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RAGNHEIDUR EVELYNE HOLENSKI
Born: Feb 08, 1935
Date of Passing: Apr 15, 2023
Offer Condolences or MemoryRAGNHEIDUR EVELYNE HOLENSKI
Peacefully on April 15, 2023, Evelyne passed away at the Grace Hospital at the age of 88.
Evelyne was born a tiny, premature baby, to Icelandic immigrant parents, Haldor B. Olafson and Kristbjorg Helgason. She was raised in the tightly knit Icelandic community of Brown, often known as 1-6, which was nestled in the Pembina Hills south of Morden, MB, touching on the US border.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Roy. Evelyne was predeceased by her parents; her brother Lorne (Buddy); and her sister Doreen Webber; numerous brother and sisters-in-law; and one nephew. She will be sadly missed by her sister-in-law, Dorothy Klowak; as well as many nieces, nephews and their families.
Born into humble circumstances during the Great Depression, she learned early the importance of hard work. This work ethic was to become her trademark as it encompassed all she did throughout her lifetime. Icelandic-proud and Viking-strong, she realized the importance of education. She worked diligently at odd jobs to help pay for High School and Normal School, graduating with a teaching certificate at age 17. Education was a lifelong pursuit for her. While teaching full-time, she completed her BA and MA, taking summer and night courses. She embarked on a rewarding 39-year teaching career: three years in the country schools of Debonair and Deer Creek and 36 years with Winnipeg School Division No. 1 at Earl Grey and Harrow. She was a well-respected educator, coach, and mentor, inspiring generations of students with the energy and determination familiar to all who knew her. She served and played a leading role on numerous committees and boards. In 1956 Evelyne married Roy Holenski and together, for almost 67 years, they shared a love, friendship, work ethic and partnership seldom seen in one’s lifetime. Together they embarked on a 40-year span in coaching, managing, and building the sport of women’s softball. As visionaries they influenced its development from the grass roots to the elite level. Their lives embodied the true spirit of volunteerism, compassion, advocacy, and philanthropy. Evelyne has been the recipient of many honours. Among them she served as the team leader of Softball Canada’s National Team, attending many world events, including leading the Canadian delegation at the Pan Am Games, Women’s World’s and the Sydney Olympics in 2000. She has been recognized as a coach and builder in the Manitoba Softball, Sport Manitoba and Softball Canada Halls of Fame.
The family would like to thank the 3 North staff at the Grace Hospital for their kindness and compassion to Evelyne and the family. It is greatly appreciated. Thank you also to Doug and Carla Klowak, Dennis Klowak, and Irene and Abe Peters, who spent time with Evelyne in her final days,
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations can be made to Manitoba Softball 145 Pacific Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2Z6 in Evelyne’s name.
Cremation has taken place. A private, family celebration of life will be held at Wiebe Funeral Chapel, Morden, MB at a later date with service of committal at Hillside Cemetery, Morden, MB.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 22, 2023
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Mrs. Holenski was my teacher at Earl Grey for grades 3-5. She was a magnificent, teacher who inspired all her students to excel. - Posted by: Linda Yurkiw (née Rumsey) (Earn Grey student ) on: Oct 22, 2023
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I am sad to hear that lovely Mrs. Holenski has passed away; a huge loss to this community and the community of baseball and beyond! I was never fortunate enough to have her as my teacher; however, I was very fortunate to call her my coach ( starting in grade 3). Her coaching strategies and grace have been a huge and ongoing influence in my life. Mrs. Holenski was so kind to me and during some of my toughest life lessons I have reflected on her kindness and words of encouragement- stick to your game. She was always encouraging us to strive and try harder (and run faster)! Ms. Holenski's coaching was exemplary. She always seemed to deliver her messages with a smile and a dose of inspiration, clapping her hands, telling us to hustle, and enunciating her words like a sweet ring tone. With an apparent ease she knew how to help you do your best. She and Mr. Holenski were an amazing and hugely successful team together. Under their honed direction, many of us baseball players reaped the benefit of their expertise and guidance. We would go to 4 western finals and then onto Nationals. I attribute much of my skill and desire to participate in teams to their strategies. My condolences Mr. Holenski, I cannot imagine your loss. Mrs. Holenski's memory and the memory of your dynamic duo live in many peoples minds and hearts. I hope that thought brings you comfort. She was a joy to play for, and it has been a lifelong gift to have had her as my coach. - Posted by: Donna Franz (baseball ) on: Aug 14, 2023
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She was my grade 5 teacher at Harrow. All good memories and she was very professional and had control of a bunch of kids who were probably hard to contain at that age. I had bumped into her by chance every now and again and she was always very happy to see me and ask how I was doing and where I was in life. She will be missed by many. Thank you for your teachings and memories. - Posted by: Mike Menard (Student ) on: Apr 26, 2023
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Mrs Holenski was my teacher at Harrow school For grades 5 and 6. When anyone asks the question “who was your favourite teacher” I always answer Mrs. Holenski. She was always willing to listen and give advice- she started me playing softball as well. I played through junior high and high school. She also often walked home with me as she lived not far from where I was. I have such great memories of her. I am sure she will be missed by family and friends - Posted by: Shirley Pengelly (Bergen) (Former student) on: Apr 26, 2023
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So sorry to hear of Evelyn's passing and my deepest condolences to Roy and family for your loss. Inducted in 2004 with the Smitty's softball dynasty that Mr. & Mrs. H created, Ev Holenski was also inducted as an individual Builder in 2009 for her profound impact on softball in Manitoba and Canada. She will be missed. - Posted by: Rick Brownlee (MB Sports Hall of Fame) on: Apr 24, 2023
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Roy: My deepest condolences on your loss. Evelyne made such a positive impact on so many people both in and out of the softball and educational communities. Her inductions into the Manitoba Sports and the Manitoba Softball Halls of Fame were well-deserved. - Posted by: Kent Moragn (Former Softball Manitoba and Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame President ) on: Apr 23, 2023
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Evelyne Ragnheiður Holenski, a woman who shaped so many of us to achieve beyond our imaginations and circumstances. She was our teacher for Grade 5 and 6 at Harrow. We wore our 'Flying H' and badges with pride. I saw her a few years back at Tim Horton's on Waverly. I came in on crutches to discuss her master's thesis (Let's keep in mind I was in my mid 50's). There she was a powerful (was she always that short?) that hadn't changed one bit. I offered to go get coffee. She leapt up pointing at me,"You will SIT!" And guess who quickly dropped down onto a chair? When Evelyne spoke.. you bloody listened! Who amongst us doesn't remember.... a rolling of the eyes and, "Lord have little duckies." She made me the woman I am today - a writer of historical fiction. Góðan Nótt Elskan. - Posted by: Diane Alexander (student/friend) on: Apr 23, 2023
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Mr. Holenski (Roy), I offer you & your family my deepest & heartfelt condolences. My thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. Mrs. Holenski was my elementary school teacher at Harrow School, a very compassionate teacher. I started playing softball in grade 4, she found a talent in me that I never realized I had. I played with the school teams & was also introduced to Smitty's which was her pride and joy. Mrs. Holenski was a person in my life that taught me how to work hard, persevere challenges, be better than just good, respect & be loyal to all. She was one of my life Teachers that I’ve always carried in my heart & I always will. - Posted by: Sylvia Stecy (Student, Softball Player) on: Apr 22, 2023
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I'm deeply saddened by Evelyne's passing. I remember her from all the years umpiring MLSL games and engaging with her and Roy at numerous tournaments and events. May her memory be of a blessing. - Posted by: Marvin Hendin (Softball community ) on: Apr 22, 2023