ELEANOR BERTHA MONTGOMERY

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ELEANOR BERTHA MONTGOMERY (Formerly of Selkirk and Oak Lake, MB) December 29, 1909 - November 9, 2005 After an unfortunate fall sustaining a fractured femur, Eleanor passed away in the Virden Health Centre on November 9, 2005, two months before her 96th birthday. She had been a resident of the Sherwood Home in Virden, MB. Aunt Eleanor was the youngest of seven children born to Robert and Emma Montgomery of Oak Lake. She was born in the family home on December 29, 1909. Her parents and six siblings predeceased her, brothers Oswald, Tom, Bill and Bob, and sisters Mollye and Mabel, as well as her niece Molly Baker and nephews Eugene and Terry Baker. She is survived by her nieces Judy Montgomery (Marcel) of Wawanesa, Roberta Jones (Casey) of Winnipeg, Cathy Sveinson (Roy) of Selkirk, Karen DiUbaldo (Ferd) of Winnipeg, Dale Champigny (Omer) of Oak Lake, nephew Keith Montgomery of Merit, BC, Greg Baker (Cheryl) of Oak Lake, Mike Baker (Pat) of Oak Lake, as well as numerous great-great-great nieces and nephews and of course many dear friends from near and far especially the Darker family of Selkirk and special relatives in Ontario. Aunt Eleanor received her education in Ryerson and Oak Wood School. After attending teachers college in Brandon, MB, she embarked on her teaching career at the age of 19 and retired at the age of 65. In her first school, some of her pupils were only three or four years younger than she was. The majority of her teaching was done on reservations. She worked for the Department of Indian Affairs for over 30 years. She had a special fondness for native culture and collected many artifacts over the years. She very rarely missed Peguis Days in Selkirk. She often wrote letters to various persons involved in the controversy of residential schools. Aunt Eleanor was a world traveller. Her retirement gift to herself was a trip around the world. She acquired many treasures from her travels and could always seem to remember what she bought in what country or city. She was very fond of Ireland and New Zealand. She was a devout life member of the Rebekah Lodge, attending many assemblies in both Canada and the USA. Aunt Eleanor was the family historian, often swapping information with relatives all over the world. She knew everyone's family tree, often going back three or more generations. She was a devout Anglican but respected everyone's beliefs. She was very proud of her Irish heritage, respectful of her parents and never forgot her roots. Family was very important to Aunt Eleanor; we will never forget her generosity and much kindness over the years. She was often heard saying my nieces are very good to me . One of Aunt Eleanor's greatest accomplishments was learning to drive at 43 years of age. Her first vehicle was a Jeep. How sad she was when she could no longer drive herself around. It was difficult for her to rely on others; she was always so fiercely independent. Everyone who met Eleanor was considered her friend. She enjoyed a good joke and always told interesting stories. She spent many hours at her sewing machine making bags. She loved cooking, and baking soda bread was a specialty. Her collection of newspaper clippings filled many scrapbooks and scribblers. Her mail was her social life. She corresponded with people all over the world. Her donations to charity were many and varied. She also enjoyed music, reading and gardening. Aunt Eleanor has donated her body to the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science at the University of Manitoba. A memorial service has been held at Oak Lake and one will be held at St. Peters' Anglican Church, Selkirk, MB on November 26 at 1:00 p.m. celebrating her life. Her ashes will be buried in the family plot in the Oak Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to St. Peters' Dynevor, Box 19, RPO 215, RR2, Selkirk, MB R1A 2A2, and to the Oak Lake District Museum, Box 411, Oak Lake, MB R0M 1P0, or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 19, 2005