AIDA ESSENBURG

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AIDA ESSENBURG Aida Essenburg, 84, passed away on the evening of Friday, July 1, 2011 at the Grace Hospice. Born and raised in St. Vital, Aida was the youngest child of Alex and Anne Kalinin. After working at Great West Life, she focused her energy on providing her three children with a rich and secure childhood. Her life revolved around her husband, August (Gus) and family, with summers at the cottage and, later, winter pilgrimages with Gus to Arizona, Texas and Florida in their personally customized RV van. All and sundry benefited from the fruits of her activities: gardening, cooking (especially jams and jellies) and possibly her favourite - unearthing bargains at garage sales and second-hand stores. Aida was predeceased by Gus, her husband of 57 years, as well as her parents and siblings Victoria (Rae), Amy (Boyd), Ted and George (Kalinin). She is survived by her three children, Kate (Peter), Mark (Doris) and Carol (Bob), granddaughters Alanna and Natalie Essenburg, grandsons David (Kim) and Rob (Stephanie) Hastings, and great-grandsons Paxton, Henry and Leander, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Aida was known for her intelligence, humility, humour, and youthful attitude. Her generous spirit and lively wit enriched many lives. Like her home, her hospital and hospice rooms were filled with plants, wide-ranging conversation and (of course) laughter. With her passion for language, including Latin, Aida loved crossword puzzles and reading. She was always poring over a new book, magazine, newspaper, textbook, and of course, the creative work of her children. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to all who escorted Aida through her journey. Thanks to Kris, Frances, Fran and Patti for their compassion and insights. Doctors Dean and Lotocki (CancerCare), the staff of Ward 3B (St. Boniface Hospital), Dr. Albak and the staff of PRIME (Program of Integrated Managed-care of the Elderly), and the remarkable staff and volunteers at the Grace Hospice provided medical and emotional support. Daily calls and visits from friends and family brightened Aida's final months. A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 1311 Dakota Street, St. Vital at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2011. In lieu of flowers, should they so wish, friends are invited to contribute to Deer Lodge Centre Foundation, PRIME Program, 2109 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3J 9Z9 the innovative integrated care program that enriched Aida's last two years. Expressions of condolence may be sent to condolences@nbardal.mb.ca NEIL BARDAL INC. FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 05, 2011