Eleanor COOMBS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

COOMBS: M. Eleanor Coombs (nee Bray), beloved wife of the late Jack Coombs, passed away peacefully, at the age of 93 on October 23, 2015 at her residence in Boissevain. Eleanor, the youngest daughter of George and Margaret May Bray, was born on December 17, 1921 on a farm near Lenore, Manitoba. Eleanor was a wife, a sister, a Grandmother, a Great Grandmother and most important to her, “a mother”. Eleanor was predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Viola Coombs, Manson Bray, Bob Bray, Wilbert Bray, Wilda McDonald, Murray Bray, Ron Bray and Don Bray. A Church service was held on October 28, 2015 in the Hamiota United Church to celebrate Eleanor’s life and her legacy which includes 16 Grandchildren and 21 Great Grandchildren. Eleanor went off to Normal School in the 1940’s to become a teacher which she enjoyed working at throughout her life. It was during a teaching job in Flin Flon when she met her husband, Jack Coombs. They enjoyed 60 years of married life before Jack’s passing in 2006. Eleanor had also been interested in becoming a nurse but it did not work out for her. Dr. Ed once told Eleanor she did not need medical training due to all the experience she gained raising her five very active kids.Eleanor was a women dedicated to her family and her community. Eleanor and Jack raised five busy children, Dick (Betty Jean), Don (Bonnie), Bruce (Barb), Bonnie (Alan) and Ross (Eva) in Hamiota. She enjoyed many years of sharing their life at “EEEE” cabin on Shoal Lake with numerous relatives and friends. There were frequent games of cards, especially bridge played over the years. She was ready to beat any takers at board games and more often cribbage. In her spare time Eleanor enjoyed other activities including crochet, sewing, quilting, knitting, curling, bike riding, walking and making the best butter tarts ever. Eleanor taught many Grandchildren how to make quilts and she also made a quilt for every Grandchild. During their later years Eleanor and Jack also enjoyed many trips throughout North America and to Australia where they were known to continue their long walks. The big house in Hamiota was often filled with fun, food and many guest as all were welcome at the Coombs’ table come meal time. Eleanor was very skilled at making a little food go along way when needed. She was known for her generous spirit both within her family and her community. Eleanor was an active lifelong member of the United Church and preferred to live her beliefs rather than talk about them. She was a member of the She was a long term member of the Legionnaires, The U.C.W and the Eastern Stars. Eleanor was awarded a life time membership from The Hamiota Curling Club. As part of her commitment to community service she was a major force behind the development of local programs such as “Meals on Wheels”, the “Thrift Shop”, the “Hospital feeding program” and the “Seniors Drop in Center” which continue to operate in Hamiota today. When Eleanor saw a need she tried to create change to meet the need and improve the community. Even though Eleanor lived a very full life she will still be missed by those left behind. We take comfort knowing she is now with her life partner, Jack, brothers and sisters, and many friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eleanor’s memory to the Hamiota United Church Memorial Fund, or to the Hamiota District Sports Complex Memorial Fund, Hamiota, MB, R0M 0T0.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 03, 2015