Marie Elaine Summers

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Stacie (Ryan) Faucher, her grandchildren Nicholas and Amanda, her brother Ken (Sandra) Huyghe (Calgary), nephews Evan, Luke, and Curtis, and many cousins and friends.

Elaine was predeceased by her parents Maurice and Agnes Huyghe.

Mom was born in Winnipeg on November 2, 1942. She attended St. Ignatius and St. Mary’s Academy, graduating with a scholarship in chemistry. Mom earned her teaching certificate and taught elementary school for a short time before beginning her career at Manitoba Telephone System (MTS). She remained at MTS for almost 40 years, retiring in 1998. Mom was an active member of St. Vital Parish and a past president of the Catholic Women’s League.

She was a proud Belgian, both volunteering and acting as an Adult Ambassador at the Belgian Pavilion during Folklorama. She loved regaling her grandchildren with stories of her parents’ and grandparents’ experiences in Belgium, and loved teaching them Flemish words. Mom’s youthful attitude made her a special grandmother who loved Tinkertown, the zoo, water parks, trips to BDI, card games, gardening and the yearly vehicle tour of Christmas lights.

Mom was a voracious reader and our family historian. Her remarkable memory made her nearly impossible to beat in trivia games. Mom had a quick wit, enjoyed a good joke and was an amazing storyteller.

Prayers will be held Thursday, September 13, at 7:30 pm at Thomson in the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd.

Funeral Mass will be held Friday, September 14, at 11:00 am at St. Vital Catholic Church, 1629 Pembina Hwy.

Special thanks to Shelley, Linda and all the amazing caring staff of Cornish 5 at Misericordia Health Centre.

If friends so desire, donations may be made in Elaine’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 1379 Kenaston Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R3P 0Y4.

Thank you, Mom, for all the laughter and fun, for the advice and kind words, for being our best friend, for everything. You were always there when we needed you, as a source of comfort in the hard times and to help celebrate the good times. You were a wonderful mother and grandmother and you will be greatly missed. We love you.

“A mom’s hug lasts long after she lets go.”

(Author unknown)