Ena Elizabeth Dickenson

Surrounded by the love of her family both present and virtually and the great care of Parkside staff, our mum, grandma, GG, sister and aunt, Ena Dickenson died in her home at the Lion’s Prairie Manor on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at the age of 90 years.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Kim; daughter Judy and son-in-law Randy and son Perry and daughter-in-law Roxanne;  grandchildren Amy & David, Jenny & Matt, Kelsey, Jess, Candace & David, Paige & Bryant, Jodie, Brett & Jody and Brittany & Jay; great grandchildren Max, Eric, Gaby, Peyton, Everly, Hudson, Banner, Jacob, Noxin, Grayson, Lennon, Isabella, Scarlett and Emerson; her beloved sister Elaine Dickenson and sisters-in-law Margaret Webster and Elsie Dickenson, honourary son Brent Irwin; along with many special nieces and nephews and their families.

There to greet her in Heaven are her husband Dick; granddaughter Kaitlyn; son-in-law David; siblings Teddy, Ferne, Jean (Bud & Russell), Isobel (Frank) & Bill; brothers-in-law John and Ray; parents Fred and Nellie Webster and in-laws Jack and Olive Dickenson.

Mum grew up on the farm at Beautiful Valley near Poplar Point, one of seven children, just as the great depression was forming.  As a result, she lived a waste-not-want-not lifestyle.  She worked hard her entire life ensuring all the needs of those around her were met without requiring anything opulent or extravagant.

She married Grant “Dick” in 1953.  Their long partnership (cut short by Dad’s untimely passing in 1999) was filled with a mutual respect for one another.  They had many friends with whom they loved socializing but were also perfectly content being together, just the two of them. They enjoyed travelling especially in their retirement.  Many family vacations were enjoyed.  They found joy in simple pleasures like watching the birds, sitting on the deck and making meals together. Camping with friends, family and grandchildren was a highlight of their lives.

Mum showed her truest self through the love and care she gave her nine grandchildren and subsequently fourteen great grandchildren.  Their childhoods were filled with spending quality time with her at her home baking, playing dress up and tending the garden.  She was a talented seamstress, her grandchildren we lovingly dressed in beautiful hand sewed clothing.

She gave back to her communities in many ways.  As a pillar of the Poplar Point community, she held leadership roles through her kids’ activities and sports, she was instrumental in the creation of the Poplar Point history book.  She was a lifetime member of the UCW and was heavily involved with all levels of governance of the United Church from locally to nationally. She completed a certificate in Theology from the University of Winnipeg. In her younger years she was an avid sportswoman playing baseball and curling. Later in life mum faced some mental health challenges with courage and dignity.

A private family memorial service will take place at Trinity United Church later this Spring. Interment will follow at Poplar Point Cemetery.

Please enjoy the slideshow below that was created in honour of her 90^th birthday this past September.  Mum so enjoyed being celebrated that day and could feel deeply the love of her family.  Some photos have been added at the end that encompassed that special day and the remaining months of her life.

A special thank you to the wonderful and caring staff of the Lion’s Prairie Manor, many of whom took time to come and say their personal goodbyes. Our mum was one of very few residents who spent time living on all four areas of the Manor, she had the opportunity to bond with many of the dedicated caregivers who work there.  They all helped to make last years of her life happy and contented.

Granddaughter Brittany shared this memory of her grandma that we feel perfectly embodied how our Mum lived her life. While walking in her garden one-day, Brittany was looking at grandma’s beautiful roses, she remarked “isn’t it too bad that roses have thorns” grandma replied “yes, but isn’t it nice that thorns have roses?”

Donations in mum’s memory would be appreciated to; Poplar Point Cemetery, c/o Bob & Pam Taylor, 321 Caithness St. Portage la Prairie, R1N 3S5, or Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper St. S, Portage la Prairie, R1N 1W7 or to the Lion’s Prairie Manor Foundation, 24 9^th St SE, Portage la Prairie, R1N 3V4.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com