LUCIA ALMA PELE

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LUCIA ALMA PELE 1914 - 2014 We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved mother Lucia Pele on Monday, July 28, 2014 with family at her side. She passed away peacefully with honour and dignity. Lucia was born in Rujiena, Latvia on November 15, 1914. She grew up as a curious and sometimes mischievous young person who enjoyed spending time in her parent's garden and the surrounding fields. She told the story of loving to lie in the fields, gaze into the sky only sometimes to fall asleep, dream, then wake up and realize her mom was probably looking for her return home. Lucia grew up to enjoy classical music and in particular the Viennese waltzes. It was her love of the waltzes and dancing that led to her meeting the love of her life Edvins. It was at one of the many dances she used to attend kilometres from her home on Friday nights that she noticed this handsome man who seemed to glide around the dance floor with grace and ease. Their courtship ensued and led to a long and adventurous life together. In 1945 with the Second World War raging, Lucia and Edvins' home country was being invaded by the Soviet army. They made the difficult decision of packing up their two children Anita and Andris and whatever belongings they were able to load on sleds to flee. They found safety in the neutral Displaced Persons Camp where Lucia gave birth to her third child Laila while awaiting sponsorship into another country. After considering several different countries they were excited to experience a life of opportunity and freedom in their adopted home of Canada. In 1950 after taking their first steps on Canadian soil at Halifax Pier 21 they traveled west to settle on Dunkirk Drive in Winnipeg only to be uprooted by the great flood. The family temporarily moved to Lac Du Bonnet, Manitoba where their fourth child Yuris was born. Employment and opportunity brought them back to Winnipeg in the fall where Lucia and her husband worked hard to provide a comfortable and stable home life for their four children and about to arrive son Eric. She was very proud to become a Canadian citizen and enjoyed following the Canadian Men's and especially the Women's Hockey teams. Lucia also loved the symphony, ballet and Opera. One of her favourite and most memorable experiences was seeing Andre Rieu live in the newly built MTS Centre. Lucia loved gardening and all who came to visit were stunned by her gardens and plants both outside and also inside her house. She grew vegetables and fruit to share with her family and lavished the landscape with a wide range of perennials, biennials, shrubs and trees. Her garden was her place of peace and joy. She loved spending time at the cottage at Red Rock Lake, a labour of love for the family. She chose the property because the many Birch trees that proliferated on the property reminded her of her home country Latvia. She took great pride in her gardens and moved rocks and soil to create a yard that was like an idyllic parkland. She welcomed family and insisted on housing and feeding her children, their spouses, partners and children. She also enjoyed her times sitting under the Birch trees with her good friend Lydia Schillberg and their discussions of family, nature and old times. Those conversations often wavered from English to Latvian as they shared stories, laughed and reminisced. Lucia always placed a strong emphasis on family and caring for others. While making sure all was in order at home she also worked as a nurse during the evening hours to supplement the family income. She was truly representative of the hard work and commitment to family that many immigrants display to seize the opportunity of the free world. Whether it was hammering nails in the many houses that she and Edvins built or delicately wiping away dirt from her child's face Lucia seemed to do it with an undeniable touch of grace and class. She loved to have family visit and had a very caring and accepting way about her when her many grandchildren and great- grandchildren dropped by. On their visits she presented a brave and smiling face despite the pain she endured in her later years. She was always excited to hear about their lives and their ambitions. Her unwavering love for her family, her courage and her commitment is something that will always be remembered by our family. We will deeply miss our mother and the unconditional love and support she has provided for us all. May she enjoy her time in that same sky that she fell asleep under as a child and rise to once again be with her dear Anita and loving husband Edvins. Lucia was predeceased by her infant grandson Danny, her daughter Anita Bulloch (Keith), husband Edvins and favourite pet Pokey. She leaves behind Andris Pele (Sandra), Laila Leullier, Yuris Pele, Eric Pele (Joycelyn), grandchildren Randy, Michelle, David, Karen, Nichole, Angela, Allison, Bradford, Darren, Kristen, Caitlyn and her many great-grandchildren. Thanks to the Beacon Hill Lodge staff for all of their thoughtful care in her final years. Our mother's request was that we celebrate her life in a Lutheran ceremony surrounded by family only. The family greatly appreciates all of the condolences we have received. In lieu of flowers please give to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 0K6. (heartandstroke.mb.ca.) or your charity of choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 02, 2014