ANNE KLEMAS

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ANNE KLEMAS Peacefully, with her family by her side, Anne Klemas passed away at the Grace General Hospital on October 18, 2007, at the age of 87 years. She was predeceased by her brothers, John, Steve, Bill and Peter Evans. Anne is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 67 years, Alben; her son James; daughters Bonnie Taylor (Jim) and Barbara Hitching; grandchildren Tamara Leger, Barbara Taylor Lee and Jason Taylor, and grandchildren Meghan McLean, Jeremy Hitching, Joshua Hitching, and Sara Hitching; great-grandchildren Bradley Hitching, Taylor Leger, Winston Leger, Elena Lee and Hilton Lee. Also left to mourn is her cousin Joey Baran of Montreal, her sisters-in-law Evelyn Evans, Elsie Hallick, Hazel Gorzen, Florence St. Onge, numerous nieces and nephews, and her very cherished friends. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Anne married Alben at the cusp of the Second World War, then as a young military wife after the war, she made lifelong friendships as their family moved from base to base. The dinner dances at the Mess Hall, and the square dancing clubs always delighted her. Anne especially enjoyed their four years in Europe, where she enthusiastically organized the minute details of her family's summer camping tour itineraries, with a determination that her family would see the world. And we did, thanks to Anne! After raising her family, Anne worked in the Public Service RCMP D Division for 20 years, retiring in 1985. Twice yearly the retired RCMP Girls would get together for a luncheon, which gave Anne and her friends a chance to catch up on the past year's events. A doting grandmother, all her grandchildren have fond recollections of her bottomless well of concern for their physical and spiritual well-being. Grandma could be counted on for lots of blessings and hugs, babysitting at a moments notice, driving to lessons, singing in the car, and hearty plates of food. She was known to pay 10 cents for a whistle-clean plate . And no one ever mentioned to her the occasional speeding ticket spotted in the glove compartment. Anne was devoted to her family and to her church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, where she was a Reader, member of the Catholic Women's League, and several prayer groups. Always thinking of others, Anne's faith was very important to her, and she tried to pass this on to her family. Her special intentions at prayer group, would include every member of her family, and would always conclude with a prayer for those who have no one to pray for them . Anne was not one to underestimate the power of prayer. Over the years she used her skills in knitting and crocheting to clothe many babies born to the family and to others. Before her illness, her many hobbies included bridge, line dancing, crossword puzzles and cheering on her favorite hockey teams. In her later years, Anne also enjoyed going to the Opera, to Ballet in the Park, the English Garden, Sunday Jazz at Assiniboine Park, and to the two Ukrainian pavilions at Folklorama. Through the unflagging devotion and dedication of Alben, she was able to enjoy most of her interests to the last weeks of her life. Anne was the rock of her family, who are deeply grateful for her love and guidance over the years and will carry her memory forever in their hearts. The family wishes to thank the WRHA Home Care organization (especially Charlene and Jackie) and the staff of Grace General Hospital for their compassionate care and family support during Anne's final days. Prayers will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave., on Monday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 4588 Roblin Blvd., Charleswood. Interment to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 20, 2007