ELSIE POKRANT (DREGER)

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ELSIE POKRANT (nee DREGER) On Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg with her family at her side, Elsie passed away at the age of 92. Elsie is survived by her daughters, Shirley and Hazel (Jaromir Zahradnik); four grandchildren, Mindy (Fred Rodeway), Kimberley (Don Last), Marce, and Zach; six great-grandchildren, Jennifer, Amanda, Chelsea, Brandon, Jaret, and Colby; three sisters, Emma Pokrant, Bertha Pokrant, and Almina Busch; two sisters-in-law Myrtle Dreger, and Annie Dreger and numerous nieces and nephews. Elsie was born on the October 6, 1912 in Morris, Manitoba. She was one of 13 children born to August and Augusta Dreger. She attended school in Morris and later worked for Plett's, Schuman's, Stevenson's, and Wilton's. Her sister Vera and her did many things togetherstooking hay for their father, acting in Luther League plays, learning to dance the Charleston and eventually marrying their sweethearts on the same day in a double wedding ceremony on the September 7, 1934 in Morris. Elsie and Carl lived in a number of locations in ManitobaBlumenfield, St. Elizabeth, Rosenfeld, Altona, Emerson, Eriksdale, Beausejour, due to Carl's career in education. They eventually retired in Winnipeg and lived at St. Edmund's Bay for almost 20 years until Carl's death in November 1992. For the last 12 years, Elsie lived in her condo on Pembina Highway. Over the years, Elsie enjoyed playing the organ, gardening, and creating many pieces of needlework, especially beautiful petit point. She also was very active in her church, teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir. At age 79, she took driving lessons, determined to take over the task of driving when Carl could no longer do so. She also enjoyed taking the transit bus downtown to shop and to have lunch at Eaton's. In later years, she frequently reminisced about the old days over the phone with her sister Bertha. When her sister Emma came to visit her, she was happy to cook and share some of her favourite dishes. Our very special thanks to all the staff at Victoria Hospital for the compassionate care given to Elsie, for the last number of months. Also sincere thanks to Pastor Mitchler for his support and prayers. Funeral service will be held at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 200 Dalhousie Dr. in Fort Garry, on Tuesday, March 15 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Ed Mitchler officiating. Reception at the church will follow the service and then interment at Rosenfeld Cemetery. Dear Lord Put your arms around her, Hold her in your care, Make up for all she suffered, And all she had to bear. She went through much in silence, Her spirit did not bend, She faced her trials with courage, Until the very end. It broke our hearts to lose her, But she did not go alone, For part of us went with her, The day God called her home. We love you and will miss you very much NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 13, 2005