ELEANOR (NERKY) MCMILLAN (DOBRINSKY)

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ELEANOR (NERKY) MCMILLAN (nee DOBRINSKY) It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother on Sunday, April 21, 2013, at the age of 84 years. Left to cherish Eleanor's memory are her two children, Jackie Delaney and Roberta Gibb; son-in-law Ron Delaney; grandchildren Lisa Brooks (Murray) and Ryan Delaney; great-grandchildren Sara and Wyatt Brooks and Leland Delaney; sister Dee Clark, and numerous nieces; nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Robert (Fuzzy) McMillan; father and mother, Stefan and Lena Dobrinsky; brothers John Dobrinsky, Steve Dobrinsky, Fred Dixon, and William Dobrinsky; sisters, Anne Bachman, Mabel Olynyk, and Evelyn Gabbs, and son in-law Bob Gibb. Born and raised in West Kildonan, Eleanor was the youngest of nine kids. She worked for many years at Lloyd's Bag Co. The Dobrinsky family had many parties where couples brought their single friends, and here the romance between her and "Fuzzy" began. Many Saturdays were spent at the Legion, where she loved to dance, winning many competitions. Eleanor's home was always open to anyone, and was forever the sleepover excuse if her nieces and nephews wanted to escape their parents. She always had extra space for whoever needed it, supporting and caring for people regardless of their status. Eleanor enjoyed her family immensely and had a special relationship with each one. She gained the name "Nerky" which she initially disliked, but eventually embraced, even getting it on her license plate. She didn't start driving until she was 50, buying her first new car with $2 bills that she'd saved up! Eleanor loved playing bingo, slots, and most of all shopping. Many trips were taken to Grand Forks with her family, looking for a deal and spoiling them. Reading was a great passion, sharing books and comparing authors and stories with her granddaughter. She also loved watching Randy play, even attending his concert two weeks ago. Eleanor's love for bingo led her to start her own, where she worked for many years, raising thousands of dollars for The Children's Burn Ward at Health Sciences Centre. Additionally, she started and ran a Food Bank at the bingo hall for the local community. Retirement didn't slow Eleanor down, and even when attending Fred Douglas Day Program, always felt that she was going to help with the old people, never viewing herself as one. Eleanor adored her two grandchildren and was fortunate to build loving relationships with each of her great-grandchildren, always making time to play cards and games, sharing stories and passing on her knowledge. She always brought a sense of practicality, and her straight shooting attitude and demeanor let you know what she thought, which was usually right. Eleanor's determination, integrity and genuine concern for everyone gave all who knew her inspiration to better themselves. She will truly be missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who were inspired by her. A private family ceremony will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eleanor's name to Fred Douglas Adult Day Program. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 1020 Main Street, Winnipeg, 204-586-8668, wojciksfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 27, 2013