Obituary of ALVINA HARTWIG

ALVINA HARTWIG Peacefully, in her sleep, Alvina passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at River Park Gardens Personal Care Home at the age of 92 years. Alvina was born on March 19, 1923 at Falkenburg, Germany to Friedrich and Ernestine Boggs. At the age of 3 years she was brought to Canada and settled with her family in Morris, MB. She spoke only German until 8 years of age and at the age of 13 started doing housework for farmers. She worked for several years in the kitchen and as chambermaid for hotels in St. Norbert and Morris. She then worked in Winnipeg decorating ornaments for 6-7 years until she was married. Alvina met Walter Hartwig of Emerson, MB whom she married when the war ended and upon his return to Canada after four years of service in the army in Europe. They farmed for a short period near Emerson then moved to Winnipeg where they worked and raised a family. Their first home was purchased in 1948 on Somerville Ave in Winnipeg. She helped Walter dig the basement, raise the house and pour a foundation by hand while also being pregnant with her first child and thereafter with two other children. They moved to Wildwood Park in 1960. Alvina worked at St. John’s Ravenscourt School for 22 years as a full time employee operating the canteen and supervising cleaning staff, retiring in 1982. She was active with Walter in the activities of the Fort Garry Legion as well as being a member of the Hope Lutheran Church. She was a very likeable person known for her hard work, keen sense of humour and extraordinary wisdom. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who cherished family ties. She continued to display her wit and humour even during her final days at the River Park Gardens Care Home as she often amazed and entertained the staff. The care and treatment she received there from the staff was extraordinary and much appreciated by her family. Alvina is predeceased by her parents; as well as her husband, Walter; brothers, Ed, Gottfried, Chris and Otto; and sisters, Augusta and Elsie. She is survived by her daughters, Beverley Podolsky (Rick) of Chilliwack, BC and Gloria Meier (Norman) of Winnipeg, MB; son Brian (Elaine) of Lockport, MB; grandchildren, Chris (Melinda) Podolsky, Donald (Nicole) Podolsky, Deanna Podolsky (partner Andrew Lamb), Jason (Suzanne) Hartwig, Michael (Holly) Hartwig, Jennifer (Scott) Ross, David Meier and Michelle (Clinton) Chester. She is also survived by twelve great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and Friend … you will be missed greatly, always loved and never forgotten.