Obituary of Eleanor Gingerich

On Wednesday, September 23, 2020, Eleanor Gingerich passed away at home, with her family by her side. A faithful and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Eleanor will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband Roger, her children: Joel (Cassandra), Jodi (Mike), Andrea, and Mark (Nathanja); and her 10 grandchildren.

Eleanor was born in Winnipeg, MB., and raised in Landmark, MB., where she spent her days on her family’s farm. She had an idyllic childhood, with gentle and loving parents, and four wonderful sisters. On March 31, 1973, after a short courtship, she married Roger, the man with whom she would walk through life’s joys and difficulties, for 47 years. They loved family, working together during medical missions, travel and ministry. Their goal was to follow and to see the wonder of God during their great journey of life.

From an early age, Eleanor was aware of God’s presence and grew up knowing that she wanted to follow Jesus. She renewed that commitment many times throughout her life. It was a commitment that infused the entirety of her life and led her to a deep involvement in churches and ministries. Although she excelled in leadership positions, what gave her the most joy was being a friend. Countless people throughout Eleanor’s life can attest to her generous spirit, her encouraging heart, and listening ear. She loved to share a cup of coffee and quiet conversation, and made every person know that they were important. She seldom met a person with whom she could not—and did not—become friends.

Eleanor and Roger raised four children, and Eleanor was tireless in her devotion to them. An endless encourager, Eleanor taught her children to believe in hope, to trust in the God in whom she was redeemed, and to love in the manner revealed by Jesus. By grace Eleanor worked each day to live out these teachings. Eleanor chose to forego her career in teaching in order to raise her children at home. While this meant that what she was doing was not always seen outside the family, the family understood her tireless work, work for which no amount of gratitude will ever be sufficient.

Above all, what was most important to Eleanor was participating in God’s work in the world. This took many forms. Mission trips were taken consistently throughout her life, because she wanted to see suffering relieved. Giving to those in need, because she loved to be merciful. Friendships with those who lived on the margins, because she loved unconditionally. Eleanor understood well that she had been pursued by a grace that knows no bounds. In and through the activities of her life, Eleanor sought ever to express gratitude for this grace.

To the best of her ability, and until her last breath, she rejoiced always, prayed continually, and gave thanks in all circumstances. She did not do these works because she was super-human. She did them because she had been remade by grace, and was ever being remade, in the likeness of Christ by the work of the Spirit. Her family that she has left behind, and all who came to know Eleanor, will always be grateful for her life, and for the way in which she loved.

Like Eleanor, may we pursue what she pursued. May we too choose joy, as she did, and believe that all whom we meet are capable of loving and being loved. And may we all recognize that we too have been pursued by a Love that descends and serves, receive this Love, and serve others in the same way.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to CancerCare Manitoba and the Community Cancer Program for their excellent care.

The come and go viewing will be held on Friday, October 2, 2020 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The funeral service, open to the public but with limited seating, will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church, Steinbach, MB.

Burial will take place at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.

The family kindly requests that guests to the come & go viewing and funeral service please wear masks.