Ella Marie Kruk

August 28, 1926 – January 4, 2021 

Peacefully, our beloved mother, Ella, passed away on January 4, 2021 at River East Personal Care Home, with her family by her side.

She leaves to treasure many fond memories: her three children – Walter (Linda), Barbara (Gordon) and Bev, her granddaughter Kim and great grandchildren – Micky and Tykira.

Our mom was born in Lethbridge, AB.  She graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Victoria General Hospital in 1948.  She originally wanted to be an airline stewardess, which, at the time, required a nursing degree.  While doing her practicum in Souris, Manitoba, she met the love of her life, our dad, Walter Kruk.  After graduation, our mom remained in Souris and in 1950 married our dad and began a family.  She worked at the community hospital until we all moved to Winnipeg in 1964.  Soon after, our mom began nursing at the Intermediate Care Nursery, Women’s Pavilion.  Her love of caring for newborn babies continued until her retirement in 1984. 

Our mom worked very hard throughout those years, enduring much as a career nurse, mother and wife.  Both she and our dad raised a family of three, working shift work.  Despite that, the family home was a gathering place for many celebrations throughout the years.  Our Mom made certain everyone always had plenty to eat and their favourite baking to enjoy.  The strong union our parents shared provided a home with love, laughter and togetherness.

Our mom’s creativity was reflected in her love for gardening, knitting, ceramics, baking, painting and even a little wine making.  She truly was a remarkable woman.  

Retirement years for our mom were spent enjoying the company of her husband.  It was now their time to be together.  Whether they were travelling, attending to their immaculate garden and yard, out for a drive or a walk in Kildonan Park, our mom and dad were inseparable, until his passing in 2005.  Though our mom continued to live life to its fullest, it was never the same.  

Our mom was a caring, ambitious and resilient woman.  She not only devoted her life to her family, but also touched the lives of so many during her years of nursing. 

As we grieve our mom’s passing, we are comforted in knowing that she is once again with our dad, together for eternity.

To the staff at River East Personal Care Home, we thank you for the support and care you provided to our mom.  Our family will be forever grateful to the staff, particularly on Serenity Cove, for their compassion, kindness and dedication shown not only to our mom, but to us as well.  It was an honour getting to know all of you throughout the time our mom lived there.  You truly touched our hearts.

Cremation has taken place.  A private memorial will occur at a later date.  Donations in our mom’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.  

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