Obituary of Erin Elizabeth Hanna

Erin Elizabeth Hanna passed away peacefully on April 7, 2024 at the age of 68 after facing an aggressive cancer diagnosis with courage and grace.

Erin was born in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba to Wilene Erla and James Leslie Hanna on October 29, 1955. Her early years were spent in Portage, and after graduation from Portage Collegiate Institute she made an adventurous move with friends to live in Winnipeg. She found her first calling as a hairdresser which allowed her friendly, social personality to ripple outwards and nurture many wonderful friendships. She was always proud to speak fondly of the people whose hair she used to do.

In her late 20s she made the ambitious decision to return back to school to become a nurse. Following her graduation, she worked at Lions Prairie Manor in Portage la Prairie and spent many years commuting daily from her home in Winnipeg, providing her the opportunity to check-in on and care for her father, Les. When he later moved to Winnipeg and her entire family was close by, she took a position at Deer Lodge Centre where she cared for her patients with her unique sense of compassion, humour, kindness and dignity until her retirement in 2019.

Erin and Larry came into each other’s lives in 1999 and were each others’ missing puzzle pieces – their personalities complimented each other entertainingly well as they built their life together. Erin would become a loving stepparent to Larry’s three children, whom she showed unwavering and unconditional support for each of their own unique personalities through their formative years. The home they made in Westwood was frequently the hub of social activity – the door was always open, and you were always welcome for a visit.

Those close to her knew well her appreciation and enjoyment of finer things, whether they were a stylish piece of clothing, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, or a high-quality kitchen utensil. As much as she might have enjoyed finding them, her greatest satisfaction was the enjoyment that someone else would experience. Erin was well known to her friends and family as an amazingly thoughtful and generous giver of gifts.

To know Erin was to know what selflessness was; she spent her life taking care of those around her – her patients, her friends and her family. She cared for her mother Wilene with such grace, humour and love until her recent passing at the age of 101. Their relationship, and the way that Erin cared for her was an inspiration to everyone who knew them.

Predeceased by her parents, she will be dearly missed by her loving partner Larry Mitchell and stepchildren Ryan, Mallory and Chris; her brother Jim (Lorna) and sister Kerry, along with niece Ashley and nephew Daniel. Missing her as well is Willow, the young kitten who quickly made her home cuddled with Erin each evening throughout the last year of her life.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Grace Hospital for their kindness and professionalism.

A celebration of Erin’s life will be held Westwood Community Church, 401 Westwood Drive on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish to make a donation in Erin’s memory, please consider CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.