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VALERIE DIANNE ELIAS (NEIL, GILBANK)
Born: Jan 01, 1947
Date of Passing: Mar 18, 2018
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryVALERIE DIANNE ELIAS (NEIL, GILBANK) 1947 - 2018 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Valerie Dianne Elias (Neil, Gilbank) who passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in Gimli, Manitoba, on March 18, 2018, at the age of 71.The daughter of an RCMP officer hailing from England and a feisty Scot from Port Arthur, Valerie was born in Morris, Manitoba on January 1, 1947. She was lighter than air, stronger than steel and made every person who crossed her path feel good about themselves. She was everyone's mom and loved with all her heart. Val is predeceased by her beloved first husband Glenn Neil, her parents, Thomas and Agnes Gilbank, her sister Lynn Pakulak, and her stepson David Elias. She is survived by her beloved husband Arthur Elias, her daughters, Sherri Kinast (Gerald) and Kirsten Neil (Charles Ibezimako), her stepson Colin Elias (Darcie Morris, Kyla Elias), her stepdaughter-in-law Susan Elias (Chris Suchy), her brother Barry Gilbank, and her eight grandchildren, Taylor Elias, Kate Elias, Irma Eze-Charles, Ashton Elias, Mackenzie Elias, Kamsi Eze-Charles, Nicholas Elias and Ethan Elias. Growing up in St. James, Winnipeg, Val was always tagging along with her older brother and sister. She looked up to them with great awe and was there for them whenever needed. Since she was a young girl, Val had a vibrant personality and a kind heart, which made her a beacon for friendship. For 30 years, Val worked in ladies fashions at Sears and created many friendships that survived way past her retirement. In 1963, Val met the first love of her life, Glenn, at Grand Beach. After Glenn saved Val from a potential drowning, which he was partially responsible for, they quickly fell in love, courted and ultimately married in 1968. In 1970, Val and Glenn welcomed their first daughter Sherri into the world and Kirsten followed three years later. The early years of their marriage were full of love and fun times. One of their happiest moments was getting a cabin at Winnipeg Beach where they spent most of their summers with their cousins, Alan and Karen Birtwhistle, who quickly became their dearest friends. After a few good years in Winnipeg Beach, the two families decided to buy lots beside each other on the Sandy Hook golf course and proceeded to build cabins where their kids could grow up with each other. After many beautiful years together, Glenn was diagnosed with ALS in 1993 and was taken from the family way too soon in 1996. Val took such kind and loving care of Glenn throughout his illness. As all who've met Val know, taking care of people was just in her nature. It didn't matter the task at hand, if someone needed help or something needed to get done, Val would take it on. After Glenn's death, Val's family and many friends, especially the Sandy Hook crew, rallied around her and made her feel so loved. Val travelled extensively with her friends and enjoyed many a happy hour, which ended up being hours and hours. In 2008, Val met the second love of her life, Arthur ("Art") at The Manitoba Club after being matched on eHarmony. This was her first date since meeting Glenn. After her "disaster date" (long story) with Art, they immediately fell for each other and quickly started a relationship. Two giddier people in their 60s you never did meet. They started planning their life together and went full-force at it. They built a beautiful home in Pelican Beach, Gimli in 2009 and got married at that house just weeks after they moved in. Val and Art enjoyed many great times together in Gimli and also at their other homes in Texas, Rancho Mirage and East St. Paul. Every Christmas, Art and Val and their blended family would all pack up and take off on a "Forced Family Fun" vacation. There was nothing so dear to them than to see their children get to know each other and grow together as one family. Val was an active golfer and walker. She walked just about anywhere and everywhere. And you pretty much had to run to keep pace with her. She loved to sew, stitch, knit and craft. Her sewing room lives and breathes the soul of who she was. It was where you would find a collection of her finished masterpieces and get a glimpse at her future projects. If you knew Val, you definitely own something she made with her hands. And if you shared a glass of wine with her you knew not to make it merlot. Our hearts are completely broken at Val's passing. She left a huge mark on this world and in all of our lives. No amount of space in a paper can sum her life up properly. She will be missed beyond words. "The happiest of people do not necessarily have the best things. They simply appreciate the things they have." The funeral service will be held on Friday, March 23, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Breezy Bend Country Club, 7620 Roblin Blvd., Headingley, MB. In lieu of flowers, Val would have wanted you to give someone you love a big hug. If you do feel the need to give something monetary, a donation to Evergreen Basic Needs, 71 Fourth Avenue, PO Box 89, Gimli, Manitoba R0C 1B0 would be greatly appreciated. They are an organization working to eliminate hunger and food insecurity. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2018
Condolences & Memories (22 entries)
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So sad to have a beautiful young lady taken so suddenly. Val was such a beautiful person, enjoyed life and was inspiring to all who knew her. Deepest sympathy to all of the family. Val will be truly missed. - Posted by: Leona and Rolly Crothers (Golfing friend) on: Mar 24, 2018
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you, I can't express the extreme sadness in finding this out. Thinking of you Uncle Art and the rest of the family. Xoxo she will be greatly missed. Krystle, Marc, Summer, Charlie, Ava and Laighla Sweet - Posted by: Krystle sweet (Family ) on: Mar 23, 2018
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Was planning to come to the funeral but have been called to look after my granddaughter who is sick. Kirstin or Sherri please call me 832 2907 or text my cell 333 2248 & send me your mailing address as I have a card for you all from The Hill Family. We are all so saddened to hear of your mom's passing. Many good times were had with her as we were raising you girls. Darin, Leane, Trevor, send hugs. Your dear mom was too young but God called. Hugs from us all. - Posted by: Fred & Carolyn Hill (Neighbours on Lyle Street for many years.) on: Mar 23, 2018
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Our sincere sympathy to Art, Sherri, Kirsten and extended families. Val was a wonderful lady and we feel lucky to have known her. You are in our thoughts. - Posted by: Barb and Norm Waitt (Friend) on: Mar 23, 2018
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Still cannot believe that this wonderful person is gone from our lives. She was a very upbeat bubbly person who always had kind thoughts and inspiration for others. We will miss her dearly. Rest in Peace my friend until we meet again. - Posted by: Debbie and Dave Painter (Friend) on: Mar 23, 2018
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It is so very hard to have Val gone as she was ever so special to myself and everyone else! We had a wonderful relationship between us and she was the Sister I never had....Many Mohr Hugs Colleen and Hans - Posted by: Colleen & Hans Mohr (sister-in-law) on: Mar 22, 2018
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I'm still in shock over the passing of Val. So loved by all in Texas....and will miss her being here in the winter. My prayers to the family for their strength and her memory will live in your hearts for the years to come. We surely will remember her fondly. Thinking of you Art. Sincere sympathy. - Posted by: Marlys St. Martin (Texas friend) on: Mar 22, 2018
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To Art & Family. Our deepest sympathy to you all. We loved Val and her sense of humour, and her kind and gentle ways. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sorrowful time. Love & Hugs Marie & Don - Posted by: Don & Marie Cook (Friend) on: Mar 22, 2018
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There are simply no words that adequately express our feelings of shock and disbelief. We can only offer prayers and deepest heartfelt sympathy. We were so very privileged to know Valerie and to know Val and Art as a couple. As well, to meet their beautifully blended family. As we all know, Val was a gift to so many. She had a loving quality about her that brightened any situation. Her quick wit, fast smile, talented good-hearted generosity and caring ways will be long remembered and missed. We grieve with you Art and with your family. May you find great comfort in your precious and cherished memories of this fine lady. God bless you all. - Posted by: Glen and Lana Buchanan (Friends) on: Mar 22, 2018
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What a terrible shock to hear of Val's passing!! My deepest condolences go out to Art, Sherri, Kirsten, Colin and the rest of the extended family. Val was a very special person and will be truly missed by us all. Len Pakulak - Posted by: Len Pakulak (Val's brother-in-law) on: Mar 21, 2018
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My Auntie Val was such a caring, kind, considerate and loving human being. You will be so missed. I can still picture your smile. My condolences to my cousins Sherri and Kirsten, Art and families. What a beautiful tribute. With love, Corey, Natalie, Remi and Rowan. Xox - Posted by: Corey (Nephew ) on: Mar 21, 2018
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My prayers go out to Art(Uncle), Sherri and Kirsten at this time, she will watch over us every day👼🏼🙏🏻 - Posted by: Mckenna Lapointe (Far family ) on: Mar 21, 2018
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ART, We offer our Deepest Sympathies to You and Your Family. We are so glad we had the opportunity to meet and know VAL. What a Beautiful, Lovely, LADY...a real Sweetheart. God Bless You and Your Family in this time of deepest sorrow..HUGS, Art /Denise Mazinke - Posted by: Art/Denise Mazinke (Friends) on: Mar 21, 2018
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Sue, Chris and family: I know that Val was very wonderful to you all. I know you will miss her friendship and love and I am thinking of you at this time. Hugs to you Sue. - Posted by: Sherry Mulcahy (firend) on: Mar 21, 2018
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Shocked to get this news today. My heart goes out to her family. Val was someone I always admired and even though she was only a year older I used to tell her I wanted to grow up to be just like her. Always quick to laugh, she would always listen when you needed a shoulder. I feel lucky to have known Val . - Posted by: Valerie Anderson (Co-worker) on: Mar 21, 2018
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Our Condolences go out to Art and his blended family. We have been so lucky to have enjoyed this lady that was so warm, friendly and kind. She will be deeply missed by all who have had the pleasure of her company. - Posted by: Margie & Jim Murdock (Friends ) on: Mar 21, 2018
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We are shocked to hear this sad news today. We have nothing but good memories with Glenn & Val. Our children played together while Val Georgina and myself sat chatting over coffee & banana bread. Val made the best banana bread!The tribute to Val is beautiful......just like Val was. Rest In Peace dear friend. - Posted by: Fred & Carolyn Hill (Neighbours on Lyle Street for many years.) on: Mar 21, 2018
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Our Deepest sympathies to Uncle Art, Sherri,Kirsten and Family. What a beautiful tribute to a special lady. Helen and Warren Barron - Posted by: Helen Barron (Relative) on: Mar 21, 2018
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Deepest sympathies to Art and all her loved ones, she sounds completely remarkable and was truly a lovely lady when I met her. - Posted by: Linda Hargest (Worked with Art) on: Mar 21, 2018
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We are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Val. A wonderful lady, loved by all who knew her. Our deepest sympathy to Art, Sherri, Kristan and family. Dave & Bonnie - Posted by: Dave & Bonnie MacPherson (Friends from Sandy Hook ) on: Mar 21, 2018
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What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. My condolences to you all. - Posted by: Diana Burzuik (sister) on: Mar 21, 2018
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Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. Ron Joanne Lapointe and family - Posted by: Joanne Lapointe (Step aunt) on: Mar 21, 2018
