MANUELA ELIZABETH DIAS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MANUELA ELIZABETH DIAS The world lost a treasure on September 5, 2001. Manuela was born in Mbeya, Tanzania, November 17, 1963. In 1967 her family moved briefly to Stuttgart, Germany. Later that year, they came to Canada, first living in Toronto, and then moving to Winnipeg in 1968. In 1981, Manuela graduated from Charleswood Collegiate. She was school president and valedictorian in her graduation year, and also won the prestigious Governor Generals Award and the University of Manitoba Alumni Award. Manuela went on to gain her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba, graduating in 1987 with courses concentrating in the fields of Psychology and Womens Studies. Manuela and Karen became life partners in 1984, and Manuela was a devoted and loving partner. Family and friends were also central to Manuelas life, and were loved and cherished. Manuela had a lifelong love and passion for books. Through her work at Turnstone Press, initially in Production and later as Managing Editor, she took pride in providing opportunity for new writers. As a gifted designer and publisher, she was the recipient of numerous publishing awards. These included Best Book Design (in 1993) for Lakes, Lures and Lodges; Booksellers Choice Award for Best Design (in 1994) for The Dragon and the Dry Goods Princess; and Manitoba Book Design of the Year Awards for One Room in a Castle (in 1996), Sam and Angie (in 1997), Bread Wine Angels (in 1998) and Chokehold (in 2001). Manuela also served as President of the Board of the Literary Press Group and as an executive member of the Association of Canadian Publishers. Her biography appears in Canadian Whos Who. Manuela loved traveling, and visited many locations throughout the world. She especially enjoyed her travels to India. This past December, Manuela and Karen flew to London, England, and shared a very special Christmas with Manuelas sister Debbie. Three years ago Manuela and Karen bought a cottage on an acreage in Northern Ontario, and it is here that Manuela spent some of her most peaceful and happy moments. It was not unusual for Manuela to finish her morning coffee and head into the woods, often with chainsaw in hand to create nature paths and to clear brush. On occasion, she would find time to relax in the sun, always with a book in hand. Manuela loved animals and nature, and enjoyed time spent with Lil Anderson, a neighbouring wildlife rehabilitator. Manuelas heart was with the little orphans that arrived on Lils doorsteps, from baby beavers and geese, to rabbits and chickens (often known as "the girls"). Over the years, she took in and found homes for several strays, and supported Quagga Cat Rescue. She was a loving owner to her dog Sadie, and to her cats. From her high school years onward, Manuela was active in womens issues. From 1981 to 1987, she was an instructor for Wen-do International, and later taught self-defence as a freelance instructor. She worked as a counsellor for the Manitoba Committee on Wife Abuse, volunteered as a sexual assault and crisis counsellor for Klinic Community Health Centre, and worked at The Womens Health Clinic. She also served on the Board of the Winnipeg Gay and Lesbian Resource Centre. Manuela was involved in theatre, and greatly enjoyed her work with the Awasikan Theatre group. She also enjoyed acting in the film "Hot Cuppa Tea". Manuela had a rare warmth and beauty. Those who knew Manuela will remember her love of laughter and her kind and gentle nature. Her presence was marked by a wonderful grace and sense of style. She was a person of deep compassion and convictions, and suffered to see pain and hurt in the world. Manuela and Karen shared their home together for 17 years. Manuela enjoyed the cultural richness of their neighbourhood. In her scarce hours of spare time, Manuela could often be found puttering around the house and yard. Manuela firmly believed that "every family needs a putterer". Manuela is survived by her life partner Karen, as well as her parents, Roland and Sigrid Dias; her sister Debbie; aunt Hedy (Werner) cousins, Peter and Barbara of Germany; uncle Rev. Fr. Gilbert of Switzerland; aunt Monica (Joe), cousins, Anselm and Bosco of England; aunt Elsie, cousin Lolita (Elvis) of Toronto; and other numerous relatives. She is predeceased by her beloved uncles Stan and John. Our beautiful, beloved Manuela - her loving spirit will live on in our hearts and memories. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12 at the Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Quaggas Stray Cat Shelter, 690 Elizabeth Rd., Winnipeg, MB, R2J 1A4. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 10, 2001