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ELISABETH FRANK (HAMRAK)
Born: Mar 11, 1929
Date of Passing: Apr 05, 2020
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
ELISABETH FRANK
Hospital, Winnipeg, MB at the age of 91 years.
She is survived by her only child Eric,
sisters, Charlotte, Irene and brother John, and predeceased by sisters, Clara and
Margarete.
Elisabeth was born on March 11, 1929 in Svedlar, Slovakia to Josef and Klara. She lost her father during The Second World War, fled war-torn Slovakia to Austria, then
immigrated to Canada as a refugee in 1949, with her oldest sister Clara . . . not a penny to her name, and not knowing a word of English, eager to carve out a new life in a new land with her incredible work ethic, emotional strength, and unwavering spiritual faith.
Elisabeth was a gifted seamstress when she met Karl while attending English classes at Kelvin High School. They married and lived in the North End when Eric was born, moved briefly to Garden City, and then to Beausejour in 1961, where they bought a bowling alley and taxi service, and built their "legendary" soft ice cream stand the
following year. She was also a meticulous
organizer and tireless worker: "7 days a week for 22 years . . . with no holiday!", she often proudly proclaimed. A magician around the kitchen, Elisabeth prepared countless epic feasts at Christmas, Easter, and
Thanksgiving. Still, as busy as she always was, she always had time to lend a helping hand or words of encouragement. After
selling the business, home, and cottage in the late 1980s, Elisabeth and Karl retired to
Winnipeg. Karl died in 2004, and mom's
macular degeneration worsened, so she sold her house and moved into a beautiful
apartment overlooking the Red River and Redwood Bridge, where she enjoyed new friends and countless walks around the park. After being diagnosed with leukaemia at 81, Elisabeth underwent chemotherapy and
multiple infusions to eventually win the battle against cancer. Then, when her independence lessened, she moved next door to the Holy
Family Home, where she lived almost three years before her passing.
Elisabeth was one of a kind . . . she always saw the best in people, and will be dearly
missed by everyone who knew her.
Sincere thanks and gratitude are extended to staff on 2A Sacred Heart, Drs. Terry and Andrea Babick, Dr. James B. Johnston, and Dr. Richard Leicht for their exceptional care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or the Alzheimer
Society of Manitoba.
A private burial was held at Green Acres Cemetery on April 9, 2020.
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2020
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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I met Elizabeth some years ago now, when she was already quite senior. She was still very active and hardworking, always dressed beautifully, always pleasant and kind. There was quite a bit of angel in her, bright but innocent in her ways of seeing the world, I thought. My condolences to the family for her loss. - Posted by: Susan Berry (Friend) on: Apr 25, 2020
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Hello Eric, so sorry for your great loss. That lovely woman, once walking, almost every day in the park, ramrod straight, always cheerful. So courageously accepting her increasing blindness. A true survivor of the school of hard knocks. Best to you.-. - Posted by: Ruurdje Steur (neighbour, once) on: Apr 18, 2020
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My condolences to family and friends in your loss. I remember Mrs Frank from the ice cream stand and bowling lanes. Always a wonderful time there and Mr and Mrs Frank were always a joy at the bowling lanes. Treated us kids to wonderful fun and trophies. RIP - Posted by: Norma Buss (fellow person from Beausejour) on: Apr 18, 2020
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So sorry to hear of Liz’s passing. Remember her fondly from the ice cream stand in Beauséjour growing up. A wonderful person, Eric cherish the memories. So sorry for the passing of your dear Mother!! RIP Liz - Posted by: Susan Kaatz (Customer and neighbour ) on: Apr 18, 2020
