EILEEN ANDERSON

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EILEEN ANDERSON (nee BRUNN) On February 18, 2014, a bright, sunny day, our mother Eileen (Toots) was taken home by our Heavenly Father. Mom leaves her family to treasure her memory, including her adoring daughters: Shelley (Rande Zechoval) and Debbie (Ken Ringaert); her grandsons: Kyle Collins (Darcie), Joey Ringaert (Cari); her brother Wally Brunn (Erica), and niece Lori. She also leaves behind her "baby", her dog Sam. Mom was blessed with a wonderful life, full of loving friends and family. She was born in the storied North End of Winnipeg on March 15, 1933 to Bernard and Josephine Brunn. She was welcomed by her older siblings Bernice and Wally. Mom spent most of her life in the North End, and this is where she raised her family as well. Mom attended King Edward and Lord Nelson schools, where she met many lifelong friends, including Vicky, Bonnie, Jenny, Ruth and Tina. As a young woman, mom worked at Woolworths, then later at Woolco and Walmart, where she was proud to become supervisor of cashiers. She also met her very best friends while working at Walmart. She shared so many happy times with Joy and Betty. After threatening to retire for years, she finally did, and spent her time helping at Shelley's daycare. She and her dogs (Josephine and then Sam) became the unofficial greeters in the lobby of her condo complex on Plaza Drive. Mom maintained a strong faith throughout her life, and was devoted to her church, Trinity Lutheran. She was an active member until her health would not permit. She served in the choir, was active in the youth club, ushered, and also maintained the books. May of 1993 ushered in a new phase in mom's life. Her grandson Kyle, the apple of her eye, was born, and mom became "Granny". She enjoyed every minute of Kyle's growth into adulthood. Travelling with her family was a great pleasure in her life, and just recently mentioned how fortunate she felt she had been to travel to Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Las Vegas with her family. The last several years, mom suffered from deteriorating health and carried this burden with strength and courage. Never once did mom complain or feel sorry for herself. Throughout her illness, she always shared a smile when she saw her friends and family. Above all else, mom loved her family. Every moment in our lives involved our mom. Words cannot express the closeness the three of us shared. There was an unbreakable bond between us, and not a day went by when we weren't in touch with mom. We could not have imagined a day without talking to our mom, and now that we have gone a week without her, we truly miss those conversations. There have been difficult times in the last year, and we would like to express our thanks to all who helped to care for mom, including all her friends at 70 Plaza Drive. Carol, words cannot express how grateful we are for your many kindnesses. Debbie and Karen, thanks for your support. Dr. VanAmeyde, your compassion touched our hearts and mom loved visiting you. Thank you to the staff of the Geriatric Rehab ward at Victoria Hospital for caring for our mother, especially Paul, mom's activity coordinator (even if she called you Jeff, she knew your smile). For the staff at Oakview Place, your job is difficult, but you treated mom with grace and us with kindness and understanding and we thank you for that. Cari, mom remembered your visits, and it gave us comfort to know you were looking out for her. We have to extend a special thank you to Madelaine, who made our visits to Oakview fun. We knew you were keeping an eye on mom. Mom, our hearts are broken. Our love for you will never fade and we will miss you forever. Mommy, we love you! A celebration of mom's life will be held Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in the Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald Street with Reverend Norris Nordin officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Eileen to the Winnipeg Humane Society. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 27, 2014