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VELMA ADELL MOTHERAL
1923 - 2023
"Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me;
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality."
Velma Adell Motheral passed away peacefully on Friday, February 11, 2023.
She leaves to mourn her sister-in-law Violet Motheral; nieces, Susan Woods, Shelagh Woods (Nick Polischuk), Andrea Woods, Shawna Hook (Chris); nephew Barrie Woods; and many grandnieces and grandnephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Rienzi and Lavina, her brother Howard, and her sister Elva.
Velma was born at her family home in Snowflake, Manitoba, in July, 1923. She went to Normal School in Winnipeg, received her teaching certificate, and taught in Sperling and Winnipeg, at Isaac Newton High School and Andrew Mynarski VC Junior High School.
Velma adored children. She shared many stories of her students and was thrilled when her family grew so she could tell stories of her nieces and nephews.
Velma enjoyed travelling, visiting Europe and Australia, as well as the Caribbean and Hawaii. While flying to exotic places held an attraction, she was equally happy hopping into her car and going on a motor trip to Maine, Florida, or even Selkirk.
She had a love of literature, poetry, and words in general. She would complete the daily newspaper crosswords quickly but would admit to being stumped occasionally on a clue in the Sunday New York Times puzzle.
A family graveside service was held on Friday, with a Celebration of Life to follow on July 16, which would have been her 100th birthday.
One of Velma's greatest joys was calling a friend for a chat. In her memory, please call someone you care about and share some stories.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 18, 2023
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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My Grade 8 Homeroom teacher at Isaac Newton...wonderful lady...always loved her! - Posted by: Kathy (Student) on: Feb 24, 2023
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To the family of Miss Motheral. Sending my sympathy and condolences in the loss of Miss Motheral. She was my high school teacher at Sisler School, and was one of my favourite teachers. She was tolerant, wise and really cared that her students would achieve their goals. Stay strong for one another, and always keep Velma in your hearts. ...Marilyn Corbitt, Sisler student. - Posted by: Marilyn Corbitt (Former student) on: Feb 21, 2023
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Dearest Violet and family So sorry for your loss, sending big hugs and prayers. Love Cheryl Owens-Labiuk - Posted by: Cheryl Owens-Labiuk (Friend) on: Feb 21, 2023
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Velma was my department head at Isaac Newton. She helped me a lot during those years 1976-80. Rip - Posted by: Albert Kelsch (Colleague ) on: Feb 19, 2023
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Miss Motheral taught me at Sperling School for Grade 6. She has remained firmly in my memory for all the intervening years, a good teacher, firm but fair. I recall one occasion when she admonished one pupil who had been giving her trouble: Don't look at me in that tone of voice! Hilarity ensued and the remark went down in history. After she left Sperling, she remained a friend of my parents for many years. They often encountered her at the big book sales, obviously sharing a love of books. A long life, well lived. - Posted by: Carole Peckover Anderson (Former pupil) on: Feb 18, 2023
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Thank You Miss Motheral. I am who and what I am today because you taught me to be a lady. - Posted by: Anna Gil (Former Student) on: Feb 18, 2023
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She was a great teacher, I really felt like she cared for me and other students. I wasn’t the smartest, but she always took the time for me - Posted by: Kevin Williams (Former student) on: Feb 18, 2023
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I am truly saddened to read of the passing of the second of my connections with the Motheral sisters. I taught with Velma at Andrew Mynarski which was also my junior high school. It was my final year before maternity leave and I was heading up both the English and French departments. I felt very inadequate next to Velma and held the position only due to having being at the school for twelve years. Elva was my homeroom teacher in grade 12 at Sisler High as well as my teacher of English. Her knowledge of the course content and each author was unparalleled and certainly prepared me for my university and teaching careers. The world has loss a great pair. My sincere condolences to the entire family. You were, indeed, a very fortunate group. - Posted by: Lana Thiessen-Storey (former colleague of Velma and grade 12 student of Elva) on: Feb 18, 2023
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Miss Motheral was my favorite teacher while I attended Isaac Newton Junior High School. She was a caring teaching professional who loved to share her extracurricular activities (slide shows) with her class. She gave me the confidence to want to learn and I carry her in my memory to this day. I am 63 years old and Miss Motheral was my favorite english teacher. Rest in peace and thank you for everything. - Posted by: David (Student) on: Feb 18, 2023
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