ENID RUTH THOMPSON

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ENID RUTH THOMPSON March 24, 1927 - May 28, 2007 On May 28, 2007, at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg born Enid Ruth Thompson passed away peacefully at the age of 80. Following her graduation in Social Work from the University of Manitoba, Enid began her career as a social worker in Saskatchewan. When the opportunity arose she returned to Manitoba and worked for the Manitoba Department of Welfare in the Swan River Area. As a social worker she recognized the importance of team work and fostered excellent relationships with the Medical Health Directors and Public Health Nurses. She took leave of absence from the Welfare Department to further her education at the University of Chicago. After receiving her Masters Degree in Social Work she returned to Manitoba and for a short time was an Instructor in the School of Social Work at the University of Manitoba. With the introduction of the Canada Assistance Plan, Enid was appointed Winnipeg Regional Director of the Social Allowance Program. As such, she developed the Policy and Program Guidelines for the Program and coordinated the transfer of Nursing Homes from the City of Winnipeg to the Province of Manitoba. When the Department of Health and the Provincial Welfare Program were amalgamated, Enid became the Consultant on Aging in the Division of Research, Planning and Program Development, Manitoba Health and Social Development. One of her many projects was as Director of the Manitoba Study on Aging. The findings from this Study became the basis for the Policy Paper for the introduction of a Province-wide Home Care Program. Enid coordinated the establishment of the policy guidelines, the assessment tools and data collection for the program. Enid became the Director of the Office of Continuing Care, a senior position in the Government of Manitoba, and a position she held until she retired. She continued to foster the concept of serving the needs of older adults through the joint planning of nurses, social workers, therapists, physicians, policy analysts, and researchers, and participated in a number of national committees on home care and the needs of older adults. She supported the development of the Home Orderly Service, Focus Units for the very disabled, 1010 Sinclair, and training for the aides and homemakers who provided service to home care clients. After retirement Enid continued to share her expertise and experience as a board member of Age and Opportunity, and Meals on Wheels. She gave freely to local charities, and was always pleased to support the children who knocked on her door and asked for donations. For many years, Enid enjoyed paddling and cross-country skiing at Eleanor Lake, accompanied by a succession of Cocker Spaniels. And she was a retired member of the Crocus Curling Club. Enid was predeceased by her brothers, Lt. Col. Tommy Thompson, Dr. Andy Thompson; her sister Winnfred Thompson, and her nephew Paul Thompson. She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Jean Thompson and Agnes Thompson; her niece Margaret Good, and her nephews, John and David Thompson, many friends, and her last Cocker Spaniel Tara . A Celebration of Enid's life will be held on Monday, June 4 at 10:00 a.m. in Thompson In The Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd., Winnipeg. Interment will take place in St. John's Cathedral Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends wish, a memorial donation may be made in Enid's name to the University Women's Club Scholarship Fund, 54 West Gate, Winnipeg MB R3C 2E1; The Winnipeg Humane Society, 5 Kent Street, Winnipeg MB R2L 1X3; or a charity of choice. THOMSON IN THE PARK FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 1291 McGILLIVRAY BLVD. www.thomsoninthepark.com 925-1120 PLEASE BRING A TIN FOR THE BIN HELP US SUPPORT WINNIPEG HARVEST

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 01, 2007