ELEANOR LOUISE DAENINCK (JURKOWSKI)

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ELEANOR LOUISE DAENINCK
(nee JURKOWSKI)

With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Eleanor Louise Daeninck (nee Jurkowski) on June 26, 2020, at the age of 83.
She was predeceased by her husband Marcel, of 57 years, who died in August 2018. She is survived by her children, Paul (Monica Furer), Tom (Karen), Liz, Anne (Rob Young) and Stephen (Kathy). She will be forever cherished by her seven grandchildren: Chris, Michelle, Felicia, Cami, Lauren, Morgan and Declan.
Louise was the last surviving member of her generation of the Jurkowski clan, which included Karoline, Louis, Verna, Ed, Stan and Cecilia. She was born in Transcona in 1936, the youngest of the family. She grew up in a house built by her father Joseph, where family always gathered for weekly meals and celebrations. Louise often found herself helping her mother Kazmira in the kitchen ("Luiza, wash the dishes!") or caring for her many nephews and nieces, some of whom were only a few years younger than her. After graduating from secretarial school, she worked for a local record distribution company and then in the insurance industry. She met Marcel in 1959, and soon after they were engaged. Following their marriage in 1961, they had five children, which created an active but loving household.
Mom took great pride in her cooking and baking, keeping all of us full of pierogis, cabbage rolls, pickerel fillets, meatballs and chocolate chip cookies. She had a talent for sewing and knitting, making clothes, sweaters, mitts and wonderfully detailed Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. She took up quilting as we grew up and produced many lovely and unique quilts that were given to family, friends and especially grandchildren!
Family was very important to Louise, and this was passed along to all of us. Whether it was Christmas morning or one of our birthdays, she expected everyone to come over and share their good cheer. Eventually, she allowed us to contribute to the menu, but she always had a hand in cooking. Mom and Dad welcomed our chosen partners with open arms, and with the addition of grandchildren, our gatherings became "Daenamania" (as coined by Rob).
Faith played a central role in the Daeninck household, with Louise making sure we attended Mass every Sunday, which led her to teach catechism in the school system for several years. She and Dad were very active at St. Bernadette's Roman Catholic parish, making many lifelong friends along the way.
After retirement, Mom and Dad travelled extensively, truly enjoying their golden years together. They were active with the Wagon Wheels trailer club, and would drive down to Denver to visit Liz or head west to Calgary to see Steve and Kathy. They would fly to British Columbia and California to see their siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. It seemed every year Marcel and Louise had booked another cruise with friends or family, stopping at various ports of call in the Caribbean and South America. All of these produced memories and stories we continue to warmly treasure and share.
Dementia robbed Louise of her memory but did not take away her personality or her sense of humour. She continued to welcome visitors but food was a must in the activity ("Did you bring me a treat?"). Louise had her numbers called, winning her last Bingo game at Riverview that Friday afternoon.
Our profound thanks to the staff at Tuxedo Manor and Riverview ward C2 who took loving care of Mom over the last two years.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba, CancerCare Manitoba or the Riverview Foundation.
Following her wishes, cremation has taken place. Due to the coronavirus precautions, a memorial service will take place at a future date, ideally in Fall 2020.

Family invites friends to sign the online book of condolences at ejcoutu.ca.

E.J. Coutu & Co. Funeral Directors
204-253 5086

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 04, 2020