Obituary of ELISABETH FRANK

ELISABETH FRANK On April 5, 2020, Elisabeth Frank (nee Hamrak) died peacefully in the Grace Hospital, Winnipeg, MB at the age of 91. She is survived by her only child Eric, sisters Charlotte, Irene and brother John, and predeceased by sisters Clara and Margarete. Elisabeth was born on March 11, 1929 in Svedlar, Slovakia to Josef and Klara. She lost her father during World War II, fled war-torn Slovakia to Austria, then immigrated to Canada as a refugee in 1949 with her oldest sister Clara…not a penny to her name, and not knowing a word of English, eager to carve out a new life in a new land with her incredible work ethic, emotional strength, and unwavering spiritual faith. Elisabeth was a gifted seamstress when she met Karl while attending English classes at Kelvin High School. They married and lived in the North End when Eric was born, moved briefly to Garden City, and then to Beausejour in 1961, where they bought a bowling alley and taxi service, and built their “legendary” soft ice cream stand the following year. She was also a meticulous organizer and tireless worker: “7 days a week for 22 years…with no holiday!”, she often proudly proclaimed. A magician around the kitchen, Elisabeth prepared countless epic feasts at Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. Still, as busy as she always was, she always had time to lend a helping hand or words of encouragement. After selling the business, home, and cottage in the late 1980s, Elisabeth and Karl retired to Winnipeg. Karl died in 2004, and mom’s macular degeneration worsened, so she sold her house and moved into a beautiful apartment overlooking the Red River and Redwood Bridge, where she enjoyed new friends and countless walks around the park. After being diagnosed with leukaemia at 81, Elisabeth underwent chemotherapy and multiple infusions to eventually win the battle against Cancer. Then, when her independence lessened, she moved next door to the Holy Family Home, where she lived almost three years before her passing. Elisabeth was one of a kind…she always saw the best in people, and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. Sincere thanks and gratitude are extended to staff on 2A Sacred Heart, Drs. Terry and Andrea Babick, Dr. James B. Johnston, and Dr. RIchard Leicht for their exceptional care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba.