With deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Wife, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, Sister-in-Law, Aunt and precious friend Eunice at The Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre on Weinberg 2, where she had resided with tender loving care for over 5 years.
Mom was born in Eriksdale, Manitoba and was raised on the family farm near the shores of Lake Manitoba. She was the 6th of 10 children born to William and Esther Watson (McKelvey). Mom had a close connection with her father and would often share memories of how she enjoyed working hard alongside of him in the hayfields. In 1948, at 18 years she attended Normal School in Tuxedo, obtained her teaching certificate, and returned to Eriksdale to teach at the one roomed Hartfield School. After one year of teaching Mom took her Licensed Practical Nursing at the St. Boniface School of Nursing. From there, Mom went to work at the Kenora General Hospital. While in Kenora, she met and married the love of her life, Rowland Band. Together they had 3 children, Kathleen, Ian, and Colin. In May 1966, the family moved to Winnipeg and resided in Fort Richmond, a real culture shock for the family after living on Lake of the Woods. Mom always made sure the family returned to Kenora every summer for a family holiday.
Mom worked at the St. Boniface General Hospital and then the Municipal Hospital caring for Polio patients – working nights so she would be available to her family during the day. Mom never complained and would still have energy to host family dinners, she truly loved to entertain family and friends. She always said that she could not work if it was not for dad’s love and all his help along with their children. In 1973 at 43 years of age, her family nearly grown, she decided to pursue her RN at the SBGH. In Mom’s second year of the RN program (1975), daughter Kathleen had enrolled in her first year of Nursing (1974). Eunice and Kathleen were the first mother/daughter ever to be enrolled at the same time at St. Boniface General Hospital. Mom loved to share this with others as she was so proud. In 1978 Mom graduated from the Intensive Care course at SBGH and worked in Intensive Care Medicine, from there she worked on Pediatrics and was like a mother to all the very sick children she cared so much for. Mom always had a “thirst” for learning and in 1987 obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba through many years of evening classes. In May 1991 she was presented the Professional Nursing Award from the St. Boniface General Hospital. Mom had a true passion for Nursing, caring for others and touched so many lives. The last few years of Mom’s career were spent on Pediatric Research and then providing private care to the aging. At 70 years of age, after 49 years of Nursing, Mom felt it was time to retire from a very rewarding career.
Mom and Dad travelled extensively throughout Europe, USA and Canada during the latter part of their lives together. In 1990 at the age of 59, Mom became a widow and continued to fill her loss by keeping busy. She loved her Grandsons and visited them daily, even if it meant using her lunch hour to take them for a walk to the park. She adored her Grandsons and was always there when needed, when they were young and into their adulthood. In return the Grandsons always ensured they phoned or visited their “Nanny” often as it was always guaranteed to be lots of laughter and joking about.
Mom enjoyed a variety of activities. She was an avid reader and was knowledgeable about worldly issues. She enjoyed bridge, cribbage, crosswords, Tai Chi, walking many miles daily for exercise – often to King’s Park and back several times a day – and she had a love for sports, particularly baseball. She enjoyed hosting foreign students in her home after Dad’s passing.
Mom was extremely generous with her time, being actively involved with the Anglican Church, St. Boniface Alumni, Fort Garry Rotary, Heart and Stroke, CancerCare Manitoba and Girl Guides. Mom lived life to the fullest and was always willing to assist others. Despite Mom’s lifelong struggle with chronic pain, her spirits remained high and would always put others first.
Eunice leaves her very special, dear friend and companion of 19 years, Bob Heinrichs. Bob you were so wonderful and caring to our Mom, daughter Kathleen (Tony), sons Ian (Joanne), Colin (Gwen), her 4 Grandsons who she truly adored, Jeff (Rochelle), Andrew (Micky), Justin, and Matthew, her treasured and beloved first Great Granddaughter Valentina Kinal who she was able to hold only once in her arms before the COVID-19 restrictions. Mom thoroughly enjoyed receiving pictures and visits through her second-floor window but longed to hold her great Granddaughter again. Her remaining siblings, Clara, Ben (Joyce), and her youngest sister Georgina (Raymond), many nieces and nephews along with countless friends and Nursing classmates, including Gaylene Kramchynski.
Mom was predeceased by her siblings Diane, Mac, Edmond, Douglas, Allison, Edith and Brother-in-Law Jim Band.
The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the staff on Weinberg 2, at the Simkin Centre. Each and everyone of you are one of the Angels placed on this earth. Mom loved all of you and Marcella Fullante who she looked forward to seeing several times a week and loved you as a daughter – your visits were more than special for Mom. Nurse Brenda – your care and humor always made her day. Nurses Corrine, Tesse, Dr. Koven and all the staff whose names are too many to mention we truly thank you. It was overwhelming for family when all the staff took time to share their tears and support of mom’s passing. To the Staff who shared that Mom was “not just a resident but our friend” really touched our hearts.
Mom, you lived life to the fullest and have left such an impact on the world and all those who were fortunate to have met you. We love you and will miss your physical presence. You will forever be in our hearts.
Mom will be laid to rest alongside Dad at the Lake of the Woods Cemetery in a Private Family Ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please reach out to someone less fortunate, in memory of Eunice Band.
As per her wishes, cremation has taken place, with the service on September 25, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions in place, the service is by invite only.
For those who are unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on the Facebook page of Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home. Please follow this link for access:
https://www.facebook.com/Thomson-In-the-Park-Funeral-Home-and-Cemetery-1934981230093053
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