Obituary: Lena Kelm

“ADELINE (LENA) KELM (nee DRAILICH) June 30, 1920 – August 5, 2004

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our cherished mother, Lena, in the early morning of August 5, 2004 at the Grace General Hospital, after a courageous, lengthy battle with the complications of sugar diabetes. She was surrounded by the love and prayers of her children and the spirit of many friends. Her faith in God sustained her as she began her next journey. Lenas memory will be lovingly cherished by her children: Joyce Hamonic, Headingley; Ernie Kelm, Ottawa; Bettiann Kelm (Barry Baker), Calgary; her grandsons: Jeff (Catherine) Kelm, Ottawa; Greg Kelm, Quebec City; and their mother, Yvette Kelm, Regina. She was predeceased by her son Ken (1984) her husband, Edward (1986) and her special “son”-in-law Maurice, just three weeks ago. She was the sixth child of Bertha and Gustave Drailich. Lena was predeceased by her parents and her sisters, Pauline Olga Drailich and Lillian Nealy and her brothers, Alfred, Herbert, Arnold, Ernest, Harry as well as two brothers in infancy. She is survived by sisters-in-law, Hilda and Lyla Kelm, Helen Drylick and Madeline Dreilick; and brother-in-law Dan Kelm. Lena was born in Camper, MB on June 30, 1920. Lena spent her youth in Camper. We were regaled with her spirited tales of homestead life – “poor, but happy times” – the one-room school house, Christmas concerts, chores on the farm, country dances and lively house parties, all intertwined with warm memories of her family and life-long friendships. Lena married Edward Kelm in the Camper Lutheran Church on January 31, 1942. Lena and Ed began their 44 year marriage on a mixed farm near Marquette, MB where their four children were born. In 1958 the family moved to Winnipeg. Here Lena began a 20 year working career with Canada Packers and Manitoba Dairy and Poultry. Lena and Ed built the family home in 1960. Lena resided here until 2003. Our home was the centre of lively gatherings for family and friends. Visitors were always welcome and the coffee pot was always on. Lena was an independent, creative, resourceful woman with a deep inner strength. She sewed, knitted, embroidered, crocheted, gardened, cooked, baked, canned and was handy with a paint brush, saw and hammer. Lena loved to travel and visit family and friends. She enjoyed trips within Canada, to Hawaii, Barbados and Europe. Lena was a member of the First English Lutheran Church. Here she made special, supportive friends with whom she enjoyed many years of socializing. Lena has left us with a legacy of inner strength, perseverance, warmth and love. Her memory and teachings will guide us and will live on in our hearts forever. “She whom we love and lose is no longer where she was before. She is now wherever we are.” St. John Chrysostom Funeral Liturgy and interment will be held on Monday, August 9 at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. with Pastor W. Lehman officiating.”

From: “ADELINE (LENA) KELM (DRAILICH).” Winnipeg Free Press, 08 Aug 2004. Retrieved 20 Sep 2020, https://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-87898/Kelm_Adeline