Mary Ellen Holmes

Mary Ellen Holmes (nee Knott)

     Suddenly on January 16, 2021, Mary Holmes passed away at Lions Prairie Manor in Potage la Prairie, MB at the age of 87 years.

     Predeceased by her husband Orval Holmes in 1993, parents Edward (Tootie) and Ellen (Ellie) Knott, in- laws Henry and Janet Holmes, brothers and sisters-in-law; William (Buck) and Marion Knott, Edward and Annie Knott, brothers-in-law Elliot Schneider, Gib Berard; sister-in-law Diana Knott, sister-in-law Gertie and brother-in-law Ray Johnston and niece Cheryl Vincent. Brothers-in-law; Ken Holmes and Gord Holmes, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Albert and Marion Caister.

     Left to cherish her memory are her children and their spouses; Les (Sheila) Knott, Dave (Brenda) Holmes, Charlene (Darren) Durdle, and grandchildren; Tammy (Travis) Pierrepont, Chris Knott, Andrew Holmes, Jarrett (Michelle) Holmes, Tyler Durdle (Robyn), Cody Durdle (Sophie), great grandchildren; Bauer, Ashlen, Jackson and Molly.  Brothers; Rod (Millie), Roy (Betty), John (Barb), Robert, Ken (Lindy). Sisters; Hazel, Sharon, Edith and many special nieces, nephews, and other lifelong friends and extended family.

     Mary was born in Portage la Prairie on October 9th, 1933 and raised on the Knott family farm south of Portage. She received her education at the Northridge School. She met the love of her life Orval, and they were married in July of 1963.

Mom was humble and worked hard each and every day until her retirement in 1999, including many years with the Portage la Prairie School Division. 

     In her younger years Mom found great enjoyment and took pride in growing her garden, and reaping the rewards to share and enjoy with family and friends.  Mom loved cooking, and sharing her especially famous homemade perogies, cabbage rolls, and donuts with her family and friends.  She knew we all waited for more, so she just kept making them for us all.  Mom had a wonderful, quiet sense of humour and a quick wit, which we will all miss.

     Mom always cherished her daily visits over many years with her very special friend and neighbor, Faye.  Mom’s greatest joy came from any and all opportunities to spend special occasions, and even short visits, with members of her very large family, her children, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends.  And when visits didn’t happen, we could always count on a daily phone call from her just to check in and ask what we were up to.

     In her later years, Mom still loved and fought every day to keep her independence.  She never complained and whenever we asked how she was doing, she would simply reply “I’m doing ok”.  She was a trooper until her last day, and will always be an inspiration to each of her children. She will certainly leave an empty void in each of our hearts.

And now you rest Mom!

     The family would like to extend thanks to all staff at the Lions Prairie Manor with a special thank you to Lynne, Jackie, Judy and Rhonda for your care and compassion to mom in these past days and months.

     In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of MB, 1379 Kenaston Blvd., Winnipeg, MB  R3P 2T5 or Central Plains Cancer Services, 318 Sask. Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB   R1N 0K8. 

     Due to Covid 19 restrictions Mary’s family will celebrate her life privately.  Interment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. 

Messages of condolences can be made online at www.omegafuneralhome.com.

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