MIRELLA REILANDER

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MIRELLA REILANDER April 26, 1924 August 2, 2011 We are saddened to announce the passing of Mirella Reilander, daughter of Estérina Lizotte and Ernest Senéchal. Left to forever cherish Mirella's memory is her husband Norbert Reilander; children Bernard (Patricia), Mark (Joyce), Teresa (Madonna House Lay Apostolate), Robert (Joanne); nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren as well as her sister Thérèse (the late E.G. Riley); as well as nieces and nephews. Mirella was born and raised in Montreal. She was educated at Les Soeurs Sainte Croix, and graduated under the instruction of the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame. She loved school and was an over-achiever in all that she did. Mirella's aptitude for music was discovered at age nine and was developed through the years, starting with classical piano and moving to pop. It was through her volunteer work in which she played piano in a band to entertain the troops during the war that she met Norbert. On October 19, 1946 Mirella married Norbert, and served as a military spouse in Canada, England, Germany, and France. The family's last posting was to Winnipeg in 1969, where she was able to take a more permanent role in community and parish activities. In addition to volunteering for the Red Cross, she was a most active member of the Blessed John the XXIII Parish. Beyond Mirella's musical ability as a premier organ player, she was also a first class seamstress and an outstanding cook. The Parish was well served by each of these talents, as she played the organ at daily Mass for almost 20 years, sang in the senior Parish choir, sewed countless banners and altar cloths, and contributed to numerous dinners and bake sales. Mirella had a heart of gold that was unconditionally devoted to God, her family, and friends through her strong Catholic faith. She was kind and loving, and enjoyed life intensely. She had the gift of finding pleasure in the simplest things and was always able to find the silver lining in any difficulties. Mirella's inability to tell a lie was eclipsed only by her passion for sweets, especially chocolate. For those who wish viewing will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. followed by prayers at 10:30 a.m. in Blessed John XXIII Parish (Assiniboia Christian Centre), 3390 Portage Avenue at Rouge Road. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Msgr. Maurice J. Comeault P.H., presiding. Entombment will be held at a later date in the Queen of Heaven Mausoleum in Assumption Roman Catholic Cemetery, 3990 Portage Avenue. A faithful and generous wife, mother, friend, community member and Westhaven resident, she will be sadly missed by us on earth, until we see her once again.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 04, 2011