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ELEENE GRACE NICHOLS
Born: Apr 13, 1938
Date of Passing: Aug 31, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryELEENE GRACE NICHOLS
It is with sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of our mother Eleene Grace Nichols, of Winnipeg, on August 31, 2026 at the age of 88 years with her husband at her side. Eleene is survived by her beloved husband of 33 years, Bernhart Sawatsky; her brother Ellert, her sons Ellert (Sandra) and Eric (Charlene); her daughter Eleene (Steve); stepson Robert (Denika); step daughter Donna (Eric); grandchildren Mathew (Rayanne), Ryleigh (Laine), Jessica (Marc), Megan (Patrick), Lauren, Landen, Quinton, Jessie and Amber; great-grandchildren Nora and Emily and numerous nieces and nephews. Eleene is predeceased by her parents William and Jona, brothers Arthur, Bill and Harold, and sisters Jona and Hilda.
Eleene was born on April 13,1938 in Winnipeg and was raised in the Fort Rouge area of the city. Following graduation from high school she worked for the Department of Federal Revenue until the arrival of her family. She returned to the workforce in the mid 1980s and finished her career at Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation from which she retired in 2004.
Family was tremendously important to our mother and throughout her life she was always willing to provide whatever assistance she could to support her children or extended family. Second only to her enthusiasm for bingo, our mother had a lifelong love of Manitoba’s vast prairie lakes and owned cottages on both Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba: Victoria Beach (1969-1984), Steep Rock (1985-2005), Twin Beaches (2006-2011) and Matlock (2012-2024). Many happy summers were spent with her young family at Victoria Beach, and her laughter and piercing voice could be heard up and down Gibson Drive calling after various missing family pets. Our mother loved the many dogs she had over the years and they always brought her great joy and comfort in good times and bad.
Like other members of her family, Eleene was a member of the Fort Rouge Legion for many decades and following her retirement was a volunteer responsible for selling 50-50 tickets which provided her endless satisfaction. In her final years she would fondly reminisce the times spent with her fellow members.
Eleene was dear to a great many people and all who knew her could share stories of her harmless idiosyncrasies that made her so memorable and easy to love. She will be greatly missed but will live on always in our hearts.
A service will be at held at Glen Lawn Funeral Home on Friday September 18 at 2:00 p.m.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 12, 2026
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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Eileen was a very special woman, I met her when we continued our education as adults. Condolences to Ben and the family , from Irene Bergen-Gale - Posted by: Irene Gale (Friend) on: Oct 13, 2026
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Eleene was such a kind and generous lady. I met her through her daughter Eleene who is a friend of mine. I have wonderful memories of Eleene when we were all out at Twin Beach. She would always give my kids juice and candies. She always had kind words and was very supportive when it was a very tough time in my life. My kids absolutely loved her. She was such a fun, loving, kind lady always smiling and laughing. She will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Sara, Ashton and Tianna Klysh/Wedlake (Friend of family) on: Sep 22, 2026
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My wife Laurie Eremko and I (John Petznik) would like to offer our deepest condolences to Benny and the Nichols family and extended family. My friendship with them goes back to the very beginning of their journey through life together as I was best man at their wedding. In life we have many acquaintances and and if we are lucky, a few goods friends. Benny and Eleene were definitely in the good friends category. They always welcomed us into their home. They always kept in contact with us even when we made the move to British Columbia. We have many treasured memories of frequent visits with them in our home in Richer Manitoba as well as their homes in Winnipeg. We sadly will miss her laugh and sense of humour, kindness, and generosity. Rest well Eleene till we meet again in that better place. - Posted by: John Petznik (Friend) on: Sep 18, 2026
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Dear Ellert, Eleene, Eric and families- I’m deeply saddened by Auntie Eleene’s passing. She was a warm, loving presence in all our lives, and I’ll always treasure the memories we shared especially our days together at Victoria Beach and family gatherings over the Christmas season at your childhood home on Danbury Bay. Auntie Eleene had a heart of gold and a contagious laugh- I'll miss her! I'm so glad I was able to visit with her last fall and see her again this past summer at Tuxedo Villa. Unfortunately, I can't attend her service but please know I’m holding you close in my thoughts and sending you all my love during this difficult time. I have made a donation to the Lake Winnipeg Foundation in her memory as her time in Manitoba lake country was dear to her. - Posted by: Janice Wattis (Niece) on: Sep 17, 2026