Obituaries

EILEEN SHUEL (NEE BETKER)

Surrounded by family, Eileen Shuel, age 76, passed peacefully on September 26, 2021, after a very short illness with Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease that took her far too soon.

Eileen was predeceased by her husband of 49 years David, parents Adolf and Amanda Betker, brothers Arnie, Randy, Alvin, sister-in-law Sharon Betker.

She is survived by daughter Kelly Ann (Thom) Doherty and grandsons Brendan and Connor; son James (Michelle) and granddaughter Emma. She is also survived by her mother-in-law Sophie Shuel; sister Eleanor (Garry) Shuel; brother Ernie (Lynn) Betker; sisters-in-law Mary Betker, Terry, Anne, Kathy Betker and the many nephews, nieces, and cousins that she thought so highly of.

A special thanks for the warm support and visits from friends that brightened Mom’s days and helped us all through this difficult time. The family also thanks all who connected to express how much Eileen meant to them and to let us know how many lives she touched.

Eileen was born May 31, 1945, in Winnipeg, and grew up on the family farm in Cloverleaf, Manitoba. She went to school there until Grade 8, spending Grade 9 in Beausejour and completing high school in Oakbank. At 18 she moved to an apartment in Winnipeg, with her roommate Linda, and began her career with Great West Life.

In 1965, Eileen went to Steve and Rosie’s Grocery store in Cloverleaf to get supplies for her parent’s party. That day Rosie had family visiting in the back yard of the store and Eileen was invited to join the group and that is where she met David Shuel. He asked her out that same day, they dated for two years, and were married in 1967.

They moved together into a newly built home in Winnipeg in 1969 and Eileen left her position to raise her family when daughter Kelly was born the following year, and son James six years later. In 1982, when her family had grown enough, Eileen returned to work at Assiniboine Credit Union, where she continued to work until her retirement in 2004. During the 1980’s, she and David built a cabin in Northwestern Ontario, where she spent many summers and fall days enjoying the lake and hosting friends, family, and neighbours.

Eileen was always willing to help people, being the first to pitch in at a social, a shower or party and would never just let others work without rolling up her sleeves. She always felt that “askers make poor givers” meaning you don’t ask if people want something or need help, you just give it to them. She always believed that “you don’t give to get” and that you should “always give with a warm hand”. She was generous and selfless and never expected anything in return because she felt it was important to “always be nice to everyone”. She loved to shop and find items for others and most of all loved buying baby clothes “just in case”, and she could never pass up a good bargain or a garage sale.

Whether she was hosting or just visiting she focused on creating a welcome space for people. Eileen was actively interested in talking to people and hearing about their lives and she connected many people together.

At home, or at the lake she was always the first to start cooking, the last to eat, and always ensured that she made enough food so that people could have seconds or thirds, with still enough leftovers for everyone to take home because she always made for “that one more that might show up”. Her famous deviled eggs and birthday cakes were always a welcome treat that she would bring with her along with her contributions of veggie and fruit platters to so many events.

Eileen enjoyed gardening, especially growing tomatoes, and Canna Lilies. Every summer cars would slow down to admire her flowers, which made her happy. We will always remember her love of foraging for mushrooms, blueberries, and strawberries. She enjoyed the hours spent with friends and family picking just as much as the time spent cleaning them before giving them all away.

Eileen was a devoted, loving, and affectionate mother and an especially proud and enthusiastic grandmother to Brendan, Connor, and Emma. She was happiest when she had a chance to give them an affectionate rub on the head, a special gift, or just her time and patience to listen to them tell her about their lives and accomplishments.

As her illness progressed, Eileen was first at the Grace Hospital and then spent her final days at Riverview Palliative Care ward. The family would like to extend their appreciation to all the medical professionals for their support and guidance, especially when dealing with such a rare disease. Finally, a big thanks to the Palliative Care Ward at The Riverview Health Center for their wonderful support and care.

As per Eileen’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal funeral service will be held. An interment in Beausejour will be planned later. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Riverview Health Center (1 Morley Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3L 2P4), or to Eileen’s favorite charity – Agape Table (Mail to: Agape Table Inc. P.O. Box 26111, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 3R3 or via etransfer).

In closing we share one of Eileen’s favourite passages:

Goodbye my family
My life has passed
I loved you to the very last
Weep not for me
But courage take
Love each other for my sake
For those who love you
Don’t go away
They walk beside you every day