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ELLA MAY ANGEAL CHENKIE Obituary pic

ELLA MAY ANGEAL CHENKIE

Born: Apr 05, 1932

Date of Passing: Jan 16, 2026

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ELLA MAY ANGEAL CHENKIE

(nee BLUNDERFIELD)

April 5, 1932 - January 16, 2026


It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Ella Chenkie, aged 93, with family at her side.

Mom was predeceased by her loving husband of 53 years Peter in 2005; daughter Valerie in 2023; parents, Edgar and Eleanor; brothers, Fred and George; sisters, Monica, Ann, and Marguerite.

She will be missed by her four children, Gordon (Charlene), Beverly (John Yarema), Barbara (Stephen Doren), Christopher (Heather), and son-in-law Ron Samborski; nine grandchildren, Rob (Meagan), Lindsay, Mike, Kyle, Zach, Aaron, Evan, Ryan (Liane), and Jessica; five great-grandchildren, Violet, Elliot, Josephine, Finley, and Owen; as well as her sister Bernice, and many other relatives and friends.

Mom was born in Redditt ,ON. At the age of three Mom’s family moved to Old Kildonan, MB where she was raised with her brothers and sisters. A graduate of West Kildonan Collegiate, Mom went on to post-secondary education at the Manitoba Technical Institute. On a summer evening in June of 1951, after being previously acquainted, love would strike at dinner with friends at Salisbury House. Mom and Dad married on October 6, 1951, making their home in Selkirk. Mom led a busy life raising their five children, always patient, loving and caring. Mom supported us wholeheartedly, always giving us the freedom to choose our own path.

With all the kids in school, Mom put her college training into action becoming secretary at St. Andrews School for the next 26 years. Teachers and co-workers would describe Mom’s (other) duties that made her an integral team member; School Nurse, Counsellor, Parental Liaison and Special Advisor to the Principal.

Throughout her life Mom was a tireless volunteer. In the early 60s she became a charter member of Chapter P, PEO; she spent a great deal of her time at the Gordon Howard Senior Centre including serving as a Director and President. For many years she delivered Meals on Wheels, and was active with the CWL.

Mom had many interests, especially bowling and line dancing. When Mom took a moment to sit she liked to knit, crochet, and sew for family and friends. She loved the outdoors; cross country skiing, walking, enjoying nature and gardening with Dad.

Mom and Dad loved to go on special trips; travelling to Eardley Lake by float plane for fishing getaways, weekend driving trips to Grand Forks, and winter getaways to Hawaii. A most memorable trip for them was to Poland, where they met Dad’s relatives. Over the years they visited the kids and grandkids across Canada, including adventures up to Yellowknife in the far North.

To the grandkids Mom was known as "Baba". Summers in Selkirk at "the farm" with Baba and Gigi was something they always looked forward to. The grandkids were always greeted with warm hugs and arrived to the smell of fresh baked cinnamon buns and chocolate chip cookies. They especially enjoyed her "world famous dill pickles", pancakes and popcorn in wooden bowls.

She was an amazing woman, who touched countless hearts with her kindness and strength.

A special thank you and appreciation to the staff at Red River Place for their care and compassion.

Memorial donations may be made in Ella’s honour to the Gordon Howard Seniors Centre, Selkirk MB.

A Celebration of Life and memorial service will take place at a later date.

Love You Forever

Tributes: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk

in care of arrangements

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 24, 2026

Condolences & Memories (3 entries)

  • Auntie Ella was an amazing woman! I spent many, many weekends and sometimes a week at a time with the family when I was a young girl. She was like my second mom and my refuge when storms were brewing at home! Unfortunately, I hadn't seen seen her in the last several years, but we would talk on the phone and it was always like we had seen each other just the day before. She will be sadly missed and remembered fondly by everyone that new her. Rest in peace Auntie Ella. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Auntie Ella's children and grand children! Cheryl - Posted by: Cheryl Johnston (Niece) on: Jan 24, 2026

  • My heartfelt condolences to all in the Chenkie family. I met Ella when I was beginning my teaching career at St. Andrews School. She was a lovely person who had such life and vitality in her. Whether it was greeting people with a warm smile, or sharing her love of dancing, she always made people feel welcome. May she know that her words and actions will always be remembered with love. - Posted by: Donna Johnson (Former Colleague) on: Jan 24, 2026

  • So sorry to hear of Ella’s passing. We had so many good times in Selkirk. - Posted by: Claudette Blunderfield (Sister in law) on: Jan 24, 2026

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