of Edmonton
Aug 28, 1934 - Jul 26, 2012
Peacefully at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Eleanor R. (Brown) Wickware passed away on July 26th, 2012 at the age of 77. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Ross of almost 52 years in 2010. Loving mother of Bryan (Margaret) of London, UK and Bradley (Mary Mrkonjic) of St. Albert, AB. Treasured Grandma to Carolyn (London, UK). Predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Edith (nee Klepatz) Brown and one brother, Kenneth (1979), she is survived by her sister Edna Buss (the late Herb Buss) of Winnipeg, MB, her brothers, Gordon Brown (Maureen) of Edmonton, Ernie Brown of Elma, MB and many nieces and nephews who cherish her memory. Born in Whitemouth, MB, Eleanor trained to become a Registered Nurse at Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg and worked at Dominion Bridge where she met Ross. Apart from three years in Calgary in the early 1960’s, they lived in Edmonton from their marriage in 1958. Besides making a home for Ross and their two sons, Eleanor worked in the Dialysis Unit at the University of Alberta Hospital and volunteered with the Kidney Foundation. However, it was when Ross was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease that she began her third career – community leader. For many years, she organized the monthly gatherings of the Southside support group for Parkinson patients and their care givers. She sat on the Executive of Parkinson’s Society of Alberta, serving in various executive committee positions over the years. She was a founding executive member of the Alberta Caregivers Association and she served as President of the Family Council at Allen Gray Continuing Care Centre. As well, she was an active member of Southminster -Steinhauer United Church, serving on various committees and also served on the Greater Edmonton Alliance (seniors care). Eleanor and Ross particularly enjoyed time at their cottage where Eleanor served on the Board of Rundle Mission for a number of years. Besides entertaining family and friends, Eleanor loved travel, bridge and outings to the symphony with friends.
A Celebration of Eleanor’s Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday August 2nd, 2012 at Southminster - Steinhauer United Church, 10740-19 Avenue. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in memory of Eleanor may be made to the Alberta Caregivers Association, 10310-56 St., Edmonton, AB.