CECELIA EMILY SCHOLLIE

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CECELIA EMILY SCHOLLIE (née PITRE) Following a brief illness, Cecelia passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 1, 2010, at Mount Edwards Court Care Home, Victoria, BC. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Robert (Bob) Schollie in December 1961. Left to mourn the loss of her sweet, gentle presence are children Carol, Patricia, Tom (April) and Corinne (Amanda); grandchildren Jennifer (Aran), Jesse, Martina, Tara and Jeremy; great-grandchildren Nico, Emeric, Isabella and Roman; brother Marcel; sister Audrey; numerous friends; and a host of relatives in the extended Pitre and Schollie clans. Cecelia was born April 5, 1917, in Makinak, Manitoba, the first daughter and sixth child in Martina and Joseph Pitre's family of 12. Soon after, they moved to Landerville, near Lac du Bonnet. As a teenager and young woman, Cece helped her family by taking jobs in Lac du Bonnet, Uchi Lake (Ontario) and Winnipeg. She was proud to contribute to the war effort, working at #5 Air Observer School, Commonwealth Air Training Plan, in Winnipeg and at a munitions factory in Ontario. She met and married Bob at war's end in Toronto and became a homemaker. They returned to Winnipeg in 1951. Following Bob's death at age 38, she raised four children by herself. In 1968, she completed Grade 12, took library technician training and worked for the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation. She retired in 1974 and moved to BC. Cecelia enjoyed cross-country skiing and other adventures with sister Rita and her husband Otto, family gatherings, travel and ballroom dancing. She delighted her many friends with her generous, easy-going, fun-loving ways. In her final days, she continued to collect friends and admirers, and shared many moments of deep connection with family. Special thanks to medical staff including Doctors Vaughan, McElgunn, Ripley and Clinton-Baker, who saw her through a brief visit to Victoria General Hospital for emergency treatment. Our deepest appreciation also to staff at Mount Edwards, who provide a respectful, caring environment for residents and their families. Cecelia's remains have been cremated and will be interred with her husband's in the Veterans Garden, Chapel Lawn Cemetery in Winnipeg. Gatherings will be held in Winnipeg and Victoria for friends and family. Both dates are to be determined. Dearest Mama, you were stronger than you ever knew and made the world more special just by being here. You were and continue to be our inspiration. Your loving children.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 10, 2010