 E. ELNA GRANT (nee CARLSON)
It is with some sadness that I have to
inform you of the death of my aunt, Elna Grant, in Pinawa Hospital, on
April 27, 2011 at 10:55 a.m.
Three months earlier feeling weak, and
having no energy, her friend Bea Stam had taken her to Emergency, where
the staff, with requisite understanding, immediately admitted her, and
took her into their care. At 89, these things happen. There was no pain,
no medication given - she was just tired.
So, what to do? Affairs in
order? She was a career path secretary, organized, sharp as a tack, now
at the end of her life. Elna would, of course, turn to Patty Drew. They
met at the plant 32 years ago ( we just clicked my aunt said) and had
remained steadfast friends ever since. While she lay in bed, Patty did
the legwork, making sure what needed to be done was done.
Elna was born
on January 2, 1922 at Winnipeg Beach to Emma Anderson and Carl Carlson.
She had two brothers, Anders and Bill, and one sister, Irene (my
mother). They grew up in St. James, and Elna graduated from St. James
Collegiate in 1938. She took post-secondary education and was soon
employed with the Provincial Government.
Elna was a very accomplished
and popular dancer. Jitterbug was her speciality, won many dance
contests, and the boys lined up to dance with her. She met her future
husband Ross at a dance in Winnipeg Beach. She and her girlfriends
regularly took the train up for some of the best times of their lives.
Ross graduated from the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Pharmacy on
March 16, 1948, and they married on August 7 that same year. They moved
to Souris in 1950 where Ross operated the drug store and Elna worked at
the Bank of Montreal. In 1970 they moved again, to Pinawa where they
bought the drug store and Elna started her career at Atomic Energy of
Canada Ltd.
A woman of many interests - sports, travel, art, books -
Elna's special gift was that of friendship, friends that last a
lifetime. Years after leaving Souris she would still return each summer
to renew the bonds she cherished. The people on Byng Crescent in Pinawa
adored her - a beloved honorary grandma to her friends' children and
grandchildren, engaged in the events in their lives.
On the morning of
her passing, Patty Drew and Lynn Patterson were with her by her side. A
bit of a scramble, but the last of her affairs had just been put in
order ( good it's done ). As she was slipping away, Patty asked her are
you afraid? to which Elna replied no...I am not afraid. . Half an
hour later she was gone. A death with dignity, and a passage into grace.
We will miss her - Graham
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It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Lou Howes, our wife, mother, and grandmother. She died peacefully on Thursday, May 26, 2011 after a 5 year battle with cancer.
