Tribute

Long time Oliver resident, Elizabeth Minns was suddenly taken from us on Wednesday, January 27th. Elizabeth was born in Transylvania, Hungary. While her parents immigrated to Canada in 1924, it would be five years later when Elizabeth joined them. The family started out in Rutland, B.C. and then settled in the Oliver area. Elizabeth was employed for many years at the Oliver Sawmill Office and the Oliver Co-op Packing house until her retirement in 1979. She started a new career that spanned from 1980 to 1990 writing a weekly column for the Oliver Chronicle.

Elizabeth was involved in numerous board positions and charities over the years and was a spirited community supporter for the growth and development of Oliver. She was well known for her caring and giving nature. She took on each new cause or interest with passion and conviction to see it through. She was also responsible for helping many relatives in Europe over the years as well as any worthy family cause or trip to which she could contribute. She was instrumental in bridging the gap between relatives in Canada and Europe and introducing them to the Canadian way of life.

Elizabeth was an active member of the Canadian Red Cross during World War II – participating in fundraising, canning peaches and making jam to be shipped overseas to the soldiers, as well as sewing and knitting for them.

Meals on wheels were fortunate to have Elizabeth as one of their delivery drivers. She referred to herself as “a mother bird taking food to her fledglings”.

Elizabeth’s famous “Wasp Nest” recipe won her “Readers Recipe of the Month” in B.C. Woman to Woman Magazine and $50 prize money.

In 1957, Elizabeth met and married John Kangyal and found she had gained a large extended family, as well as a husband. In particular she adored and was close to her new sister-in-law, Julia Matiz, who predeceased her in 1989. Elizabeth is survived by Julia’s daughter, Jolane Hoornaert of Kelowna, and Jolane’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who all considered Elizabeth as their own family. She is also survived by
Relatives in the White Rock and Vancouver area.

In 1988 at the age of 74, she embarked on a new challenge and published a cookbook, called “Two Homelands Two Kitchens” – the cookbook with a difference. She was thrilled to be able to preserve John’s best recipes in ”John’s Corner” in the book by shadowing him with her pencil and notebook. John predeceased her in 1991.

Elizabeth wrote a column for the Oliver Chronicle for ten years and in 2006, at the age of 91 published a second book with her collection of articles entitled “Don’s Chronicle” which she dedicated to the Editor-in-Chief and owner of the weekly Chronicle, Don Somerville. Many historical stories of Oliver and family are documented in her articles and all proceeds from the book go toward the Honest John Oliver Fund.

Elizabeth is survived by her second husband, George Minns, a long time family friend who she married in 1992 They enjoyed traveling to many destinations and visiting family members while they were able to health wise.

In 2009, Elizabeth had the honor of being the only original member of her beloved congregation at Christ the King Catholic Church at its 75th anniversary celebration. She was also pleased to welcome her grand niece, Georgette, from Hungary this past August and share stories of her homeland and extended relatives.

Elizabeth’s ability to maintain contacts and correspondence with friends and relatives over the years is a testament to her deep love and caring nature for those whom she knew. Her interest in people, animals (especially her beloved cats,) her church, local and world events continued to her last days, as did her deep faith in God and her love for the Catholic Church. Her table and bookshelf are full of prayers and inspirational messages that she noted and collected.

“Aunt Elizabeth” as she was affectionately known, will be dearly missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and dear friends across Canada, the United States, Hungary and elsewhere in Europe. She was also affectionately known as “Grandma” to George’s Grandson and is also survived by George’s children and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Elizabeth’s favorite charities:
Save a Family Plan, PO Box 3622, London, ON. N6A 4L4

Prayers will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, Oliver, B.C. at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2nd.

Funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at the Church.
Lunch will be served after the service.

Cremation and interment arrangements in care of Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium. Interment will be at the Oliver Cemetery on Thursday.