Etna Neil (nee Ekeberg) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at Victoria General Hospital, at age 95.
Mrs. Neil was born February 28, 1919 in Stockholm, Saskatchewan, the first of three children of Alfred and Hedvig Ekeberg, who were both born and raised in Sweden. Her mother died when she was only four years old, and circumstances were such that she and her siblings were separated. Etna was then lovingly raised by her stepmother Mrs. Toni Johnson of Winnipeg. She met Robert Keith Neil at Grant Memorial Baptist Church, and they were married there in July of 1953. Soon after, they moved into their newly-built house in River Heights that she would call home for the rest of her life.
In earlier times, Etna took an active role in the music programs of Briercrest College and Seminary in Caronport Saskatchewan, and in Providence College in Otterburne Manitoba. She is also remembered as the pianist for many years at Grant Memorial church, where she also occasionally accompanied her husband in the choir or on his trombone. And she is fondly remembered by many as the strict but patient piano teacher who skillfully taught them and many scores of others over the years from her home.
Etna was the beloved wife for 56 years of the late Keith Neil, who predeceased her in 2010. She was also predeceased by brother Al and sister Dagny. Etna will be lovingly remembered by her 6 nephews and 3 nieces, and by members of their families.
A memorial service will be conducted at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd., Winnipeg on Saturday, February 28 at 2:00 pm.
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