Elsie Ann Duma

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Mother Elsie Ann Duma (nee Catena). Elsie passed away peacefully in her sleep May 10, 2025, at the age of 99.

Elsie was born on Feb 21st, 1926, in Fort William to parents Dominic and Assunta Catena. Elsie was predeceased by her parents, brothers Mario (Yolanda), Ronnie, Sisters Eda (Arnold), Mary (Jack), sister-in-law Joan.

In 1947 Elsie moved with her family to Toronto and it was there where she met the love of her life Tony Duma. They met at a dance hall called “The Hole in the Wall”. From then on, they were inseparable and married two years later, on May 28th, 1949. Mom and Dad would have celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary last month.

While in Toronto Elsie worked for the Loveable Bra Factory as the floor manager, overseeing 30 seamstresses where she made many friends. They started their family in Toronto but moved the family to Winnipeg in 1960.

Elsie, lovingly known as “Nana” to her many grandchildren and great grandchildren, was a very kind, caring and welcoming person. Visiting Elsie meant sharing a meal together, typically her world-famous pasta and meatballs and baked goods for the grandkids. Elsie was an accomplished bowler with multiple trophies to show for it. She also enjoyed gardening and continued it into her nineties. We, along with their neighbors, all benefited by receiving tomatoes and other garden vegetables. Elsie loved to play bingo, including her many trips to the casino. She was always very lucky winning many big pots. We teased her when she would go to the casino saying that she was going to work. Mom really liked the outdoors, Elsie and Tony spent many summer weekends patrolling the shores of Brereton Lake searching for the days catch. They traveled coast to coast including many annual trips to visit family in Toronto and even a trip to Italy to visit relatives.

She leaves behind to mourn her brother Rolly, Husband Tony, Children James (Deborah), Anthony (Sandra), Dawna (Gary), Janet (Ron), Ray (Sonia), 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Mom (Nana) Was one of a kind. You will be dearly missed by all.

We love you, Rest in Peace Mom (Nana).

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Thursday, June 12th at Green Acres Funeral Home at Highway 1 East at Navin Road at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow.