TANNIS E. DEVANIK (MULLIGAN)

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TANNIS E. DEVANIK (nee MULLIGAN) July 27, 1923 - May 18, 2010 Tannis Eleanor Devanik passed peacefully on, at the age of 87 years. The youngest child of Pearl and David Mulligan, Tannis married her husband Stanley (who celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on May 18). Survived by her loving husband Stan; son David (Eileen); daughters Jo-Anne (Jim) and Maureen (David); grandchildren, David, Erin, Joelle, Piper, Jasper, Chantel; great-grandchildren Delaney, Riley, Loa and Iris. She was predeceased by her parents Pearl and David Mulligan and sister Val McKechnie. Tannis had an indomitable spirit combined with sharp Irish wit. She always maintained a positive attitude and spread that joy to everyone she met with her smile and a light heart. Though she was quiet about her Catholic faith, it moulded her so that her goodness and her love of life were her most intrinsic qualities. Tannis was recently honoured as a member of Catholic Women's League (the CWL) with 56 years of service. Born in July, and just three days old, Tannis was taken to the family cottage at Grand Marais. She adored cottage life and well into her eighties was still determined to get down to the cabin and into the water for a swim. It was here that she enjoyed the simple things in life: playing the piano, singing her favourite songs, reading, socializing with her girlfriends, playing cards, napping, or just sitting on the deck with Stan watching the birds and butterflies she so loved. As a child, she attended school at Lord Roberts, St. Ignatius and Kelvin High School, where she excelled as a student. As a child she suffered from a serious bone ailment but Tannis did not let that stop her from playing hockey, baseball and becoming a formidable long distance swimmer with the Maple Leaf Swim Club. Illness continued to challenge her throughout her life, but Tannis never let it keep her down. She went on to work for Eaton's and the City of Winnipeg and to serve in the communities where she lived. She also served on various boards and committees both in Winnipeg and East Selkirk, and bowled every Thursday for more than 35 years with the DogPatch Bowling League. Over the years Tannis enjoyed ceramics, and was a wonderful wordsmith who could complete any expert-level crossword puzzle or remember the words to any old tune. She could write and recite poetry, and was excellent at mathematics. She was an infectious entertainer who played piano and had a lovely singing voice. With an adventurous spirit she was willing to start new things at any age, and always had a desire to be the best. She first learned to drive in her sixties, and became a Godmother twice in her eighties. Always dressed well, and bearing her beautiful smile, Tannis shared a bit of her lightheartedness wherever she went. She believed in treating others well and she was open to, and accepting of, everyone she met. She was a ray of sunshine to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. A private family memorial mass will be held in the St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, with Fr. Jerry Talarski officiating. A special thanks to the staff at the Red River Place Nursing Home in Selkirk for their wonderful care extended to her during her stay there. Please join the family in celebrating Tannis' life on Tuesday, May 25 between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at 1094 Wolseley Ave., Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tannis' memory to a charity of your choice. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 22, 2010