Amelia Shirley (Rzesnoski) Sawyer

Amelia (Mel) Shirley Sawyer (Nee Rzesnoski)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Amelia Sawyer on September 6, 2019 in Dauphin, MB. Amelia faced her recent lung cancer diagnosis with grace and strength and will be mourned and deeply missed by her husband Bob; brother Joseph; children, Brad (Marie) and Brenda (Denis); grandchildren Ryan, Cayley (Travis), Elise (Scott), Jordan, Breanne (Jeff); and great-grandchildren Ronin, Kenai, Bella, Thomas, Emey, Ashton, Mia, and all who loved her. She was predeceased by her parents John and Anne; brothers Hilliard and Dave, and her sister Beverly.

Amelia was born on November 3, 1936 in Dauphin, MB to John and Anne Rzesnoski (nee Goran).  She grew up in Dauphin with her siblings Hilliard, Joseph, Beverly and Dave. Amelia graduated from Dauphin Collegiate in 1954 and married Robert George Sawyer on September 23, 1955. The couple had two children (Brad and Brenda) and lived in several places including Bowsman, Artland, Somme, Carrot River, settling back in Dauphin.

Amelia began her career at the Royal Bank as a Bank Teller and retired as a Senior Loans Officer after 23 years of employment. Amelia had a wide array of interests, and always excelled at everything she touched. She won several awards in high school track and field. She loved to golf and had two hole in ones in her lifetime. She was an avid fisher, baker and cook. She crafted and painted ceramics, and her garden was always beautiful. Amelia loved to watch curling, read books and use her iPad to facetime with her family.

As per her wishes, Amelia’s family will hold a private Celebration of Life at a later date. Her family would like to thank Dauphin’s Public Health Team, Cancer Care Manitoba, the Palliative Care Unit in Dauphin, the 2nd Floor Nursing Staff at the Dauphin Hospital and the Grandview General Hospital.  Special thank you to Dr. Murray Van Alstyne for caring for Amelia for the last 25 years, and all other doctors who provided care in the last few months.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, the Palliative Care Unit at Dauphin Hospital, or a charity of your choice.

“You Are My Sunshine”

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