Eleanor D. Gmiterek

Mom was born in Beausejour, MB.  Her dad died when she was 2.  She was raised in the 1930’s and 40’s on welfare, eating lard sandwiches and sharing a bottle of coke with her 3 brothers as a monthly treat. She vowed for her children to never have to experience hunger as she did. She came through with that promise as she would put up over 1000 jars of canned goods each year for us to eat throughout the winter when dad wasn’t working. One year she canned 1500 jars of food and made the front page of the Beausejour Beaver!

Trying to make ends meet, Mom thought “Why don’t I start a catering business?”. So, she did, with no running water, a wood cook stove and 5 children.  Her business was so successful that she had people calling her 25 years after she had catered their wedding as they wanted her to cater their children’s weddings!

After Dad passed away, she took off to BC one winter to visit some friends.  She liked it so much that she spent the next 27 winters there taking in every possible dance for miles around. She loved walking and she really loved dancing with her best friend and dance partner George.

Mom prided herself in not being on any medication and the fact that she took vitamins every day for over 50 years, she swore that is what kept her so healthy until she was 88.  Then she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

She kept smiling and joking around til close to the end, always mentioning what a great life she had and how she really lived life, doing what she wanted.

Mom is survived by sons Paul (Lauree), Pat, and daughter Teresa (Greg), grandchildren Tyler (Sherry), Ryan, Mackenzie (Aaron) and Christian; great grandchildren Nova and Kade, as well as lifelong friends Barb, Ericka and Effie, devoted goddaughter Marlene, friends Carthia and George, special nephew Doug Schade and wife Deb.  She was predeceased by husband Casmir, son Peter and daughter Donna.

Thanks to everyone involved with Mom during the last couple years: Beausejour Hospital, Stony Plains, Homecare and Palliative Care Staff and Dr. Hastir.  Palliative Care, Homecare workers, and Hospital Staff are angels in disguise as Mom couldn’t believe how great everyone looked after her when she needed help.

No flowers please. If you wish, please donate to the Beausejour Hospital TV Fund.

According to Mom’s wishes there will be no service, only a graveside gathering of family and close friends.