ETHEL SELINGER

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ETHEL SELINGER On January 7, 2011, Ethel Selinger passed away at the age of 86 years at Lions Personal Care Centre. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph, her parents Mr. and Mrs. H. Thompson, her brother Harold Thompson and her sister and brother-in-law Eileen and Doug Johnson. She is survived by her son James and daughter Joan (Robert), grandchildren Mindy (Jonas), Tara (John), James (Edith), Kathleen (Phil), Jason, Michael and two very special great-grandchildren Mackenzie and Shayne. She will also be missed by many nieces and nephews including Tom (Sue), Carole (Jack), Susan (Brad), Gord (Patti) and Pat (Franklin). After graduating from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate, Ethel headed west to Vancouver where she completed her R.N. training at St. Paul's Hospital in 1946. Upon her return to Winnipeg, she worked at Deer Lodge Hospital where she met the love of her life, Joe, and married him in 1948. They settled in her family home on Ingersoll Street in the west end of the city where they developed very close friendships with their neighbours. Ethel and the other ladies in the neighbourhood formed a Coffee Club which met regularly and flourished for over 50 years. Together they enjoyed family picnics, weddings, births and watching their children grow into adults. These friendships continue today. After Joe's death in 1967, Ethel returned to Nursing at the Rehab Hospital (Health Sciences Centre) and worked on R6 where she retired as Head Nurse. Following retirement, she and her lifelong friends, Sylvia and Bob Smith, travelled extensively to Iceland, Scotland, Japan, China, Mexico and to most of the United States including Hawaii and Alaska. Ethel was very proud of her Icelandic heritage and was a devoted member of First Lutheran Church. She served on the Church council, belonged to the Women's Group and was very involved in many different programs and fundraising activities. Many thanks to Marilyn and Fred McKay who, in more recent years, made sure Ethel was able to attend services. Also, their frequent visits to see her at Lions Personal Care Centre were always a highlight of her days. Ethel was a very artistic, talented woman and made many beautiful hand knits, embroidery, paintings and ceramics. Over the years, many of her family and friends received these special gifts to cherish. Her family would like to thank the staff at Lions PCC where she resided for the past three years. Their concern, kindness, compassion and wonderful care was very much appreciated. Special thanks to her good friend Ethel Turner, a Coffee Club original and current resident at Lions Manor, who brightened Mom's days with frequent and cheerful visits. Services to celebrate Ethel's life will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 17. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in support of the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 15, 2011