Elsie Schilke (nee Freund)
Obituary
On Thursday, January 17th, 2019, in her 93rd year, Elsie passed away peacefully, with her daughters by her side at her home in Meadowood Manor. Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trial of wonderful memories.
Our Mom will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her daughters, Bernice Pytlinski and Audry and Tom Choropita. Also left to cherish her memory are her sisters, Elma Drzewiec, Norma Lyndon and sister-in-law Linda Freund and nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Daniel, son-in-law Gene Pytlinski, parents Helene and Rudolf, stepmom Paulina, brothers Freddie and Roy, sister Joyce, brothers-in-law Kaz Drzewiec, Ed Lyndon, Mel Mehling, sister-in-law Alvina Freund-Rosner, nephews Wayne Freund and Dennis Stadnyk.
Mom was born October 4th, 1925 in Steinbach and grew up on the family farm in Friedensfeld. Mom was the eldest of six children, so at a very young age she took on the responsibility of working on the farm alongside her Dad, whether she was plowing the fields with horses, in the barn milking cows or helping her Mom look after the younger siblings. Mom took all this in stride, proud she could help. Soon becoming someone her Dad depended on.
Mom had a love for all animals and made sure they were well looked after. She loved horses, although maybe not so much when they decided they had worked enough and would take off running for home and leave her stranded in the field. Mom had a love for dogs and they became a faithful companion to her throughout her years living in the country.
Mom was being courted by a young man, who had returned to take over his family’s farm after working in the Nickel Mines in Sudbury for a number of years. The courtship was very convenient because they just lived across the field from each other. Mom and Dad married on June 17th, 1947 and made their home on the Schilke Family Farm where they raised two daughters. They continued farming for a few years when they decided that Dad would get a job to help better support their family and Mom would continue with the day to day farming while Dad worked away. Mom was a very independent, hard working woman, and with her determination was capable of handling any situation that arouse. Together they made a comfortable life for themselves and for Bernice and me. After the passing of Grandma Schilke, Mom cared for Grandpa Schilke who lived with us for many years until his passing.
Mom always made sure that the yard was well manicured. She loved her flower gardens, in return the flowers flourished under her nurturing and care. The bunnies also decided that her petunias were a very tasty treat. Mom gave the bunnies many a stern talk to leave her petunias alone.
Mom had a green thumb and always had a big garden that had to be weed free, spending many hours making sure that it was. She enjoyed canning and jam making, making up to a 100 jars of jam to last them through the winter. Our Dad loved Mom’s jam!
Mom and Dad were members at the Friedensfeld Community Centre for many years. Mom enjoyed the friendships, whether it was playing cards or cooking with the ladies in the kitchen.
They finally made the decision that they would no longer farm and just enjoy living in the country.
Mom was an excellent cook, always making sure to have extra food just in case someone decided to drop in. Their home was an open door to all of their friends and family as well as to my sister’s and my friends. Her nieces and nephews spent many vacations on the farm and their friends were always welcome to visit.
In March, 1996, Mom and Dad decided to move to Steinbach and it didn’t take long for Mom to be known by the children on her street as Oma with the treats. Treats were always first on her shopping list. Mom enjoyed knitting and knitted many afghans and dishcloths in her retirement years and also enjoyed puttering in her yard.
Dad passed away in May of 2000 and Mom continued to live in their home until July 2007 when she decided to sell and move into a suite in Fernwood Place where she had a couple of very close friends. Once again, it did not take long for Mom to make new friends. She enjoyed playing SkipBo with her friends and the little 4th floor parties.
In spring of 2015, Mom knew that she would soon need more care than the Homecare she was already receiving at Fernwood Place. As her memory was starting to lapse and her mobility was becoming more of a challenge, it was important for her to feel safe. In July 2015, Mom moved to a Personal Care Home in Winnipeg to be closer to us. The last 2 years, Mom lived at Meadowood Manor where she enjoyed the spiritual atmosphere, activities and musical programs in the Fellowship Hall. Music Therapy brought a big smile to her face as she sang along, tapping her toes. Mom was known for her warm smile when greeting the staff and anyone that said Hello to her and often adding “you are so nice”.
Mom embraced all the stages of her life with bravery knowing that God was always by her side, whether it was during her Breast Cancer diagnosis many years ago, or the loss of her husband, son-in-law and many more loved ones and most recently her challenges with Dementia.
Our sincere thank you to all the Meadowood Manor Staff especially the 2nd floor Staff and Dr. David Martin for all their excellent care. Thank you to Pastor Dave Holland and his wife Darlene, Chaplain at Meadowood Manor for their spiritual care and compassion. A special thank you to Pastor Terry Gudmundson and Rev. Melissa Frankland from St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Steinbach for their visits and always having Mom in their prayers. We greatly appreciated everyone who cared for our Mom.
Weep not for me though I have gone
Into that gentle night
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my soul’s sweet flight
I am at peace, my soul’s at rest
There is no need for tears
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years
There is no pain, I suffer not
The fear is now all gone
Put now these things out of your thoughts
In your memory I live on
Remember not my fight for breath
Remember not the strife
Please do not dwell upon my death
But celebrate my life
The funeral service will he held on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Steinbach, MB with viewing prior to the service.
Interment will take place at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Hwy 12 R.M. of Hanover, MB.
If desired a donation may be made to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Steinbach, 465 Henry St, Steinbach MB R5G 0H1, the Alzheimer Society Manitoba, 10 – 120 Donald Street; Wpg., MB R3C 4G2 or a Charity of your choice.
