Eleanor Gwen Ironman

Eleanor Gwen Ironman
Waḣanksic̣a Najin Winyan  “Standing Bear Woman”
May 6, 1962 - June 17, 2026

Eleanor Ironman passed away peacefully with family by her side on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Growing up on a farm west of Souris, Manitoba, Eleanor described herself as being a “curious and shy" girl. She kept that shy curiosity all throughout her life, always interested and engaged, but never wanting the spotlight. She often reminisced of her childhood on the farm — building tree forts, riding bicycles, and listening to records with her siblings. She particularly loved her older brother Harry’s records. Eleanor lovingly remembered her childhood years.

Eleanor received her education at Souris High School, before completing her diploma in Nursing at Assiniboine College in Brandon. She had a love for academics, often wishing she could stay a student forever. She attended the University of Manitoba, where she completed a Bachelor's Degree in Science. A job opening for a Health Inspector was made known to her, leading her to the British Columbia Institute of Technology, in Burnaby, B.C., to complete her Bachelor of Environmental Public Health. Her 22-year career in Public Health took her all over Manitoba, touching the lives of others with her quiet, passionate dedication. Before retiring, she worked in the Interlake Region and enjoyed driving up North, taking in the views of Lake Winnipeg along the way.

Eleanor will be remembered for her love of sewing — a hobby that brought her so much creative joy. You could ask her to sew anything and she’d make it work, even at the last minute. She designed and made her daughter’s graduation gown, which led to her carry on making all of Julia’s special occasion dresses. Every year, she looked forward to sewing her grand-nieces’ and nephews’ Halloween costumes. She did everything from hemming Phil’s pants, sewing patches onto Cory’s worn-out jeans, to creating custom-made moccasins and ribbon skirts for her family and friends. Nothing brought her more happiness than putting on some music and sitting down at her sewing machine. She called her projects her “missions.”

Eleanor treasured family. The hearty laughter that only her family could bring out of her will be missed. She was thankful to the Sioux Valley community, who helped her discover traditional teachings that would serve as a guide for her later years. Her "sister cousin", Elder Margaret Roscelli, was an inspiration to her. Marge was a friend when one was needed most and was at Eleanor’s side (along with her daughter, Julia, and sister, Lois) at her time of passing.

Eleanor is survived by her daughter Julia; sisters, Lois Ironman, Marcia Routledge, and Kerri Derbyshire; brothers, Harry Ironman, Roland Ironman, and Philip Waterman.

She is pre-deceased by her parents, Henry and Audrey Ironman; Betty and Lloyd Waterman as well as sister Colleen Ironman, brothers, Ernie Ironman, and James Ironman. Tanyan mani Ina. Toksta ake way kick take kte. Walk forward in a good way, Mom. We will see each other again.

A traditional service will take place on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Sioux Valley Veteran's Hall, Sioux Valley, Manitoba, with departure from Memories Chapel at 9:15 a.m.