VIOLA SCHNEIDER (GROSS)

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VIOLA SCHNEIDER (nee GROSS) After a lengthy illness, Viola passed away on Wednesday April 17, 2013 at Betel Home, Selkirk, at the age of 92. Viola leaves to mourn Kenneth her husband of 69 years, her children: son Murray (Marlene) and their children Tracy and Lynley (Rob); daughter Carolyn Porhownik (Lawrence) and their children Cindy (Keven), Royden, Nancy (Gus) and Ken; son Paul (Vivian) and their children Christopher (Anita), Jennifer (Patrick), Janelle, and Stefan; daughter Angela Chuchmuch (Michael) and their children Kathryn, Elizabeth and Anna; and three great grandchildren (Kalli, William and David) Viola is also survived by her sisters; Violet Koch (her identical twin) of Stratford, Ontario, Edith Schneider of Stratford, Ontario, and Clara Jones of Neustadt, Ontario, sisters-in-law Betty Gross of Ottawa, Ontario and Kathleen Riehl of Stratford, brothers-in-law Stanley and Morris Schneider of Stratford, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Rev. George L. Gross (1970) and Amanda (1966), sisters Gladys Ropp (1993), Dorothy Zurbrigg (2011), Esther Karges (2011), and brothers Elmer (1989) and Gordon (2011). Mother was born on September 1, 1920 at Alsfeldt, Ontario. Mother often spoke of her fond memories of growing up in her family of nine as they lived in various locations throughout southern Ontario as children of the minister and his wife'. In 1943 she married Kenneth at Gadshill, Ontario, where they lived on the family farm. Then in 1956 moved to Manitoba, settling in Lockport. While raising her family, she over saw the daily operation of the family egg and poultry business for over twenty years. Following that, she worked at the Metropolitan store in Selkirk. Mother was a life-long member of the Little Britain United Church. For many years she was able to share her love of music as choir director, soloist and organist; she also assisted as lay leader, helped in Sunday school, was a member of UCW and served on the church board in various roles. Her fascination with the rich history of the Old Stone Church' led to the publication, in 1974, of a history of the congregation. In later years, with the family grown up, she became a member of the Selkirk Chapter #35 Order of the Eastern Star assisting with the music and eventually serving a year as Worthy Matron. Mother's greatest joy was her family. She was immensely proud of the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her most cherished moments were when her family would gather to celebrate birthdays and special occasions. Mother also expressed her love of family by researching, compiling and publishing a history of both the Gross and Schneider families. This was done with great effort, commitment and compassion during a time of declining health, and without the luxury of computer word processing and digital photography. Not one to be still, Mother always had a handwork project on the go. In earlier years she would be making clothes, quilting and knitting; later years spent countless hours doing needlepoint and crocheting. Throughout her life she loved people and no matter how busy things got, she always had time for a chat on the phone, or over coffee, with family, friends and neighbours. Her home was always open to guests from near and far, especially those from Ontario who could come west' for a visit. Special thanks to Betel Home Selkirk staff for their compassionate care consistently shown to our mother throughout the years she resided there. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 28 at 3:00 p.m. at Little Britain United Church. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations can be made in her name to Little Britain United Church, 5879 Hwy. #9, Lockport, MB R1A 2P7. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2013