CONSTANCE EYOLFSON (THOMAS)

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CONSTANCE EYOLFSON (nee THOMAS) Rainbow Woman With the same grace and dignity she carried throughout her life, Connie journeyed Home on December 8, 2002. Connie will forever be in the hearts of her husband of 45 years, Gerald Eyolfson, her nine children - Michael (Judy), Marian (Murray Bruyere), Anthony (Christy Louis), Neil (Karen), Derek (Maureen), Stephanie (Derek Courchene), Aurora (Gareth Smout), Ragnar (Doreen Hood), and Bridget (Joe Courchene) - her 27 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Connie also leaves to mourn her passing her sisters, Theresa (Paul Thomas), Thelma (Late Blake Rupert), Helen (Andrew Hourie), and Adele (Late Dennis Duff) and brothers, Roy (Sylvia) and Joe; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Josie and Maud Thomas, her brother George Thomas, her infant sister Frances and infant brother Bruce. Connie was born May 10, 1936 in Traverse Bay, MB, where she was also raised. As a young girl, she watched her father volunteer for the Second World War. His sense of duty to his country inspired her to join the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1954 where she met Gerald. They married in 1957 and over the years lived in Fort Whyte, Winnipeg, and Traverse Bay. In 1980, with nine children, Connie attained her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba. Her career, which included work for Childrens Home of Winnipeg, the Manitoba Metis Federation, the Alcoholism Foundation of Manitoba, Anishinabe School, and the Government of Canada Secretary of State Department, was more than a series of job titles; indeed, it was a testament to her belief in the Metis and First Nations people. This belief in the people, as well as the joy of living out her faith in the Creator, culminated in her establishing the Strong Earth Woman Lodge in 1992. Over the last ten years, she helped countless people, families and communities to find their own path to healing their spirits. Connie taught us by example to live a life of tolerance, respect, patience and humility. Connies sense of wholeness extended beyond herself and her family, reaching out to her community and to all her people. Over the years, she volunteered for her Church and for many Aboriginal organizations. Her commitment to the love of life was inspired, but also inspiring to everyone who knew her. Her teachings and words of encouragement served as the gentle push for many individuals to achieving greater things for themselves and their communities. And when she wasnt doing the work of three people (which was not often) she was creating, whether it was knitting, writing, drawing, or singing. She lived a full and loving life, filled with children and dreams and a genuine awe of the universe. She lived a good life. She was a Sundancer. She will dance on in our hearts. The Family would like to extend a special thank you to Lorena Ferguson, Dr. Badenhorst and the Nursing Staff on the Medical ward at the Selkirk and District General Hospital. Prayers will be said Wednesday, December 11 at St. Marguerites Church in Traverse Bay at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Alexander Parish Church, Fort Alexander on Thursday, December 12 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) with Fr. Jim Gray Officiating and Fr. Laval Cloutier assisting. A viewing will be held one hour prior to Mass at the church. Pallbearers are Michael Eyolfson, Anthony Eyolfson, Neil Eyolfson, Derek Eyolfson, Ragnar Eyolfson, and Murray Bruyere. Honorary Pallbearers are Roy Thomas, Joe Thomas, Paul Thomas, Andrew Hourie, Wally Rupert and Kevin Duff. I would be true, for there are those who trust me; I would be pure, for there are those who care; I would be strong, for there is much to suffer; I would be brave, for there is much to dare. I would be friend to all - the foe, the friendless; I would be giving, and forget the gift. I would be humble, for I know my weakness; I would look up - and laugh - and love - and lift. Howard Arnold Walter Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 11, 2002