With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Elias Andrea on Saturday, March 31, 2018.
Born August 1, 1927, in Bras D’Or, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Elias was part of a large and lively Maritime family of 17. As an adventurous young man, he spent several years sailing the Great Lakes with Canada Steamship Lines. His ship often took him to the Lakehead, where his path crossed with that of a lovely young lady, Agnes. They were married in 1957 at St. Peter’s Church and soon the family grew with the addition of Jeannette, Michael, and David.
Whether Elias was working for Robin Hood Flour, Canada Packers, Keefer Terminal, or Ogilvie Mills, he demonstrated an amazing work ethic and took it upon himself to ensure that every workplace was safe. Even though he often worked long hours, he always made time to umpire countless Little League games at Frank Charry Park or set up a backyard rink each winter for his kids.
After he retired and the grandchildren began arriving, he became the world’s greatest Grandpa. For every grandchild’s birthday, he created an original handmade piñata, filled with candy and gifts. An avid sportsman, he was their biggest fan, cheering for them at games, attending school events, joining in the weekly family skate, fishing at Lake Lenore or trying new things with them like disc golf or waterslides! He was very proud of each of them.
One of his greatest joys was sharing his love of gardening with us. Each Christmas, we admired his amaryllis as it grew and blossomed. Every spring brought a new eagerness to plant his beautiful flower and vegetable gardens and to help us start our own gardens. After the harvest was shared, autumn was the time to travel with Agnes to Nova Scotia to keep connected with his large family and visit the Andrea Farm.
Elias loved to make people laugh with an endless supply of lively jokes, funny stories or his unique catchphrases . His inquiring mind was always on the go, whether it was his latest project or helping us with ours. The perfect evening would be a challenging round of Scrabble with Agnes or a raucous board game with the grandkids. His good advice, a helping hand, or a prayer was never far away. He played a very big part in all our lives and we will miss him dearly - he was truly “top of the line”.
Elias is survived by Agnes, his loving wife of 61 years, daughter Jeannette (Richard) Eras, sons Michael (Jocelyn), and David (Connie). Grandchildren Danielle (Mark), John Paul, Jennifer, Katelyn, and Ashley. Siblings Dave, Bernie, Father Jake, Lauretta, Tony, Eugene, and their families. He was predeceased by his siblings John, Olga, Gabriel, Joseph, Leonard, Francis, Theresa and Rita.
The funeral for Elias will be held on Thursday April 5th at St. Peter’s Church. The mass will be concelebrated by Elias’ brother, Rev. Jake Andrea and Rev. Joseph Arockiam. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am followed by the funeral mass at 10:00 am. A private family interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Northern Cancer Fund or a local charity of your choice would be appreciated.
