Viona FRASER

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FRASER: On July 7, with her family by her side, Viona Fraser died after a brief struggle with cancer. The youngest child of Arthur and Dora Chesney, Viona was born December 18th, 1936 in Rossburn Manitoba. She grew up on the family farm in Vista and went to Brandon Agriculture and Home Economics School where she met her future husband Bill. Viona moved to Neepawa to work at the Bank of Commerce. Bill and Viona were married on July 5, 1958 and settled in Franklin Manitoba. Viona is survived by her husband Bill, daughters Deb Fraser (Bill, Nicole, Cayly, Liam and Anna) of Winnipeg, Sharon Bartley (Kevin and Cassie) of Brandon, Tami Fraser (Rod) of Brookings South Dakota and Glenda Zelmer (friend Peter Gerlinger) of Brandon, sisters-in-laws Anne and Marg Chesney and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Ernie and Gilbert and infant daughter Catherine. Viona was an active member of the communities of Franklin and Neepawa and was a tireless volunteer with the United Church Women, Neepawa Royal Purple and Elks, Franklin Community Center, the Neepawa Fair, the Performing Arts Festival, Neepawa Natives and Cancer Care Manitoba. Vi never said no to anyone selling something for a good cause. Together, Bill and Vi drove cancer patients to Brandon and Winnipeg for treatments. Vi was an avid gardener known for her homemade relish and a freezer full of vegetables and Christmas baking. Her cookies, pies and other goodies graced many a community event. She was a long-time curler, a short-time golfer and a fan of hockey and baseball, she never missed a Wheat King broadcast. Bill and Vi enjoyed an active social life with the Tuesday coffee group, the Saturday breakfast group, past members of the Neepawa Cubs and friends from both Franklin and Neepawa. They also enjoyed time at the family cottage in Wasagaming (Clear Lake). Family was very important to Viona. She spent many hours as a chauffer to the four girls. She insisted on hosting all of the holiday meals at the farm. When asked what others could bring, her answer was always, ‘just yourself’. Her girls will miss their Sunday night phone calls, special Christmas dainties and countless other signs of Viona’s deep care and affection for her children. Vi had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren, attending many music and sporting events, be they in Brandon, Winnipeg or elsewhere. A funeral service will be held on Thursday July 13th, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the Neepawa United Church reception to follow. In lieu of flowers donations in Vi’s name can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba. White’s Funeral Home, Neepawa, MB in care of arrangements 204-476-2848.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 11, 2017