August 26, 1923 ~ March 10, 2023
Peacefully, at the age of 99, Ella Klepatz passed away at Action Marguerite Health Centre on Friday, March 10, 2023.
Ella was predeceased by her husband Alex of 53 years; infant daughter Delores; and son Dennis and daughter-in-law Lynda.
Ella was predeceased by her siblings and their spouses: Alex, Wanda, Otto (Hildegarde), Albert, Richard (Kathleen), Olga, Art (Margaret), Hulda (Jack), Roy (Pauline), Hertha (Jim), and Charlie (Iris) .
Ella is survived by her daughter Brenda (Arnie); her grandchildren, Jacqueline, Darren, Laurie (Craig) and their mother Maggie Klepatz, Beth, Ainslie (Dale), Lindsey (Keith), Brittany (Anthony), Kimberly and Imelda (Michael); great-grandchildren, Alexander, Morgan (Joe) and Noah, Ty (Larissa) and Cayden, Kennie, Jasmin, Brianna, Grace, Ava, Wyatt, Judah and Hailey; great-great grandson, Mason and great-great granddaughter, Violet.
Mom was born in River Hills in 1923, the second youngest of her siblings, so she was in her 100th year at the time of her passing! She attended River Hills school, and reached the grade 8 level.
One thing that was constant in Mom’s life was a spirit of joy and caring about others. That was reflected when company came and in her accordian playing! As a teenager, she was allowed to accompany her brother Art when he played his accordian at the barn dances, and he got her to fill in when he took a break to have a few dances himself!
After Mom and Dad married in 1941, they stayed with Granny and Grandpa Klepatz while their house was being finished, and helped on the farm. She spoke of “dad on the binder, and me on the Oliver 90”!
Mom’s life revolved around holding down the fort while dad was away working for long periods at a time. She loved planting and growing, so her garden was always big and abundant! That is how her heart could be described as well! She was involved in the church; singing in the choir, making quilts and layettes for the missions, helping to cook for weddings. She sewed and mended, cooked and baked, and also kept her hands busy with crocheting and knitting. Many of us treasure her gifts of afghans with the “zig zag” pattern, mittens, sweaters, cushions, etc. She enjoyed being creative and her box social entries were always a hit! Her beautiful chiffon cakes (with 7 minute frosting) were well known and much enjoyed!
Several of Mom’s brothers played the accordian, so family gatherings always included much wonderful music, singing and often dancing! And she influenced my brother Dennis and I to play the accordian as well, the sounds of which often brought feelings of joy… and sometimes reflection and comfort.
After Dad purchased a house trailer, our summer holidays were spent at Dad’s jobsite and Mom filled that trailer (and those surrounding) with wonderful aromas! She and I picked blueberries off the highway and what we didn’t eat fresh with cream, she made into delicious muffins, cakes and perogies! When dad came home for the winter, they (along with Dennis) made homemade smoked sausage and sauerkraut.
Mom’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her delight and her smiling face appeared in the window as any of us pulled up in the driveway, meeting us at the door and after warm hugs, getting food in front of us. And when we were leaving, she was again at the window, smiling and blowing kisses.
After Dad retired, he and Dennis built Mom a little greenhouse, much to her delight! Because her yard was always beautifully decorated with flowers and the greenhouse was visible from the road, people stopped and asked if she was selling plants. Dennis encouraged her to do that, and the following year, with the greenhouse now enlarged, she began her little business. Other retired couples would often come together – the husband would visit with my dad in the garage ( as he was well known for fixing things), sometimes bringing something for dad to fix. The wife would get plants from Mom, never leaving without feeling uplifted and encouraged!
When Mom began showing signs of dementia, she was fortunate to enter care at Tache Centre (now Action Marguerite) in St. Boniface. Mom did not conform to “assumed” nursing home style of life, but became a source of joy and laughter there! When I visited, our polka dancing in her room (with or without music) would often spill out into the hallway, much to the delight of the staff and other residents! ( After her passing, several long time nursing staff remarked about their memories of that and how much they were blessed by it)! She was always up for a laugh, even when she could no longer form her words. Mom loved when I brought the accordian, and it was amazing how words would come again when the old favorites were played! As the dementia progressed, there were difficult days too, and yet who she was never totally dissappeared. Sometimes communication took place with her sounds or mischieviously raised eyebrows, somehow letting us know that inwardly, she was also still with us . And when she could no longer speak, she danced until she could no longer walk and we saw expression in those eyebrows until the very last day.
During the last few days prior to her passing, she was surrounded by accordian music and old hymns sung by choirs from our phones or tablet near her ear. Even at the time of her passing, she was cuddled and prayed over – such a gift of grace to us!
The staff will all miss her, as will all of us who were fortunate to be so fiercely loved by her !
Mom, you are now living the incredible life in which you placed your hope, with the Lord whom you loved, and surrounded once again by those whom you have loved and who have gone before you. There is no doubt that heaven is an even more joyous place, now that you are there!
Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, in River Hills, Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 1:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church.
http://www.soberingfuneralchapel.com
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Sandy Barrie
Sincere condolences to your family. Our thoughts are
with the family at this time.
Brenda Klymchuk
Thank you Sandy….
Nadine Welz
What a wonderful lady to have had as a part of our lives. So many wonderful memories to draw on. So glad to read she went on to be with her Family, all of Her Siblings, and Friends, in a Peaceful way. I’m sure our Mom, as well as so many Others that have gone before Aunty Ella, were very happy to greet Her. She has been, and will be, lovingly thought of often and missed so very much. She is on her way to her new destination. “Home”.
Rest in Peace.
Nadine Welz, Angie Garton, and our Families.
Brenda Klymchuk
Thank you Nadine, for your beautiful words about Mom. She has left us with a legacy of good memories and I am thankful that she is re-united with your mom and all of her siblings!
Thank you Angie as well, and to both your families. xoxo
Dennis & Rosalie
Brenda and family, and Maggie and family… our deepest condolences to you all … What a lovely picture of Auntie Ella…. Love Dennis & Rosalie
Brenda Klymchuk
Thank you Rosalie and Dennis, and so glad she got to share her life and her love with you…. xoxo
Lillian Mabon
Brenda and family.
May all the memories carry you through this difficult time. Moms are precious.. Rest in peace Ella.
Brenda Klymchuk
Thank you Lillian for your kind words and wishes. Mom’s are precious indeed – she was certainly very precious to us! xoxo
Erica Pommer
To Brenda and all the family – My sympathy in the loss of your Mother and Grandmother . I have known Ella all my married life. I can still see her coming walking to church as I was walking to church also. We met at the crossroads and walked the rest of the way to church together. We had many a cup of tea together at her place. Ella was also one of our group of the Golden Girls and we had many good times together there.
. . .
My Deepest Sympathy as well to the whole family. May your many happy memories carry you thru this difficult time. Sincerely, Karen Pommer
Brenda Klymchuk
Mrs. Pommer – how wonderful to read your memories of Mom…..thank you for sharing them! I also remember those things, and it’s nice to recall them with you.
Thanks to both you and Karen for your kind wishes for us. xoxo
Ginette Abraham
Dear Brenda:
As you know well, I have a soft spot in my heart for your lovely mom. It was truly an honour for me to get to know her and I am so glad that I did. She will live on in my heart. Blessings to you and your family.
Brenda Klymchuk
Thank you Ginette, for your kind words – they mean a lot to me and would have to Mom as well. It’s very special and encouraging to know that a staff member could grow so close to Mom. I remember her feeling very comfortable with you because you felt like a family member to her! Thank you for your kindness to us, for providing the screen visits from the nursing home when we couldn’t see each other personally. Thank you for giving her kisses and hugs and reminding her that she was loved when she had an episode that required palliative care. All of your warmth and support will never be forgotten! I hope that you are enjoying your well deserved retirement… xoxo
Lorne and Debbie Robson
Our deepest sympathies go out to Brenda (Arnie) and all the family on the loss of your Mom. She sounded like a real firecracker. Always busy and enjoying life. Wonderful memories to carry with you.
Darlene Junghans
Brenda, Arnie, Maggie and families
My deepest sympathy to you. I remember your mom as a lady who was always smiling and offering us food when I came to your home. Knowing that now she’s truly home and waiting for you.
Brenda Klymchuk
How good to hear from you Darlene ! Your kind words and memories are much appreciated ! She is truly home indeed…. that is our comfort and assurance! Hope all is well with you and family…
Elaine, Eddy, Jennifer, and all the boys.
We all remember Auntie Ella as a happy person who had a zest for life, She had a smile for everyone and a kind word when needed when someone was down. May she rest in peace and join the rest of her family as they watch over us and if we listen closely we can hear her singing with the angels.
Brenda Klymchuk
Thank you Elaine, Eddy, Jennifer and boys, for sharing your memories. Hearing them truly blesses us, as we recall her wonderful personality. Yes, I’m sure there is much music in heaven, and no doubt, she will be delighted and involved!
Erika Dalke
Brenda and family
Sorry to
Hear about the passing of your mom. She was a wonderful person. My mom and Ibwould often take a drive and visit her in the summer.
Erika Dalke( your childhood buddy)
Brenda Klymchuk
So good to hear from you Erika – you come to mind every now and then and I wonder how you are doing. I so appreciate you sharing your memories of her – she has left a legacy of joy and memories! Hope all is well with you and family…
Darlene Beeskau-Reimer
Dear Brenda and family,
Deepest sympathy to each of you on the loss of your mother and grandmother. My family and your family lived across the road from each other in River Hills for many years. our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Darlene Beeskau-Reimer
Brenda Klymchuk
Thank you Darlene. I remember your lovely white house well, and your sweet parents. It was a great place to grow up! Your thoughts and prayers for us are much appreciated!
Connie & Jim McDonald
Brenda, Maggie and family. Aunty Ella made the best popcorn balls and she always treated us with extra at Halloween. I also remember her coming to the farm with some of the other aunts and making cabbage rolls and quilting. She had the most heart warming smiling and gentle caring nature. She is in heaven now with the rest of her family. She will never be forgotten. Love Jim & Connie and family
Brenda Klymchuk
Thank you Connie and Jim – your comments and memories of Mom are much appreciated and treasured! I am very thankful that she can be reunited with those she loved so much – a wonderful hope and comfort!
Marlene (Schindel) Kerr
Dear Brenda and family, our deepest condolences on the loss of your Mom. I remember a truly beautiful woman, inside and out. So much fun, always a smile. I remember her telling my Mom and Dad , look after my Alex, when he stayed with us In Winnipeg, don’t let him have too much schnapps. May she Rest In Peace and continue with her heavenly journey.
Brenda Klymchuk
Thank you Marlene – how nice to hear from you! And thank you for sharing your memories – I can see her making the comment about the schnapps – always ready to share a laugh! Your wishes are much appreciated! Hope all is well with you and family.
Margit MacCharles
To Mrs. Klepatz’s family I extend my most sincere sympathy. I remember the family from the days I resided in River Hills as a young girl. Mrs. Klepatz was always kind and friendly and my family held her in very high esteem. She and her family always made us feel welcome in Canada. Cherish and treasure your memories.
Margit MacCharles (nee Kunz)
The Pas, MB & Arizona
Brenda Klymchuk
Thank you Margit. My memories of your family are not vivid, but I do remember Mr. and Mrs. Kuntz. How nice to hear from you and appreciate you offering your memories and kind comments – they are much appreciated! We will for certain, cherish our memories made with Mom – she has left us a legacy of memories that are filled with love and joy!