BIRDENA (BIRDIE) LUNN

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BIRDENA (BIRDIE) LUNN February 6, 1908 October 12, 2011 Birdena Lunn passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 in Winnipeg, at the age of 103 years. Birdie, the oldest of six children to Robert and Julia Todd, was born in Gretna, MB. In 1913 the family moved to Brooklyn Street in St. James (Winnipeg), where Birdie attended Britannia and Deer Lodge Schools. She then worked at the Hudson Bay Company department store on Portage Avenue until marrying Tommy Eilbeck in 1927. Together they raised two loving children: Dorothy (Jackson / Carruthers, late of Winnipeg Beach and Winnipeg) and Bob (late of Duncan, BC.). During the Second World War, while Tommy was overseas with the Canadian Army, Birdie made her contributions to the war effort working for Trans Canada Airlines, Canada's new national airline. After returning home from the war in 1945, Tommy and Birdie enjoyed several years together until Tommy's passing in 1958. Birdie then moved to Calgary to be with her son, but soon returned to Winnipeg where she took charge of the Housekeeping Department at Grace Hospital, until her retirement. While working at the Grace, Birdie honed her skills taking hospital housekeeping management and sanitation courses through institutions that included the University of Winnipeg, Michigan State University and the American Hospital Association, to name but a few. In 1967 Birdie married Harold Lunn of Winnipeg, and together they enjoyed 22 fun-filled years until Harold's passing in 1989. Birdie and Harold were two of the first residents at the Kiwanis Centre on Sinawik Bay, where they regularly participated in the many organized social events. Birdie was fond of curling and bowling, and she often enjoyed an afternoon or evening of Canasta. In her later years she resided at Charleswood Care Centre on Roblin Blvd. Birdie is survived by her sister Grace Gordon and sons-in-law Al Carruthers and Dennis Anderson of Winnipeg, stepson Ken (Gail) Lunn of Welland, ON, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends across Canada and the United States, and around the globe. The family would like to send a special thank you to Cindy, Roswell, Karen, and all the staff at Charleswood Care Centre. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at All Saints' Church, 175 Colony Street (Osborne Street at Broadway) on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. A private interment will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of one's choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 18, 2011