ERNESTA RIVAIS

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

• A tad late to the "party". Just googled (May 2025) Ernesta Rivais' name and discovered she had passed away 4 years ago. We connected at the U of M while I was a student in 1972 at St Johns College. We both hail originally from Barbados, West Indies. I was in my second year. Ernesta was extremely helpful to me in many ways when I became ill in residence and somehow arranged for me to see her doctor on very short notice. I had to be hospitalized at Misrecordia hospital for two weeks. After that since the semester was ending Ernesta invited me to stay at her bachleor apartment for a few days to allow me sufficient time to make arrangements for a return flight to Toronto. Technically Ernesta saved my life for which I will always be grateful. Hence this tribute and memory. Continue to Rest in Peace Ernesta Michael Tudor. - Posted by: Michael Tudor (friend and colleague- 1974) on: May 25, 2025

• I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Ernesta Rivais. It was an absolute shock to learn of her departure. I remember my time working at Nelson House, particularly the period when my husband's construction company was involved in the remodeling of the Nelson House school. During our discussions tonight, Ernesta's name often came up, and we reminisced about her unique blend of kindness and firmness in ensuring the best interests of everyone involved. Her impact on the lives of those around her was significant, and it's hard to fathom that she is no longer with us. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, which I extend to her family, friends, and all those who were touched by her presence in their lives. - Posted by: Ashley Newton (Friend) on: May 11, 2023

• Too late to learn, but deeply saddened by Ernesta Rivais' passing. She was an inspiring figure during my formative years of teaching; was not only tall, but stood tall too, through her exemplary work ethics that I tried to emulate in my own humble way: especially by being at my workplace/school very early in the morning and lo and behold I was mostly over-prepared for the day. You will always be remembered by me for your inspiring and positive voice that propelled me to come North to you for a while, and your encouraging insistence that I must teach "Math" wherever my teaching career took me. Shall miss your encouragement. Thanks, Ernesta! - Posted by: Brahm R. Singh (Colleague) on: Mar 10, 2023

• Ernesta was my mentor, my advocate, advisor and a mother figure. Her passion was helping others and she did this through education. She gave many years of her time and energy to helping First Nation Schools improve and grow. Her laughter was infectious, her knowledge vast and a heart full of love. The hard work she did thought out the years will continue to flourish in the tiny communities that were blessed with her presence. I am truly saddened and words fail to express all the wonderful memories I have. Our deepest condolences to her son’s and the love ones left behind from the Tays family, students and staff of NCN where she was a Director for a number of years. - Posted by: Natalie Tays (Friend) on: Oct 20, 2021

• She was my best friend. She was thoughtful and generous to me. Her boys were so thoughtful to her. I will miss her greatly. - Posted by: Eva Vanscoy (Friend) on: Mar 01, 2021

• I had the good fortune of working with Ernesta in Island Lake. She blazed a trail for female administrators. I also recall getting a phone call from her one night..no identification just “Kathie there’s no trees.” She was calling from Baker Lake. Her commitment to the native education was amazing. Condolences to the family from my husband, Peter, and myself. - Posted by: Kathie Little (Colleague) on: Feb 21, 2021

• Sincere condolence to the family. - Posted by: Richard RISBEY (former co worker from our years in nothern Manitoba) on: Feb 20, 2021