ELI GLADYS TINANT (BALNESS)

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ELI GLADYS TINANT (nee BALNESS) February 14, 1933 - January 23, 2013 On January 23, 2013 with her family by her side, Eli passed away peacefully at the Pinawa Hospital. Left to cherish her memory are the family she nurtured and cared for deeply, her brothers James Balness of Winnipeg, Chris (Netta) Balness of Lac du Bonnet, Howard (Betty) Balness of Lac du Bonnet; in-laws include Peter Burchuk of Gunton, Maryanne Balness of Whitemouth, Evelyn Balness of Calgary, Rita Tinant of Lac du Bonnet, Henriette Lintott of Regina, Therese (Norm) Hetherington of Ottawa, and Marie Wurch of Beausejour, as well as countless cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and family. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 60 years, Robert Tinant; her parents Christopher and Catherine Balness; siblings, George Balness, Gerald Balness and Marian Burchuk; sister-in-law Suzie Balness; father and mother-in-law Henri and Clotilide Tinant; brothers-in-law Roger Tinant, Clarence (Lindy) Lintotte, and George Wurch; nephew Carson Balness and great-niece Shanna Archer. Eli was born and raised in the Lac du Bonnet area, where she spent her entire life. At the age of 15 years, she met her future husband Robert, and they were wed three years later in June of 1951, settling on a farm N.E of Lac du Bonnet. She was the second oldest of eight children, and although they came from humble beginnings, Eli spoke fondly of time spent with her family in the muskeg. Early in her marriage, they opened their home to her siblings, who they raised like their own. Eli had many passions, including gardening, animals, children and family. Eli was the original recycling pioneer, practising reduce, re-use, recycle and composting long before it was considered fashionable. She had a special talent for making everything grow. Her ever expanding indoor greenhouse, could be the bane of her late husband's existence, but it gave Eli constant joy. Her flowers, plants and seed collecting were legendary, especially her pumpkins and houseplants. Many people were the recipients of her generosity, enjoying her pickles, jams, jellies and produce. Eli took much pleasure from watching the birds at her many feeders while she was enjoying tea at her kitchen table. She was very lucky to live next to her sister-in-law, close friend and confident, Rita. Many were the happy times they spent attending church, going bowling, dining at restaurants, and of course their monthly outings down Highway 59. Her strong sense of family values ensured that all were well fed and cared for as long as they needed. Eli's selfless devotion to others included the loving care of her mother-in-law, her own mother, and her beloved husband during their final years. Even in her final days, her concern was for those she would be leaving behind. Funeral service will be held Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., at the Lac du Bonnet Lutheran Church. Everyone is welcome to join the family at the Legion Hall to share memories and have lunch, following the service. Flowers gratefully declined. Should friends desire, donations may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association or the Pinawa Hospital, P.O. Box 220, Pinawa, Manitoba R0E 1L0. SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 204-268-3510 or MB Toll Free 1-877-776-2220 www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 09, 2013