Obituary of Valentine ZELLER

VALENTINE (TINA) ZELLER January 4,1916-August 13,2010 It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear mother and grandmother on August 13, 2010. Tina was predeceased by her beloved husband of 68 years, Frank, on May 20, 2010. She will be deeply missed by her daughters Anne Kanert (George) and Elisabeth Ross, grandchildren Michael, Christine (Jay Redman), Anne (Scott Montgomery) and Robert. Tina was born January 4, 1916 in St. Petersburg, Russia where her father was an Imperial Court Judge. She was the third child of Peter and Wanda Stopanowski, and sister to Vladimir and Eugene (all predeceased). When the Russian Revolution began, the family attempted to flee together but became separated for several years. Fleeing with the children, Tina's mother twice contacted typhoid fever. Tina was taken into the care of a lady who wanted to adopt her, and her brothers were cared for by Jesuit priests. Once reunited with their mother, the search for the father continued, and after being reunited through the efforts of the Red Cross, the whole family eventually settled in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. There, Tina went to both Russian and Serbian schools, and became an excellent ballerina. Frank and Tina locked eyes while she danced and he played the piano at a performance, and were married in 1942. They fled to Austria with Frank's family after the Soviet Invasion of Yugoslavia. After the ravages of the Russian Revolution and two World Wars, Tina and Frank found a peaceful life in Winnipeg. She found her first true permanent home on Ash Street, where she was accepted by all in spite of her struggles with the English language (her sixth!). Her annual St. Valentine's ladies coffee party was renowned for her Malakoff torte and strudel. Tina met her true calling as a grandmother. In her eyes, her grandchildren were the most wonderful in the world. She lovingly babysat, knitted, crocheted, sewed and embroidered their wardrobe, insisting on only homemade food for her darlings. She will be forever missed. Many heartfelt thanks to the 6th floor staff of Misericordia Health Centre, where our mother and grandmother with the beautiful smile was lovingly looked after for the last 17 months. Prayers will be said on Tuesday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Resurrection at 732 Alfred Avenue. Memorial Liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. also at the church with Fr. Raphael Vereshack officiating. Private interment to follow at Brookside Cemetery. Reception announcement to follow for 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tina's memory to the Red Cross would be most appreciated.