EVA FLEURIE

Eva Fleurie (nee Zrobok), of 309 First St. E., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances at the age of 97 after a brief illness, with her grand-nephew, Michael Behan, and his wife, Cheryl, by her side.
Auntie was born in Kenora, Ont. on Dec. 24, 1913 and was the eldest child of Theodore (Fred) and Sennie Zrobok. She attended Mount Carmel, Kenora High School, and Normal School in North Bay, Ont.
Auntie spent her early years of teaching in the rural areas around Kenora, in places such as French Portage. She moved to Ottawa with her sister, Doris, to pursue a career in the Navy but ended up attending the University of Ottawa. Auntie then moved to Fort Frances to teach at Fort Frances High School, where she met her husband, Damase (Des), whom she married on June 25, 1952.
Auntie and Uncle spent 43 happy years together, travelling the world and spending their summers at their camp at Black Sturgeon Lake surrounded by her sisters and brothers.
Des predeceased Eva on Oct. 26, 1995.
Family was of great importance to Eva and Des. Although they had no children of their own, their numerous nieces and nephews were a constant source of joy, treating them as if they were their own.
Her faith and the church were the centre of Auntie’s life. She was an active participant in St. Mary’s Parish, a lifetime member and past president of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada, and held many other offices, both in her own parish and provincially.
She also was actively involved with the hospital auxiliary at La Verendrye Hospital, serving as president. She also served on the local library board, was a member of the seniors’ centre, and was a member of the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame with Des.
Auntie’s life was full of activity. She was an avid bridge player, sports fan, and opera and Border Concert attendee. One of her favourite pastimes was her many trips to various casinos. She was lucky not only at the casino, but also won many prizes at teas and bazaars, and also won a trip to Spain, which she fully enjoyed at the tender age of 89.
Eva is survived by her brother-in-law, John Rankin; sisters-in-law, Bertha Zroback and Rita Fleurie; and her many nieces and nephews.
She also will be greatly missed by her dear friends, Leanne and Bob Cromptom, Marie Bock, and Margaret Haley.
Eva was predeceased by her parents, Sennie and Fred Zrobok; brothers, Alec (Dorothy) Zroback, Peter (Mary) Zroback, and Nestor Zroback; and sisters, Theodora (James) Isaac, Mary (Steven) Romano, Lina Rankin, Adeline (Peter) Hoshwa, and Jo-Ann Zrobok.
She also was predeceased by Des’s brothers, Gerald, Lawrence, and Sylvester, and sisters, Mary, Bernadette, Celine, and Julia.
Prayers were held Monday, Feb. 14, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Fort Frances, with Fr. Jose Edessary officiating.
Interment followed in Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Frances.
The pallbearers were Michael Behan, Randy Wood, Jared Stockham, Bob Reid, Jesse Zroback, and Bob Cromptom.
The honourary pallbearers were Ron Bernardi and all of Eva’s nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, St. Mary’s Church, La Verendrye Hospital, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com