SELMA ENNS

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SELMA ENNS It is with sadness, but also gratitude that we announce the death of Selma, on Friday, December 7, 2018, at the Riverview Health Centre. Selma was born May 28, 1926 in Winnipeg and predeceased by her parents, Johann and Agathe Enns, her beloved husband of 62 years Dr. Peter Enns; brothers, Ernie, and Harry; sister Marlies; brother-in-law Horst; sisters-in-law, Vera and Martha. She is survived by her brothers, Sig, John, Henri and sisters-in-law, Irene and Marie; sons, Kurt (Gail), Philip (Christine); grandchildren, Ashley (Phil), Eva (David) and Brad (Lesley) and three great-grandchildren, Martin Nadeau, Oscar Taylor and Hunter Enns, in addition to many nieces and nephews. Selma was the third child in a family of seven, and she often reminisced of her early childhood living in the farming community of St. Elizabeth in poor conditions, describing having a dress made out of a potato sack. When Selma's father became the minister of the First Mennonite Church they moved to Winnipeg where she met her husband Peter, when assigned as partners in a debating club at the church. There they discovered their mutual love of poetry and music. Selma was a vibrant, passionate, elegant woman who loved reading, especially German literature, theater, singing and the arts. She was in the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir for many years and had a beautiful soprano voice. She also served as a docent at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. She loved acting and acted in a number of plays presented by the Mennonite Theatre Society. One of her favourite roles was as Blanche in the Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams. She was also known to be a unique storyteller and a colourful and creative cook where presentation was more important than taste. These characteristics influenced her style of home decorating with uniquely painted walls and signature Selma "touches" throughout. She was a dog lover and one of her favourites was her Samoyed "Trinka". Selma loved walking and bicycling. She would think nothing of walking from her home in East Kildonan to downtown Winnipeg and back in an afternoon and would often ride over the Redwood Bridge to West Kildonan Park and then return via the Peguis Bridge. Selma would not take offense to being described as eccentric and loved to wear fancy hats and flowing blouses as she rode her bike. She would tell the story of being on her bike prior to Halloween. At a stop sign a young boy pulled up beside her on his little bike. He took one look at her and asked, "What are you supposed to be?" She enjoyed laughing at herself and not taking life too seriously. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her, including her beloved "country" nieces and nephews, and her wonderful Dunvegan neighbours and friends. Thanks to her special caregiver Bonny Marshall, also the staff at Riverview who provided her with loving and compassionate care. Respecting Selma's wishes, there will be no funeral service. A private Celebration of Life will happen in the spring of 2019. Flowers are gratefully declined, and donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society, Siloam Mission or the charity of your choice. JOY, AS WINGED DREAMS, FLIES FAST. Oh, weep not moments now gone by, Since bliss like all things else must die; And even those thousand tears that fall, One past bright hour, can never recall. Joy, joy, as winged dreams, flies fast, Then why should sorrow longer last. In Author: Thomas Browne Browne 1838

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 15, 2018