MRS. E. STUART HANKS

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MRS. E. STUART HANKS

Born May 15, 1924, Midcut, Ireland. Ascended peacefully February 16, 2022, in Ottawa, Canada.

"Live then the days of thy life, that are less than a fleeting moment, with thy mind stainless, thy heart unsullied, thy thoughts pure, and thy nature sanctified, so that,
free and content, thou mayest put away this mortal frame, and repair unto the mystic paradise and abide in the eternal kingdom for evermore."
- Bahá'u'lláh.

Elsie "Stuart" Evangeline Hanks, known from her childhood as Stuart, was born and raised on the family farm in Donegal, Ireland. She studied nursing at the Royal Victoria at the Belfast Hospital during the Second World War, and during the reconstruction was posted to the British Military Hospital in Iserlohn, Germany, with the British Army of the Rhine. It was here that she met her husband, Gerald.
In 1962, with four children in tow, they immigrated to Winnipeg. For decades she assisted with the management of her husband's medical practice, raised her family - including a fifth child born in Canada. She dedicated years of her life in support of the IODE, MATCH International, the Women's Symphony Orchestra Committee, United Nations Association in Canada, and the Baha'i Community, frequently holding officer positions. She pioneered welcoming events for newcomers to Winnipeg, in collaboration with multifaith and community organizations, enlisting the support of Lieutenant-governors, premiers, parliamentarians and city council members, all of whom she considered friends.
Stuart embraced the Baha'i Faith in 1967 and for decades served as a member of elected and appointed Baha'i Institutions, locally, regionally, and nationally, and was a champion of Baha'i seasonal schools - serving as an organizer, speaker, and facilitator - and was an active representative in public affairs work.
Stuart was renowned for her loving demeanour, limitless hospitality, love for cooking and baking, good humour, grace, and ceaseless effort to serve her community.
She loved nature, flowers, gardening, and animals. She loved to travel and was a world citizen, but truth be told, she loved all things Irish. And she loved using legitimate Gaelic words to win at Scrabble.
She was a loving mother and grandmother and very devoted wife.
Stuart was the youngest of nine children, predeceased by all of her siblings. She was also predeceased by her loving husband Gerald after a marriage of 66 years, her cherished daughter Brenda, and dear son-in-law Jeff Maxwell. She is survived by her four sons, Bruce (Alison), Rodney (Katherine), Stephen (Leslie), and Duncan (Cynthia), and 13 grandchildren, four step-granddaughters, and seven plus great-grandchildren.
Stuart never accepted perceived boundaries. Who else would buy their children downhill ski equipment when you live in the Prairies?
Stuart had boundless energy, was always quick to smile and laugh out loud, was ever patient and supportive of those around her. She was loved and cherished by many throughout her 97 years.
A small family celebration of her life was held in Ottawa.
The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the staff at Peter D. Clark senior's residence in Ottawa, who provided such loving care and personal attention.
Donations in Stuart's memory may be made to the United Nations Association of Canada.

Arrangements have been entrusted into the care of Capital Funeral Home and Cemetery. Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.capitalmemorial.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 23, 2022