LILIJA KELERIS (LILY)

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LILIJA KELERIS (LILY) Lily passed away peacefully at Riverview Personal Care Home on March 15, 2012 just one month short of her 91st birthday. Lily is survived by her daughters Inga (Gary) Sheane and Zaiga Keleris (Bhoag Singh), son Al (Vivian) Pastars, three grandsons, Ian Sheane, Daniel Pastars, and Christopher (Cindy) Pastars, niece Daina (Randy) Soviak, nephew Gundars (Ursula) Reinfelds, grandnephew Carson Soviak, grandniece Kelsey (Paul) Martin, and great-grandniece Leah Martin. Lily is predeceased by her husband Armand, twin sister Venta Baumanis, and brother-in-law Chris Baumanis. Lily was born in Riga, Latvia on April 12, 1921 and grew up in Riga before leaving for Germany during the Second World War. She immigrated to Canada with her son Al in 1949 and settled in Winnipeg. Lily met Armand in Winnipeg and they married on December 24, 1956 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary before Armand's passing. Lily worked as a seamstress when she first came to Canada and continued with her sewing hobby well into her senior years. Lily enjoyed a wide range of activities from painting to hunting and fishing. Lily studied fine arts in Europe and was an accomplished artist participating in art clubs and juried art shows throughout all her life. She was still painting into her final years at Riverview. She was also an accomplished marks person often bagging the largest deer or heaviest goose on hunting trips with her husband and friends. Lily was an accurate shot and often beat the men in target and skeet shooting competitions. Lily was passionate about fishing and enjoyed many years doing so in the Whiteshell and Lac du Bonnet areas and for many years at their cottage at Lee River. She was awarded the Master Angler certificate in many categories over the years. While Lily enjoyed summer cottage life, first at Twin Lakes Beaches and later at Lee River, she also enjoyed many years at the winter retreat in Badger, Manitoba where she and Armand hosted many lively get togethers with family and friends. Lily was a member of the local Latvian Relief Society of Canada, Daugavas Vanagi, and participated in many of its functions and fundraising events. The family would like to thank the staff at Riverview for their dedicated care over the years Lily was a resident at this wonderful facility. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of her Life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lily's memory to Riverview Health Centre Foundation at One Morley Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3L 2P4. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 17, 2012