ERMA MAUD HOTCHKISS

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ERMA MAUD HOTCHKISS It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we the family announce the sudden, but peaceful passing of our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and dear friend to all. Erma passed at the age of 93 years on Monday evening, October 8, 2018, at the Parkview Place in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Erma had just finished her dinner on a day of Thanksgiving and wanted to rest. Erma passed quietly and peacefully into the hands of God and eternal rest and peace. Erma was born October 19, 1924 in Winnipeg , Manitoba. She was predeceased by her husband, Jim, of 51 years; father Royal Newby Easton; mother Myrtle Maud; sister Myrla Ruth Wild (Ralph); and brother Harry (Florence). Erma will be dearly missed by her children, Janice (Randy Franchuk) of Kenora, Ont. and son Wayne (Charlene Threatful) of Calgary, AB. Her greatest honour was being "Grandma Erma" to her cherished granddaughters, Brittany Franchuk (Kenny Burns) of Sudbury, ON, Grace Hotchkiss and Lauren Hotchkiss of Calgary, AB. Erma's wonderful disposition, warmth, care and personality made her a favourite "Aunty Erma" to family, extended family and friends far and wide. Erma had a wonderful adventure of a life. Her independence and zest for life, family, friends, and especially children, took her far and wide, and touched many lives. Erma was raised in Winnipeg in the family home at 108 Lipton Street which was the foundation for Erma's solid upbringing of family, faith, music and adventure. Erma's father, Roy Easton, was an early settler at what is now our family cottage of 86 years at Gull Lake, Manitoba. Erma and her sister Myrla spent every summer of their youth growing up at Gull Lake, and eventually raised their own families there. Erma graduated from Gordon Bell High School and trained as a nurse. Her ambition and a job offer from Cominco/Sullivan Mine took her west to Kimberley, BC. Erma met her husband Jim in Kimberly, BC and began to build a life that took them to Vancouver, BC. After Jim graduated from University of BC as a P. Engineer they moved to Edmonton, AB and began a family. In 1960, Jim accepted a job in Winnipeg and they began their life in River Heights at the family home at 706 Beaverbrook Street. Erma was a tireless volunteer and supportive parent to many kids at Sir John Franklin Community Club in both hockey and soccer. Many days were spent putting entire teams into her old Pontiac and driving to community clubs around the city. Erma always made sure kids were safe and had a Dutch Maid ice cream cone after every soccer game! Erma was a lifelong member of the congregation at Westworth United Church. Her United Church Women's group was one of the longest serving UCW groups that Erma was a proud and supportive member of. Erma was very talented musically, she played the piano her entire life and loved to sing both in the choir at Westworth United but more importantly lullabies and songs to babies, children and any audience she could entertain. Perhaps one of Erma's greatest life experiences was moving to Singapore for a year in 1984 with her husband Jim. Erma loved her time in Asia and it impacted her life in so many positive ways. She made many new life friends and embraced the culture. Every happy hour toast thereafter started with the Chinese term Yan Sang (caring for mankind)! Erma volunteered and was an active member of the committees that ran the Engineers Wives and Gull Lake Ratepayers Association. Erma was an active, compassionate caregiver / volunteer at Tuxedo Villa and Lions Manor, as well as volunteer usher for Manitoba Theatre Centre. The family would like to thank the staff at Parkview Place and the "angels from heaven " who cared for Erma in her last year. Special thanks to Georgie ! Erma was a great lady who instilled so many great qualities in her children, grandchildren and extended family. She created a home/cottage that always had an open door, warm meal and comfort to all. Erma instilled the magic and spirit of Christmas in all of us and taught us the importance of family and staying in touch . A Celebration of Life is planned for July, 2019 lakefront at 188 Sherwood St., Gull Lake North Shore, a place that Erma called "paradise", a place so deeply loved, and has created a lifetime of family memories. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 13, 2018