ERIKA WELLINK

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ERIKA WELLINK

May 4, 1941 – October 3, 2024

Erika Wellink (née Jablonski) is lovingly remembered by her children, Debbie (Cloyd), Angie (James), Monte (Voleth), and Frances, and by her grandchildren, Ashlen, Jessica, Julien, Noah, Colin, and Aaron. Among her extended family in Holland, she was especially close to her sister Sylvia (Hans), their children, Veroni and Jochem, and her cherished niece Barbara (Bas).

Erika was born in Bad Schandau, Germany, during the Nazi occupation. At the age of four, her family resettled in the village of Silvolde in The Netherlands, where she spent much of her early life.

A spirited and forward-thinking young woman, Erika moved to Amsterdam as a teenager to work as a nanny. Her bold fashion sense - wearing pants and sporting a glamorous blond beehive - caused quite the stir when she returned home to visit. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Frank, at a local fair while working in a canteen. Despite living in different villages, the two would meet halfway on bicycles, behind “the third tree on the right,” along a secluded path near a neighbouring castle.

Erika and Frank married in 1963 and immigrated to Canada to begin a new chapter. They settled in Winnipeg with little more than their love, determination, and belief in the power of hard work. Erika thrived as a devoted homemaker, raising four children, tending her award-winning garden, mastering needlepoint, and volunteering actively in her church and children’s schools.

She adored her children and grandchildren and took immense joy in being part of their lives. Whether it was sharing heartfelt chats about school, work, or just life in general, she was always eager to listen and offer her support. Her home was a warm and welcoming place, always stocked with treats and filled with laughter. Her love for her grandchildren was deep and unwavering, and her pride in them shone through in every conversation.

Music was always playing in Erika’s home. She loved decorating and filled every inch of wall space with art - proudly displaying works by local artists and art students she supported. She had a gift for hospitality, welcoming friends and strangers alike for tea and conversation. Her curiosity led her to museums, art galleries, and opera houses wherever she went.

Erika’s adventurous spirit found expression in travel. She started small - family weekends at hotels, camping trips in borrowed trailers, and cigar runs to Grand Forks. As her children grew, she and Frank began cruising the world for months at a time, exploring Alaska, Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Africa. No matter where she went, Erika delighted in meeting new people and learning about their cultures.

In her final years, Erika faced dementia with grace, supported by the compassionate care team at St. Joseph’s Residence. After Frank’s passing in 2023, her health declined quickly. Honouring their shared wish, their ashes were laid to rest together at “the third tree on the right”, the spot where their love story began. As the ashes were buried, the rain stopped, the sun peeked through the clouds, and the church bells rang - signaling the beginning of the next chapter in their enduring love story.

She is deeply missed every day, and this weekend, we hold her close in our hearts as we send birthday wishes to her in heaven.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 03, 2025