ELLY HOLSTEN

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ELLY HOLSTEN

(nee BLUHM)

October 15, 1927 - July 23, 2025

In the evening of July 23, 2025, Elly, our beloved Mama, Oma and great-grandmother passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She lived a long and full life of almost 98 years.

Elly was predeceased by her loving husband Heinrich (Henry), oldest daughter Annemarie (Anne), grandson Jonathan, her parents, siblings and numerous other extended family members in Germany.

Elly will be lovingly remembered for her warmth, kindness and love by her children Helmut (Kathy), Betty (Roland), Connie (John), son-in-law Andrew and grandchildren Stephen (Mahwash), Amanda (Marshall), Danny (Merry), Vaughn (Emily), Christopher (Sophia) and Tara (Andrew). Elly was a very proud great-grandmother to Isaak, Daniel, Elly, Claire, Katie, Violet, Blake and Bjorn.

Elly was born in Zuckers, Germany in 1927. After enduring many hardships and hunger during and after WW II, Elly arrived as a refugee in the small farming community of Ostereistedt, Germany, where she met her future husband, Henry.

Elly and Henry immigrated to Canada in 1954 with their young daughter Anne. They had their challenges building a new life in Canada, where work was often hard to find. As they welcomed their other three children into the world, their work ethic prevailed, and they achieved a comfortable life. Henry built a number of houses for the family over the years, which Elly crafted into loving homes. Of special significance was a well-loved cottage at the lake. All of Elly’s children and grandchildren have amazing memories of visiting Oma and Opa’s cottage at Hillside Beach. Regardless of her many attributes and achievements, Elly was the most proud of her children and grandchildren. Her family meant everything to her.

Along with being the best Mama and cook, Elly always worked outside of the home. Her favourite job was being a Nurses’ Aide at Donwood Manor where her loving nature and keen sense of humour benefited many. Elly was fortunate to travel often, extensively throughout Canada and also to numerous warm destinations such as Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico and Hawaii, during our cold winter months. She and Henry were snowbirds for many winter seasons in Florida, joined by numerous friends. Although Elly loved Canada, she enjoyed many trips back to Europe to visit family.

Elly had a deep faith in God; she was her family’s prayer warrior and was passionate about attending church and bible studies. She was a voracious reader, saying she was never alone or lonely when she had a good book to read. She followed the news and world events daily, and was an enthusiastic Winnipeg Jets fan. Elly was proud to live independently until she was 92. Subsequently, she made Concordia Village her home, where she was able to establish new friendships. When she required more care, Concordia Place was there to support her, up until her last moments.

Lucky for her family, Elly’s mind remained sharp right until the end. Her tremendous wit too. It was a gift to have her in our lives for so long. She was a treasure.

Elly’s family would like to extend our deepest thanks to the Concordia Place team, particularly the third-floor staff, for the love and care they have provided throughout her time there. We have greatly benefited from the support and compassion you have shown.

Consistent with Elly’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private family service is planned.

"I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith…." 

Tributes: friendsfs.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 09, 2025