Tena (Rempel) Ferris

Tena was the eldest of nine siblings. She and her four younger siblings (Art, George, Elsie, and Erna) lost their mother Elizabeth when Tena was only six years old. Their father remarried Agnes (Penner) and they had four more children (Herman, Herb, Mary and Peter).

Tena was predeceased by her mother, father, stepmother, husband Bob Ferris (in 1984), brothers Art, Herman, George, Peter, twin sisters Elsie (Cymbalist) and Erna (Buchanan), and son-in-law Doug Lafreniere. She is survived by her sister Mary Letkeman (Dave) and brother Herb (Helen) Rempel.

She leaves to mourn four devoted children: Irvine (Sherrie), Betty (special friend Gerald), Treva, and Donnie (Judith). Tena was a proud mother as well as a doting grandmother who adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Richard, Melanie, Vincent, Rodney, Quinn, John, and Brandi held a special place in their grandmother’s heart along with her four great-grandchildren Kennedy, Tarig, and twins Kayla and Lucas.

A strong woman, Tena became independent at a young age. She briefly worked as a teacher in a one-room school. In 1949 she began working at the Manitoba School. She then took the four-year psychiatric nursing program. During the course of her long career, Tena was always compassionate and devoted to the staff and residents in her care. She made many lifelong friends while working at The Manitoba School.

In her early twenties, Tena met Robert (Bob) Ferris, who she married in 1955. She became very close to the Ferris family and remained so throughout her life. Tena and Bob’s first son was born in 1955, followed by three more children. The family lived in various homes in the Portage area, and finally settled at the family farm north of the city. They had a small farm where they raised livestock and grew vegetables.

Tena worked hard to provide a secure home life for her children. Throughout her life she relied on her faith in God and developed a strong relationship with her church family. Many people will remember Tena as the person who was either counting the money at church every Sunday, singing in the choir, or teaching the little ones at Sunday school. She taught her own children to work hard and give back to the community. Many will also remember Tena’s wonderful sense of humour.

Although she was not a wealthy woman, Tena was generous with her time and money. She was always willing to help someone, whether it meant babysitting, helping out in a volunteer role for the soup kitchen or library, or cooking a meal. Her house was often full of her family and their friends for a big Sunday meal or birthday celebration. Over the years she also had many faithful dog and cat companions who she loved dearly.

Tena enjoyed her last 30 years of retired life. Before coming down with a severe case of West Nile Virus in 2012, Tena enjoyed puttering around her house, singing in the senior’s choir, studying the Bible, cooking meals, baking, and going for walks with dogs and family members. Tena was an avid gardener with a great green thumb. She was able to grow beautiful gardens outside and taught everyone around her how to successfully grow their own houseplants.

After West Nile Virus, Tena had to move into the Douglas Campbell Lodge for the final years of her life. Her family would like to express their gratitude to the DCL staff, who provided tremendous care to Tena during her final years. Her family would also like to thank the Portage General Hospital for the care they provided during Tena’s final days.

Tena was loved by many. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018, at 1:30pm at the Herman Prior Centre in Portage la Prairie with a reception to follow the service. Interment will be in the family plot in Prospect Cemetery.

If friends so desire, a memorial donation may be made to a charity of your choice or to the Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS); Christian Children's Fund; or the Portage Salvation Army.

“Well done Good and Faithful Servant!”- Matthew 25:23

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