Obituary of Elva Jean Mutter

MUTTER: (née Pockett): Elva Jean Mutter of Brandon, beloved mother of Helen and Maxine, and grandmother of Katherine, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, on Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016 at the age of 95. Elva was born to Alice Catherine (née Farquhar) and James Edwin Pockett on November 29, 1920. Her mother died when Elva was three years old. The middle of three children, she grew up on a farm in the Kelwood area, where the children were raised by various aunts. She moved to Brandon as a teenager and worked as a dental assistant and at the Brandon General Hospital. It was through a co-worker there that she met William (Bill) Mutter, the love of her life. They were married on April 28th, 1950. She died still wearing the wedding ring he gave her. After their marriage, Elva moved into the Mutter home where she lovingly cared for Bill's elderly parents, John and Helen Mutter. She worked at the family business, Mutter Brothers Grocery Store, until her daughters, Helen and Maxine, were born. After Bill died in 1966, she returned to work at Mutter Brothers for a short time. She then worked as a receptionist at Brandon Clinic, where she remained until her retirement in 1985. Elva's life revolved around her family, her pets and her garden. There are many fond memories of camping and fishing trips and Sunday picnics. She belonged to Friends of the Blue Birds and had a string of nest boxes near Waggle Springs. She was a humble person and a devoted and loving mother. Bill died when their daughters were 9 and 10 years old, but even during what must have been difficult times, Elva never let on that she was worried or overwhelmed. Elva will forever be remembered by her daughters: Maxine Mutter and Helen Page; son-in-law Ian, and her beloved granddaughter, Katherine, who was born on Elva's 79th birthday. She will also be missed by her sister-in-law Jeanne Pallett and numerous nieces and nephews, with whom Auntie Elva was always a favourite. She was predeceased by her parents; husband Bill and siblings Lawrence and Irma. The family extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Dinsdale Personal Care Home, who cared for Elva with such love and kindness. A Funeral Service Honouring Elva's Life was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on Tuesday, August 9, 2016. Interment was at the Brandon Cemetery beside her husband, Bill. Charitable donations in Elva's name can be made to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200-17th Street East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 7M6, where the family will be sponsoring a kennel in Mum's memory; or to the Christian Children's Fund of Canada, 1200 Denison Street, Markham, Ontario, Canada, L3R 8G6.