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EVA RENNIE Obituary pic

EVA RENNIE

Born: Dec 14, 1917

Date of Passing: Feb 01, 2013

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EVA RENNIE 14 December 1917 1 February 2013 Peacefully, surrounded by family, Eva Keilson Rennie slipped away at Victoria Hospital, Winnipeg, a few weeks after a heart attack. She was born in Hamburg, Germany on December 14, 1917 and took her schooling at the Lichtwark Schule until 1934, when her parents sent her to Florence, Italy for her high school and university entrance exam, which she passed in 1938. She began studies in medicine in Germany and Switzerland, but these were interrupted by impending war. She and her family emigrated to Montréal, entering Canada via Pier 21, in April 1939. She took nursing training at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montréal, became an RN in 1943, and began nursing at the Laurentian Sanatorium in Ste-Agathe-des-Monts. She received her Diploma from McGill University as a Public Health Nurse in 1944. After working in that capacity at the Royal Edward Hospital in Montréal for a year, she was sent overseas in 1945 by the Canadian Government with the Control Commission of Germany and attached to the British Army of the Rhine. She returned to Montréal in 1947 and in 1948 married Douglas Rennie, a sociology student at McGill University. In 1953 they moved to New Haven, Connecticut, where Douglas took his PhD. With their two sons, Michael and Harold, they moved to Southern Illinois University (Carbondale) in 1956. Eva translated Die Arbeitslosen von Marienthal by Paul Lazarsfeld and Maria Yahoda into English. She also contributed translations of Rainer Maria Rilke's letters to a book edited by Harry T. Moore, Professor of English at SIU. In 1964, they returned to Canada and settled in Winnipeg. Eva and Douglas travelled widely in the United States, Canada, Jamaica, Britain, and Europe, including extended stays in Eva's native Germany. For recreation, Eva bowled; many happy summers were spent at Falcon Lake, where Douglas sailed. After 62 years together, Eva was predeceased by Douglas in 2010. She then moved to the Waverley, where she made close friends and remained active. In 2011, Eva completed a translation into English of the short story "Rachel Argues with God," by Stefan Zweig. She will be deeply missed by sons Michael (Indira Rampersad) of Winnipeg, and Harold (Joanne Cook) of Halifax; by grandchildren Colin Cook Rennie and Katherine Cook Rennie of Halifax, and Anatol Rennie of Winnipeg, as well as by her cousin, Inge Harm of Berlin. Funeral services will be held on Monday, 11 February at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Brébeuf Roman Catholic Church, Winnipeg - where Eva sang in the choir for many years - Rev. Mark A. Tarrant officiating. Interment at Chapel Lawn follows the reception. Those wishing an alternative to flowers may donate in memory of Eva Rennie to the Victorian Order of Nurses or to the Douglas Rennie Scholarship Fund at the University of Manitoba. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 09, 2013

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

  • What an accomplished lady!I had the honor of knowing Eva & Doug for about 25 yrs..Eva never ceased to amaze me with her positive & friendly attitude..She had an amazing gift of caring for people & making you feel like family.Eva absolutely adored her family & especially her grandchildren.Our relationship over the yrs migrated from a business orientation into a long term friendship & I will miss our many conversations ...Heaven just became a better place when Eva entered... - Posted by: bob sulkers (financial advisor) on: Mar 29, 2013

  • Many friendships & lasting memories were made with Eva & her pals at the Early Risers Bowling League on Tuesday mornings at Academy Lanes. - Posted by: Early Risers Bowling League (Friends) on: Feb 13, 2013

  • We have many happy memories of Doug and Eva at Falcon Lake and of New Year's Eve when we enjoyed Eva's mulled wine. Since moving to the Island we have kept in touch by letter. I'll miss Eva very much. - Posted by: Dorothy and Eric Marshall () on: Feb 12, 2013

  • Sincere condolences to the family. We have many fond memories of bowling with Eva. - Posted by: Jean & Pat Deans (Friends) on: Feb 11, 2013

  • We are so sorry for your loss. Eva sounds like an amazing woman who led quite a rich life! - Posted by: Michelle, Gary, and Harris (Neighbours) on: Feb 11, 2013

  • When your dad & mom lived on Queenston, we were their Thursday Meals on Wheels driver/deliverer. After they moved to the Waverlay, we did keep in contact. Due to a prior commitment, Bruce was unable to attend your dad's service. I was there and, when your mom saw me in the receiving line, she said "I knew you would be here!!" We did have lunch with her once in her new home. The last time we talked, we promised to come for lunch again when the weather warmed up. This will be one of the regrets in our lives that we have to live with. We were so shocked and saddened to read, in Saturday's paper, of her passing. We will miss her. but shall always consider her presence in our lives as that special person who does pass through your life - even though briefly - as unforgettable. Sincere sympathy to each of you!! Bruce & Ardelia Burrow - Posted by: Bruce & Ardelia Burrow (Thursdays Meals on Wheels driver & deliverer for many years) on: Feb 11, 2013

  • We send our heartfelt sympathies to Michael, Harold, & their dear families. We want you to know how much we loved & respected your Mother & Grandmother. She was so loved at Choir & I (Lynn) always enjoyed her wit, smiles & kind words.....& love of music. We will miss her presence at Mass on Sundays, & we are certain that she will be listening. We are sadly unable to attend Eva's funeral...... we are in Tucson for the winter. You will all be in our thoughts & prayers. Eva dearly loved her family & was so proud of you. We wish you comfort....know that you will be in our prayers. Duane & Lynn Nieman, 622 South Drive, Winnipeg, R3T 0B1 - Posted by: Duane & Lynn Nieman (Friends since the Rennie family moved to Winnipeg. Lynn &Eva sang together in St. John Brebeuf Churc) on: Feb 11, 2013

  • It was a chance meeting with Doug and Eva many years ago at Falcon Lake that started my dad, Bill, sailing an Albacore at the Falcon Yacht Club. It gave him many years of enjoyment. They were very friendly and gracious people and we were lucky to have known them. - Posted by: Georgina Panting (Falcon Yacht Club) on: Feb 10, 2013

  • So sad to read news of Eva's passing - although what a blessed reunion she will have with Doug in God's Kingdom. I treasure my memories of the beautiful love between Eva and Doug. Prayers to the family. - Posted by: Joanne Thibault (friend from Church) on: Feb 09, 2013

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