MILLIE BEYER

Peacefully on July 2nd, Millie Beyer (née Mantay) passed away at her home at the age of 95 years.

Millie is survived by her children, Rudy (Debbie), Marilyn (Brian) Strauman and Elaine (Glenn), her grandchildren, David (Alison), Kevin, Chris, Steven (Holly) and Justin (Kym), and her great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Ellie, Jack, Keiran and Aven.  She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Zink, Selma (Otto) Mandau and Lottie (George) Meichel, her brother, Richard (Marion) Mantay, and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband, Ed Beyer, her parents, Natalie and Wilhelm Mantay, her sister, Louisa, brothers, Gustav and Waldemar, and her grandchildren, Michael and Andrea.  

Millie was born in a German farming community in Poland and was the eldest of eight children. She lived through the Second World War during her teenage years in Poland and Germany, enduring many hardships. These experiences stayed with her throughout her life and were often shared as stories with family and friends.

In the early 1950s, she immigrated to Canada along with her mother and five surviving siblings. After a brief courtship, she married Edward Beyer in 1952, and together they had three children.

Millie was a hard worker, a quality she instilled in her children. She worked on the family-owned farm in River Hills, contributing to every aspect of farm life, from working the fields to raising chickens and cows. Eventually, the family moved to Winnipeg in the late 1950s, where she continued to work outside the home, including at a sewing factory, Eaton’s, and the Norvilla Hotel.

Millie’s grandchildren were blessed to have a true Oma. She was quick to offer wisdom and guidance, always from a place of deep love. Her life lessons were often delivered through the many stories she told, sometimes humorous, sometimes shocking, and always memorable. Her stories often emphasized the importance of taking responsibility, saving money, and cherishing family.

She was especially devoted to her only granddaughter, Andrea, lovingly helping to care for her until Andrea’s passing at the age of 7. Millie’s care was selfless, and her love immeasurable.

Millie had a strong personality and was never one to fade into the background. She had the gift of gab and could hold a conversation with anyone, family, friend or stranger alike. Her lively storytelling would often captivate rooms full of people, especially during the frequent family gatherings.

She was generous and nurturing, always opening her home to family visiting from across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, offering not just a place to stay but a warm and welcoming environment.

Intelligent and practical, Millie had a sharp mind for numbers and was especially skilled at financial planning. She never incurred debt and often recalled, with exact precision, the cost of household purchases from decades ago, including what she paid for her first deep freeze.

Millie was also highly skilled in a variety of talents, including painting, varnishing, sewing, knitting, and needlecraft, generously sharing her handmade creations with loved ones. She often cooked for large family gatherings in her home, and her guests could look forward to delicious dinners that included roulade, cabbage rolls, homemade sauerkraut, and a variety of baking.

In her final years, the care provided by her daughter Elaine allowed Millie to remain in her own home, a wish that was deeply important to her. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by the legacy of love, strength, and resilience she built throughout her life.

A private family memorial service will take place at a later date.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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