Obituaries

RUTH LORRAINE ECCLES (nee LENHARDT) Peacefully, with her loving family by her side, Mom passed away on March 25, 2012 at Meadowood Manor. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Jimmy in 2009, and her parents, George and Eleanore Lenhardt. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Deborah (Gene) Brown, Nancy (Eldon) Krebs; grandchildren, Jennifer (Derek) Rigaux, Michael (Lyne) Brown, Jaimie Brown (Nels), Alaina (Dan) Demarcke, Stephanie (Jordan) Courchaine, and eight great-grandchildren. Also left to mourn Mom’s passing are her siblings, Josephine Hannay, Tom (Linda) Lenhardt, John (Mavis) Lenhardt, and lifelong best friend, Georgie Vader (nee Quirt). Mom was born March 30, 1931 at her grandparents’ farmhouse in Melville, SK. She grew up in Winnipeg attending the local schools in the city’s west end. In 1948 she met the love of her live at the Polar Bar on Sherbrook Street where she held a part-time job. They married one year later and spent the next 59 years completely devoted to one another. Mom loved life and a good joke (easy when your husband’s got a million of em. ) She was a fabulous cook, exceptional seamstress, avid gardener, and generally excelled at any task she undertook. Beside her #1 passion (Jimmy) and her devotion to her children and grandchildren, Mom’s second love was Bird Lake. Mom and Dad built their own little nest the Summer of 1959 and many blissful days were enjoyed with family and friends for the next 50 years. Remembered always as a kind and thoughtful woman, Mom was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. She was actively involved in the Girl Guides for many years, starting out as a Brown Owl, moving on to commissioner, and last, but not least, Manitoba Cookie convenor. The family would like to thank the staff at Meadowood Manor who provided such wonderful care these past three years. Also, very special thanks to Claudia Lemke for time spent visiting with Mom this past year. Mom/Grandma, you will always have a special place in our hearts and will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. A celebration of Mom’s life will be held at Meadowood Manor Nursing Home, 577 St. Anne’s Rd., Monday, April 9, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meadowood Manor Nursing Home Recreation Department.   As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on April 07, 2012