MRAZEK, ELEANOR - 1938 - 2013 - Eleanor Martha Mrazek, of Sackville, NB, quietly succumbed to ALS on April 25, 2013, at the age of 74 years. Eleanor braved her illness with unusual acceptance and grace, spending the months after her diagnosis travelling and spending time with family and friends. Her energy, elegance and love were an inspiration, and will be forever missed. Born in Sydney, NS to the late Alexander and Eileen Tomko, she is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Ernest Mrazek, and their five children Connie (Bill) MacKinnon of Calgary; Ernest (Kate), Barbara and Nancy Mrazek of Toronto; and Rob (Marion) Mrazek of Winnipeg. She is also survived by her five cherished grandchildren, Sarah and Paul MacKinnon, of Calgary; Jesse and Tyler Mrazek, of Winnipeg; and Kirsti Mrazek, of Toronto. She will be greatly missed by her youngest sister Sheila and husband Donald Gouthro of Sackville, who cared for her until the end; niece Paula (Will) Green of Halifax; nephew Matthew (Beth) Gouthro of Virginia; grand-nephews Thomas and Sullivan Green and Cole Gouthro, who brought laughter and smiles to her home and hospital bed; and siblings Alex (Esther), Leo (Jenny) and Brenda Tomko, of Sydney, and their families. In addition to raising five children, Eleanor worked to support her family, retiring in the late 1990s from her position as Executive Assistant to the Flight Director of Manitoba’s Air Services Division. She was a dynamo who loved to entertain, spend time at the beach, and shop for colourful fashion and footwear. Her wit, vibrancy and no-nonsense attitude were an inspiration to her friends and family, who flocked to her side throughout her life and through her illness. At the end, they sat with her and listened to one of her favourite singers, Neil Diamond. Her family would like to thank the staff at Sackville Extra-Mural and Moncton Hospital’s Neuro ICU, Unit 4100 and Palliative Care, whose professional, loving care of Eleanor and her family were exceptional. Deeply felt gratitude to Doctors Mansfield, Marrero, Worley and Seminov, who gave her family great comfort and helped Eleanor live her final days with dignity. In lieu of flowers, donations to the ALS Society of New Brunswick would be greatly appreciated.
At Eleanor’s request, there will be no service. She loved us so. Ferguson Knowles Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton (858-1995) in care of arrangements. Online condolences at www.fergusonknowlesfh.com