Alvina Edna Halwas

Alvina Edna Halwas of Russell, MB, passed away September 15, 2022 at the Russell Personal Care Home at the age of 100 years and 3 months, less 1 day.

Alvina, known as Winnie, was born June 16, 1922, born at home on the farm in the RM of Boulton.  She had 2 sisters of which she was the eldest.  Winnie attended Lockerby School for 5 years.  She was baptized and confirmed in Freefield Bethany Lutheran Church.

Winnie grew up on the farm and worked hand in hand with her parents learning household, gardening and cooking skills.  She married Herman Halwas on June 21, 1940.  They made their life together farming for 22 years until Herman's sudden passing on April 27, 1962.  She continued living on the farm helping her sons until she moved to Inglis, MB in 1984.

Winnie was very active in her church life, also did a lot of volunteering in community activities.  She continued to grow a garden, preserving her    produce and tending to flower beds until she moved to Russell Banner County Court in 2011.  She never went anywhere with an empty hand and always had cookies, buns, cinnamon buns ready to give away to family.  Over the years she knitted, quilted, crocheted and the family have many precious handmade items.  She was fortunate enough to travel at an older age to Europe, Australia, Alaska, Hawaii, Florida and throughout Canada.  We all knew Winnie was a walker and she made it part of her daily routine.

With failing health in 2014, she moved to the Personal Care Home in Birtle and then was able to move back to Russell Personal Care for the remainder of her life.

Her faith and daily devotions were very important to her believing that:

I am the resurrection and the life says the Lord.

"He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die." (John 11:25-26)

Winnie was predeceased by her husband Herman; her parents Alexander & Willhamina Steiler; Grandson - in - laws Grant Andrews, Brock Ferguson; Son - in - law Tom Bauereiss; Great Grandson Wyatt Bauereiss; Sisters Alfrieda McKane, Esther Marsh.

Surviving are her children; Iris (Derek) Bezo, Richard (Florence) Halwas, Gerald (Sonya) Halwas, Betty Bauereiss, Linda (Gerald) Jendrasheske, Debbie (Fred) Dunn; 13 Grandchildren; 14 Great Grandchildren; 6 Great-Great Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

 The family of the late Alvina (Winnie) Halwas would like to thank everyone for the many expressions of sympathy and prayers at this time, on the passing of our Mom, Granny, Great Granny & Great Great Granny.

 Thank you to Pastor Guggenmos for his prayers and the service for a life well lived.

To the Pallbearers, Brett Bauereiss, Carmen Bauereiss, Ann Melnichuk, Jennifer Kowalchuk, Joe Wishart, Shaun Dunn, a big Thank you for carrying Granny to her final resting place.

 Thank you, Sara Halwas for reading the Obituary and Dawn Wishart and Sacha Dunn, for sharing some special memories of Granny.

 Thank You Marta, for the delicious lunch where we, the family and community, gathered for a time of fellowship and remembering.

To Cut & Dried Russell Flowers, the arrangements were beautiful, many thanks to you.

 A heartfelt Thank You to the Doctors, Nurses and staff at Russell Personal Care Home for the excellent care mom, Winnie, received over the years.

 Thanks also to Braendle-Bruce Funeral Service for taking care of the arrangements.

 Thank You from The Winnie Halwas Family