IRMA MARGARETA WILHELMINA SIIS

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IRMA MARGARETA WILHELMINA SIIS (nee RENTEL) Irma passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 5, 2014, at the age of 87 years, at the Charleswood Care Centre. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Albert; daughter Glenda Siis (Jennifer Wiebe), son Brian Siis; granddaughters Samantha Shore (Tyler), Angela Siis (Jeff Bell), Brianna Ly (Kong) and Jennifer Siis in Victoria; her brother Sigmar Rentel; great-grandsons Tristan Shore, Evan Shore and Hunter Bell; sisters-in-law Olga Gernhard, Linda Selch and Alice Davies of Vancouver, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her parents, Adolf and Frieda Rentel, sister Elona Gaetz, and brother Helmer Rentel. Irma was born in Snappen, Prussia on June 5, 1926. In 1938 Irma's father Adolf immigrated to Canada to start a new life for the family on a farm in Inglis, Manitoba. Irma and her mother joined Adolf in 1939. Irma attended Little Mountain School and enjoyed education throughout her life. Irma moved to Winnipeg in 1945 employed as a stenographer with Cross Underwriters until 1959. She met her husband to be, Albert, through his sister Agnes in 1946. Irma and Albert were married a year later. Both were members of St. Peter's Lutheran Church for many years before transferring to St. Mark's Lutheran. Irma was a member of the L.C.W. for more than 25 years. Irma was a true 1950s stay at home Mom, making sure Glenda got to Explorers and Brian to Cubs. Irma loved to travel, the desert was her favourite place and camping a favourite activity. Two of Irma's treasured hobbies were sewing and crafting. Irma was never one for idle hands and mastered the art of wine making, refinishing furniture, making stuffed toys and building snow forts. She also loved to tend her garden, preferring to be outside in the sunshine with a favourite cat by her side. Irma unfortunately experienced several tragedies in her life each leaving their mark. One of Irma's joys was having her three youngest granddaughters come to live with her and Albert in 1994. At age 68 she was once again raising children. From a 1950s Mom she found herself parenting a 1990s trio of 7, 9, and 11 year olds. Her favourite saying during this time was "What is this world coming too" and "Are you daft?". Mom loved animals, everything from baby robins to bats found shelter at her home. She was a good cook and a family rite of passage was making Rouladen with Grandma. In celebration of Irma's life a funeral service will be held Thursday, April 10 at 12:30 p.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 600 Cambridge St., Pastor Rick Sauer officiating. Lunch to follow at the church, then interment at Chapel Lawn Cemetery, 4000 Portage Ave. The family would like to thank the Unit 1 nurses and health care aides at Charleswood Care Centre for their compassion and wonderful care Irma received. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or St. Mark's Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 09, 2014