Elma Reimer (nee Friesen)

Obituary

After a lengthy journey into fraility, Elma passed peacefully, with her family at her side, on Friday, January 11, 2019. She left us for a better place at the age of 93.

She was predeceased by her husband Enoch Reimer, an infant daughter, an infant son, parents (John and Elizabeth), sister Erna, brother Herb and twin brother John.

She leaves to mourn her passing her two sons and two daughters: Ken (Shirl), Mel (Eve), Gail, Yvonne (Dennis); as well as grandsons: Matthew (Pam), Greg (Victoria), Jordan, Kelly, Kevin (Ashley); as well as four great-grandchildren.

Left to lovingly remember her are her sisters: Eileen Stoesz, Leora Thiessen, Doris (Mike) Prystae, Diane Goulet; brothers and sisters-in-law: Mary (Peter) Reimer, Arnold (Shirley) Reimer and Nettie Reimer; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Elma Elizabeth Friesen was born at home in Strassberg, Manitoba as the first of a set of twins. She grew up with seven siblings and enjoyed being part of a large family. Mom frequently spoke of her childhood years raised on a farm in Hochstadt and the responsibilities she had as the oldest of her siblings. In her teenage years she helped support her family by working as a maid in various homes and waitressing. She met Eno in her late teens, and they were married on October 16, 1943. They spent sixty-nine years together raising their family and working in Steinbach, Manitoba.

Elma enjoyed road trips and she and Eno made numerous visits to Vancouver Island to visit her twin brother and family. After purchasing a recreational vehicle, Elma and Eno spent thirteen winters as ‘snow birds’ in Mesa, Arizona, where they created many new friendships. Elma was the ultimate hostess. As she spotted friends walking down their street, she hurriedly popped into the oven some Pillsbury crescent rolls and put on the coffee in anticipation of a visit. Elma diligently kept close contact with these new friends throughout the year. Their yearly trips to Arizona were important to her and the friendships made there lasted even after health issues no longer allowed them to make the trip south.

Her funny, feisty nature was a constant. We were often pleasantly surprised and amused when her dry sense of humor would surface at the most opportune times. After Eno passed in 2012, Elma spoke daily with her twin brother, John and insisted on a visit to Vancouver Island to see him in the nursing home even as her own health was failing. Her determination could overcome most objections and obstacles. Elma spent hours on the phone chatting to close and distant relatives and friends. The time sitting in the waiting room of a doctor’s office passed quickly as she became acquainted with fellow patients – usually quickly finding some family relation connection.

As her health continued to decline, Elma moved into Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach and spent the last year and a half of her life in the home. The family sends their heartfelt thanks to all the staff at the nursing home for the professional, compassionate and thoughtful care she received there. Thank you to all those who helped her along her journey, especially Dr. Curtis Krahn whose medical advice superseded any suggestions by anyone else – according to our mother.

You taught us by example to speak our mind, and never let anything stand in our way. Rest in peace Mom.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Elma may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 200 – 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6.

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