EILEEN JANE AUSTEN (ATEAH) RN

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EILEEN JANE AUSTEN (nee ATEAH) RN Eileen departed this life peacefully on Monday, July 18, at the Pine Falls Health Centre. She is survived by her devoted husband Gerald; brother Carl Ateah his wife Nancy; sisters-in-law Jane Austen and Hila Ateah; niece Susan her husband Mark Houser; nephews Kevin wife Sandra, Curtis wife Ann, Paul, Robert wife Melody, and Mark, and their families. Eileen was predeceased by her parents Edward and Anne Ateah and her brother George. Eileen graduated from the St. Boniface Hospital School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse in 1963. Due to the re-occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis prior to Eileen's graduation, she was unable to practice as an active duty nurse. However, with a love of and interest in medicine Eileen pursued a career in epidemiology at the medical college at the University of Manitoba. Volunteerism has always been a central element of Eileens life. She was a founding member of the Arthritis Self-help Group of Winnipeg, and a volunteer and board member of the Arthritis Society. Being a life long member of the Anglican Church, Eileen and Gerald enjoyed many happy years as members of the Cathedral Parish of St. John, and St. Georges Cresentwood, Winnipeg St. Michaels Parish, Victoria Beach, was Eileen's first family church and also for the past ten years, has been her well loved Parish. During her faith journey she enjoyed the St. Ignatius Exercises program at St. Georges and being a member of the Anglican Fellowship of prayer. Because of Eileen's immobility, she developed a fulfilling telephone ministry over the years. She has touched and lightened innumerable people with her compassion and her sensitive calm, both a reflection of her deep faith. Eileen was gifted with a profound understanding of the human condition. All who met and had the privilege of knowing her were blessed by her spirit. She will be lovingly remembered. Gerald and Eileen's family want to express our sincere thanks for the wonderful loving care Eileen has received from the devoted Homecare Team, the Medical Staff at Grace General Hospital and the Pine Falls Health Complex. We are especially grateful for the continued care from Dr. R. Essa, Dr. David Robinson, Dr Fletcher Baragar, Dr David Lyttle, Dr. David Hedden, Dr. Marilyn Ekins, Dr. Frances Edye, Dr. James Johnston. Dr. Martin Colledge, and Dr. Murray White. To cousins and close friends Lynn, Marlene, Tirzah, Nadine, Susan, Gail, and Marianne, we extend heartfelt gratitude for the devoted care you have given to Eileen during these past difficult weeks. Our Rector, the Reverend Judy Whitmore and the Reverend Cannon Bill Duff, have provided continual love, care and support for which we express our thanks, and are eternally grateful. A service of thanksgiving for the life of Eileen will be celebrated at St. Michael's Church, 8th Avenue and Pine Road, Victoria Beach, on Friday , July 22, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers we would appreciate donations to the Anglican Parish of St. Michael, Victoria Beach, or the Arthritis Society, Suite 105, 386 Broadway, Winnipg, MB R3C 3R6. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 21, 2011