thank the staff at unit GH4 Health Sciences Centre, in particular the care given to her by Kristina her day nurse. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 23 at 2:00 p.m. with viewing at 1:30 p.m. at John Black United Church, 898 Henderson Hwy. with Rev. Jeff Cook officiating. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 4535 Main St. North. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Irene's memory may be made to the Rainbow Society, Suite 303 - 1 Wesley Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4C6. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 22, 2006