Passed away peacefully at United Mennonite Home, Vineland on Tuesday March 10, 2026 at the age of 94. Beloved wife of the late Frank Pravitz (1998). Loving mother of Frank (Maria) Pravitz, James (Nancy) Pravetz and loving grandmother of Emilie, Andre, Ella. She will be fondly remembered by her sisters Emilie (Ted) Blaha, Martha Don, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family. Predeceased by her parents Rudolf and Elvira (nee Langenfeld) Gosas, siblings Gusty (Frank) Hornich, Rudolph (Emma) Gosas, Emma (Ron) Hoeg, Oswald (Anamarie) Gosas, brother-in-law Dave Don, sister-in-law Anna Evans. Elvira was born on November 22, 1931 in Mazeikiai, Lithuania. During WWII, Elvira and her family fled Lithuania where they ended up in a camp for displaced persons in the village of Suderbrarup, Northern Germany. Elvira’s family were accepted to Canada and she arrived in Montreal in August 1949. She married her husband Frank Pravitz on August 7, 1954 in Montreal. She relocated to his hometown in Welland, Ontario where they had two boys, Frank Jr. and James. The family relocated several times as result of Frank’s job at Bell Canada – including Montreal, Brockville, Smith’s Falls and Ottawa. Elvira and Frank later retired in St. Catharines. Elvira was an accomplished seamstress. She made wedding dresses for herself as well as her sisters and daughter-in-law. She worked many years at Tip Top Tailors specializing in complex alterations. Elvira enjoyed gardening, curling, playing cards, golf and was senior club champion in St. Catharines and seniors regional champion in Ottawa. She particularly loved family visits with her many siblings, and her children’s families, and enjoyed discovering new places through her travels with family. Elvira’s was loved by all and will be deeply missed. Friends are invited to join the family at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION CENTRE, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines, visiting Saturday March 14, 2026 from 9:30 to 11 am. A Funeral Service in celebration of her life will be held at 11 am at the funeral home. Committal will follow at Victoria Lawn Cemetery, where she will be reunited with her beloved husband. In memory of Elvira, memorial contributions may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society, and would be appreciated. Online condolences at georgedartefuneralhome.com

Published on March 13, 2026 in the St Catharines Standard