Obituary of Mirdza Veronica Znotins

It is with great sadness that Mirdza’s family announce that she passed away at Afton Park Place on June 12, 2020 in her 95^th year.

She was the beloved wife of 55 years to the late Stasis Znotins (2008), loving mother of Lucy of Bright’s Grove and Ruth (Michael Monette) of Ottawa, cherished grandmother of Richard and Nina Monette.  She will be missed by the Balodis, Lejnieks, Rubenis, Zurina, Zvirgzda, Rusins and Gavars families in Latvia, second cousins Inese Flude (Greg) Toronto and Andris Cernavskis (Cathryn) Buffalo, NY, nieces Mary Easton (Doug) Oakville, Sylvia Charbonneau (Brian) Toronto, Bonnie Murray (Doug) Victoria, BC, and nephews Andy Znotins (Mary-Anne) Calgary, Thomas Znotins (Sandra) Ottawa, Norbert Francis (Natalia) Flagstaff, AZ, and Arne Francis (Gail) Staten Island, NY, as well as all of their respective children.

Mirdza was born June 23, 1925 in Krustpils, Latvia to Roberts and Zenija Sirons.  She left Latvia in 1945 with the help of the Cernavskis family and lived in Germany as a refugee before immigrating to Canada in 1949.  Mirdza graduated from the Sarnia General Hospital School of Nursing in 1953.  Mirdza and Stasis met and married in Sarnia.  They created a warm and welcoming home for family and friends.  For many years they hosted fondly remembered gatherings for Latvian St. John’s Day or Jani celebrations.  Mirdza was proud to be a nurse and emphasized the value of education.  She also had a flair for needlework, gardening and cooking.  Her Latvian piragi and klingeris were much celebrated treats.  Mirdza’s kind, gentle nature was sustained by a quiet personal strength.

Due to the current COVID 19 restrictions a private service and interment will take place at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 Christina, St. N., Sarnia (519-344-3131). In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 180-663 Colborne St., London, N6B 2V3, the Alzheimer’s Society, 8-420 N. East St., Sarnia, N7T 6Y5 or a charity of one’s choice.

Messages of condolences and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com