ELIZABETH JOSEPHINE DUMA

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ELIZABETH JOSEPHINE DUMA (nee OLENSKY) 1924 - 2014 Suddenly, while visiting family in Coquitlam, BC, Elizabeth (Betty) passed away on December 24, 2014. Survived by her children Valerie (Peter Spira) Theresa (Marcel Jean), Rosemary, John (Rosemarie David) and Marietta Brudy (Saul). Grandchildren James Sanders (Barbara), Marta and Nicolas Spira, Stefan Melnychenko, Alexsei Melnychenko and Brenden Jean, Roxanne, Patrick and Annick Duma, Cindel (Lee Mitchell), Caitlin, Taryn, Tristen, Keanna and Dayln Brudy. Great- grandchildren Jack and Katie Bale, Max Sanders and Molly Elizabeth Mitchell. Also survived by brothers Wally (Nancy), John (Eileen) and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her beloved husband Frank in 1982, parents John and Mary Olensky, brother Harry (Jean), granddaughter Jennifer Sanders and beloved mother-in-law, Julia Kaplinski. Mom grew up in the Point Douglas area in Winnipeg and had many happy memories of school and friendships. When she married Frank in 1945, they worked together to develop their general contracting business with Betty serving as Secretary of Duma Builders Ltd. Frank and Betty attended many house builder conventions and were proud of the homes that were built. They enjoyed family trips, travelling in Canada and the United States, and also made trips to Australia and many countries in Europe and South America. They also made a memorable trip to the Holy Land. Mom was a devout Catholic and a longtime parishioner of St. Alphonsus Church. In 2008, she received her 50 year CWL pin. Three daughters attended St. Mary's Academy and Mom attended events throughout the years including the Annual Tea last September. Mom loved singing and music and made sure that each child was introduced to music lessons. She was interested in the arts and enjoyed concerts and movies. She and Frank enjoyed dancing at weddings and experiencing the entertainment and food at the various pavilions at Folklorama. Many summers were spent at Camp Morton where Mom organized activities for children including baseball games. Later on, time was spent at West Hawk Lake being playful with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom made frequent visits to Vancouver to visit her family there attending their special events. She was excited about visiting Expo 86 and dancing in the stands as part of the 2010 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony. Mom had a zest for life and made an unforgettable impression on everyone she met. She had a wonderful smile and a vibrant fashion sense. She was famous for her storytelling including colourful details. Reading the newspaper to keep up to date on current affairs and reading biographies of interesting people were her daily pleasures. Mom was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. She was generous with her time and resources. Mom attended many recitals, festivals and birthday events. Photos of the family were very important to her and a way of connecting with the family and their activities. Mom viewed the world with the enthusiasm and joy of a child and delighted in learning and discovering new things. This was the gift she gave to her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren and one we will pass on to the generations to come. In September, we celebrated Mom's 90th birthday with many family and friends attending. Mom received a Papal Blessing in honour of this achievement. Many tributes were given in stories and songs concluding with Mom leading all of us in touching our toes, quite a skill at her age. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Gianna's Church, 15 Columbia Drive, Winnipeg, at the corner of McGillivray Boulevard and Columbia. Thank you to the staff and residents at Lindenwood Terrace where Mom resided happily for over seven years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place and a private entombment will take place at Assumption Cemetery. A mother is she who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take. Rest in peace, Mom. Now you are free to dance in Heaven with your beloved Frank. We will miss sharing our stories with you.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2015