Obituary Overview
Erma Maud Hotchkiss
It is with
sadness and heavy hearts that we the family announce the sudden but peaceful
passing of our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Aunt & dear friend to all. Erma
passed at the age of 93 years on Monday evening October 8, 2018 at the Parkview
Place in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Erma had
just finished her dinner on a day of Thanksgiving and wanted to rest. Erma
passed quietly and peacefully into the hands of god and eternal rest and peace.
Erma was
born October 19, 1924 in Winnipeg , Manitoba . She was predeceased by her husband,
Jim, of 51 years, Father, Royal Newby Easton, Mother, Myrtle Maud, sister,
Myrla Ruth Wild (Ralph) & brother, Harry ( Florence).
Erma will be dearly missed by her children Janice (Randy Franchuk) of Kenora,
Ont. and son Wayne (Charlene Threatful) of Calgary, AB . Her greatest honor was being “Grandma Erma”
to her cherished granddaughters Brittany Franchuk (Kenny Burns) of Sudbury, On.,
Grace Hotchkiss and Lauren Hotchkiss of Calgary, AB. Erma’s wonderful
disposition, warmth, care and personality made her a favorite “Aunty Erma” to
family, extended family and friends far and wide.
Erma had a
wonderful adventure of a life . Her independence and zest for life, family, friends
and especially children took her far and wide and touched many lives . Erma was
raised in Winnipeg in the family home at 108 Lipton St. which was the
foundation for Erma’s solid upbringing of family, faith, music and adventure.
Erma’s
father, Roy Easton, was an early settler at what is now our family cottage of
86 years at Gull Lake, Manitoba. Erma and her sister Myrla spent every summer
of their youth growing up at Gull Lake and eventually raised their own families
there.
Erma
graduated from Gordon Bell High School and trained as a nurse. Her ambition and
a job offer from Cominco/Sullivan Mine took her west to Kimberley, BC. Erma met her husband Jim in Kimberly, BC and
began to build a life that took them to Vancouver, BC . After Jim graduated
from UBC as a P.Eng. they moved to Edmonton, AB and began a family. In 1960 ,
Jim accepted a job in Winnipeg and they began their life in River Heights at
the family home at 706 Beaverbrook St.
Erma was a
tireless volunteer and supportive parent to many kids at Sir John Franklin
Community Club in both hockey and soccer. Many days were spent putting entire
teams into her old Pontiac and driving to community clubs around the city. Erma
always made sure kids were safe and had a Dutch Maid ice cream cone after every
soccer game !
Erma was a
lifelong member of the congregation at Westworth United Church. Her United
Church Women’s group was one of the longest serving UCW groups that Erma was a
proud and supportive member of.
Erma was
very talented musically, she played the piano her entire life and loved to sing
both in the choir at Westworth United but more importantly lullaby’s and songs
to babies, children and any audience she could entertain.
Perhaps one
of Erma’s greatest life experiences was moving to Singapore for a year in 1984
with her husband Jim. Erma loved her time in Asia and it impacted her life in
so many positive ways. She made many new life friends and embraced the culture.
Every happy hour toast thereafter started with the Chinese term Yan Sang
(caring for mankind) !
Erma
volunteered and was an active member of the committees that ran the Engineers
Wives and Gull Lake Ratepayers Assoc. Erma was an active, compassionate
caregiver / volunteer at Tuxedo Villa
& Lions Manor as well as volunteer usher for Manitoba Theatre Centre.
The family
would like to thank the staff at Parkview Place and the “angels from heaven “
who cared for Erma in her last year . Special thanks to Georgie !
Erma was a
great lady who instilled so many great qualities in her children ,
grandchildren and extended family . She created a home/cottage that always had
an open door, warm meal and comfort to all . Erma instilled the magic and
spirit of Christmas in all of us and taught us the importance of family and
staying in touch .
A
celebration of life is planned for July 2019 lakefront at 188 Sherwood St. Gull
Lake North Shore , a place that Erma
called “paradise “ a place so deeply loved and has created a lifetime of
family memories.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimers Society.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Erma Maud Hotchkiss 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba
