MARY AGNES ELIAS

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MARY AGNES ELIAS Mary Elias was born on July 4, 1929, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She was the second of two children born to Henry and Agnes Plenert. Mary was predeceased by her husband Jacob Elias (February, 1974), daughter Shirley Elias (January, 2002), and brother Henry Plenert (August, 2013). Mary was raised on the family farm in Rabbit Lake, Saskatchewan. From the age of six to seventeen, she attended a one-room school house, loved to learn, and excelled academically. Following graduation, Mary enrolled in business school in Saskatoon for two years, receiving a diploma. She was employed in the accounting office of Co-op for the next two years. Mary met Jacob Elias at a church young-people's Christmas party in December, 1949, and they became engaged on Christmas Day, 1950. They travelled to Winnipeg to be married at the First Mennonite Church on August 4, 1951, and then moved to Luseland, Saskatchewan, where Jacob taught school. Mary and Jacob, with son Robert, moved to Winnipeg in December, 1952, where they established the family home. Mary devoted herself to the marriage and to raising Robert, followed by daughters Shirley and Elaine. She was a wonderful wife and mother, an excellent cook, and gracious hostess for family and friends. Mary loved reading and music, and enjoyed attending the opera, symphony, ballet, and theatre. She ensured that her children received music lessons, encouraged them to do well academically, and took pleasure in having annual family camping trips to various Canadian destinations. Following her husband's passing, she maintained the home. Mary's family was her pride and joy; her bi-weekly family dinners were her labour of love for as long as she was able. She adored her cat Beanie and they forged a strong bond. Following surgery in November, 2013, Mary lived with her daughter Elaine and son-in-law Harry, until moving to Riverwood Square Retirement Home on February 1, 2014. During a brief hospitalization, she passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by family, on February 28, 2014. Mary will be lovingly remembered by her children (son Robert, daughter Elaine and husband Harry Foerster), four grandchildren (Richard Elias and wife Ruth, Paul Rondeau, Michelle Rondeau, Renata and husband Nathaniel Tetrault), three great-grandchildren (Alexys Tetrault, Dominick Tetrault, Austin Elias), sister-in-law (Mary Plenert), numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends. The family thanks the health-care team of the Health Sciences Centre for their compassionate care. As per Mary's request, flowers are gratefully declined; donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9 or a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 2014, at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue (across from Brookside Cemetery). NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Mar 5, 2014

MARY AGNES ELIAS On February 28, 2014 at the Health Sciences Centre, Mary Agnes Elias, widow of the late Jacob Elias, passed away at the age of 84 years. Memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at the Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Ave. (across from Brookside Cemetery). Longer obituary will follow in Wednesday's paper. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Mar 3, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 05, 2014