ELVA GEORGINA STEVENS

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ELVA GEORGINA STEVENS (nee FRANKLIN) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our much-loved Mother and Grandmother on Sunday, March 6, 2016. Elva is survived by her children, Cindy (Tom) and David (Semareh) and the three grandsons, she so adored - Evan, Noah and Wyatt. She is also survived by her sister Shirley (Tony) Perram and her loving nephew and nieces. Born in 1933 in Roland, Manitoba to parents Elizabeth (Elvie) and Harry Franklin, Elva was the youngest of four sisters. She moved to Winnipeg with her family when she was in her teens, where she graduated from Kelvin High School. Elva had a long and distinguished career with Scotiabank. She became the first female bank manager in the prairie region and progressed to Scotiabank's regional office where she retired from the bank as a senior executive in commercial credit. She remained very proud of her career, first as an early pioneer for women in banking and second as a friend to so many wonderful colleagues. Travel was an important part of Elva's life. Whether taking her children across North America or to Europe or Africa, she was committed to learning more about the world and discovering its beauty and wonder. She traveled extensively including Scandinavia, Western and Eastern Europe, China, Japan and Southeast Asia. Elva also nourished so many deep and lasting friendships throughout her life whether it was sharing a love of the arts, a morning coffee, or a telephone conversation. She was grateful for the continued inspiration and comfort her many friends provided. A wonderful mother and grandmother, she was a kind, thoughtful, wise and patient mentor who always put her children first. She gave up much in her life to raise her two children on her own, and we will be forever grateful to have had her guidance and love. Elva was a selfless, unassuming, brilliant and beautiful soul whose passing will leave a huge hole in our hearts. It is difficult to know we will never see her lovely smile again or hear her words of wisdom when we need them most. She was a remarkable woman and we will love her always. A celebration of Elva's life will take place on Friday, April 29, 2016 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Sifton Terrace, Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Flowers are gratefully declined. Elva supported many charities and was a strong believer in charitable giving. If you wish, please make a donation in her name to a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank the kind and compassionate staff at Concordia Hospital, especially Dr. Hiebert, Krystal, Crystal, Loryn and Emily for their special care. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 12, 2016