MARY HELEN (MARI) VLASSIE (PETERS)

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MARY HELEN (MARI) VLASSIE (nee PETERS) October 16, 1945 - March 13, 2014 Passed peacefully in Bucerias, Mexico. Vlassie family - Survived by stepson Andrew, wife Sandra, stepson Alexis, partner Mark, step-grandchildren Paul, Chelsea, Alexia, Nicholas, great-grandchild Santiago, grandpuppies Jimmy and B.B. Predeceased by husband Emmanuel (Manoli) stepdaughter Nicholette. Peters family survived by sister Bonnie, husband Byron (Irvine), sister-in-law Beverley nephews and nieces Kent, Lara, Jeremy, Maria, Curtis, Jeanette, Darren, Eldon and Connie. Predeceased by father Isaac, mother Elizabeth, brothers Thomas and Robert, sister-in-law Rhoda. Si Te Caes, Levantate Y Sigue Bailando Mari had an unreserved zest for life and all its adventures. Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Mari yearned for adventure and change from an early age. Creativity was in her blood. She played the accordion and piano, singing regularly in the home and wherever anyone would listen. Fashion was a top priority and always had us smiling. Dancing soon followed which remained a passion her entire life. Teaching dance in Winnipeg, Mari frequented The Chocolate Shop' across the street and met an alluring Greek, Emmanuel (Manoli) Vlassie in the 1960s. Courtship followed and soon a proposal and 40 plus years of marriage. Let the adventure begin Mari and Manoli travelled extensively with Constantino (Manoli's brother d.) to Phoenix and also extensively through Mexico and Central America. She adored the sun and heat and despised the restriction of winter in Canada. Mari and Manoli bought and opened several Winnipeg Dairy Queens indulging Winnipeggers with a variety of frozen desserts. After Dairy Queen, Sargent Dairy Wholesale Frozen Desserts was formed. Mari was also instrumental in family businesses at The Happy Cooker in Winnipeg and Sandrinas Restaurant in Bucerias. The English word No' did not exist for Mari. Her loyalty was always a given. Mari is smiling down on us all as she strolls with her two favourite men and chases her beloved Buster and Rosie. Dance Mari ... the music will never stop for you.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 26, 2014