Obituaries

ELAINE GERTRUDE HANDREGAN
(née Hillier)
July 16, 1946 – October 24, 2026

With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Elaine Gertrude Handregan, our dearly loved wife, mother, Nana, sister, aunt and friend, at the age of 80.

Born in Essex, England, Elaine came to Canada by boat at just three months old. She grew up on Kent Street in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, the second eldest of ten children. Family was at the centre of her life from the beginning, and caring for others became a lifelong commitment.

Elaine met her future husband, Thomas, when she was twelve, and fell in love with him at sixteen. She knew she wanted to marry him, but decided she would wait until she was twenty. They married one week after her twentieth birthday and celebrated sixty years of marriage this July. Through life’s celebrations and challenges, they stood side by side, building a family and showing their children and grandchildren what lasting commitment looks like.

With their two young children, Cheryl and Peter, they moved to Winnipeg and began a new chapter. Elaine returned to school to complete her high school diploma, then began working as a ward clerk at Grace Hospital. That experience sparked a career in healthcare, and she returned to school again to become a nurse—all while raising her children and welcoming younger siblings into her home. Her determination and compassion shaped both her work and her family’s lives.

Elaine had a remarkable gift for making people laugh, often when they least expected it. She was strong-willed, wonderfully stubborn, and fiercely loyal. If you were someone she loved, you knew she was in your corner. She would care for you, cheer you on, stand up for you—and, if necessary, ask to speak to your manager.

Her children grew up with their greatest supporter close at hand. Whether it was school, sports, music, or raising children of their own, Mom was their number one fan. She gave her time, energy and love freely, without asking for recognition or expecting anything in return.

Of all her cherished roles, being Nana to Jordan, Kaitlyn, Addyson and Veronika brought her particular joy. They were the lights of her life. She believed in them, spoiled them, celebrated their accomplishments, and made certain they knew how deeply they were loved.

Her beloved dog, Molly, was a constant companion who brought her comfort and joy.

Music filled Elaine’s home and followed her wherever she went. She sang, made up her own songs, played the spoons, and could turn a family gathering into a band. A good song would find her tapping her feet or heading for the dance floor. She was also a talented crafter whose handmade gifts became treasured keepsakes, each one carrying the thought and love she put into it.

Elaine loved fashion and a good bargain, putting herself together with style and grace on a dime. Shopping with her meant plenty of laughter, losing sight of her a few times, and occasionally discovering her pushing someone else’s cart. There was rarely a dull moment.

This July, family and friends gathered to celebrate her eightieth birthday. There were stories, laughter, and the chance to tell Elaine how much she meant to everyone. Her family will forever treasure having shared those words with her.

Elaine leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband of sixty years, Thomas Handregan; her daughter, Cheryl Creelman, and her children, Jordan and Kaitlyn Creelman; and her son, Peter Handregan, and his daughters, Addyson and Veronika.

She will also be lovingly remembered by her siblings Barb Cooper, Lloyd (Red) Hillier, Brenda Hillier, Steve Hillier, Debbie Hillier, Wendy Halyko and Nancy Robinson; her many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families; and her wide circle of dear friends. Elaine’s love reached across generations, and she held a special place in the hearts of so many within her extended family and beyond.

Elaine was predeceased by her parents, Lloyd Hillier and Nellie Ellen Hillier (née Buckley), and her sisters, Linda Hillier and Sharon Stevenson.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Elaine’s memory may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society.

Mom, Nana, Elaine—thank you for every hug, every laugh, every word of encouragement, and every act of love. We are so proud to be your family. We love you, truly and dearly, more than words can ever say.