Eleanor Borodey (née Hrankowski)
May 19, 1932 – January 3, 2026

With deep love and gratitude, we announce the passing of Eleanor Borodey, who lived a long, full and beautiful life defined by hard work, devotion to family, and a warmth that made every person feel welcome in her presence.

Eleanor was the heart of her family — our rock. She was a caring and attentive mother and Baba, always interested in others and quick to ask how everyone was doing. Family was her greatest treasure, and she took immense pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments with joy and genuine pride. Her Polish and Ukrainian heritage shaped generations and left a lasting legacy.

Eleanor was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Pauline Hrankowski, her husband Michael, her siblings Billy, Polly, Mary, Stanley, Frank, Josie, Jean and her son in law Bruce Hargreaves.

She leaves behind her children Bruce (Marilyn), Karen (late, Bruce), and Gordon; her grandchildren Ryan (Morgan), Jennifer (Kurt), Natasha (Jared), Shane, David, Dillan (Laura), Miranda (Justin), and Camille (Nick); and her great grandchildren Kayla, Chloe, Michael, Eleanora, Jack, Arlowe, and Murphie.

Born on the family farm in Meleb, Manitoba and later raised in Winnipeg Beach, Eleanor learned the value of hard work early in life, gardening potatoes and vegetables alongside her mother. That strong work ethic carried into her years on the farm, where she milked cows, cared for animals, and worked tirelessly alongside her beloved husband, Michael Borodey. Eleanor and Michael were married on June 3, 1950, sharing 54 devoted years together while raising their three children, Bruce, Gordon, and Karen. They later settled in their family home on Fifth Avenue in Gimli, which became a gathering place filled with warmth, laughter, and love.

Known fondly as “Baba,” Eleanor was famous for her welcoming spirit and legendary pierogies, pistachio desserts and apple pie. Her home was always open — a place for sleepovers, family dinners, and long evenings spent with friends and family in the gazebo.

Eleanor was a classy and elegant woman, always beautifully dressed with carefully coordinated outfits. She valued friendship and community, enjoying daily walks and coffee with friends, and was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League, where she also sang in the choir. Eleanor also enjoyed travel with some of her most memorable trips to Florida, Seattle and Alaska.

In her later years, Eleanor became a proud great-grandmother and lovingly embraced the title of “Baba B.” Her 90th birthday was a cherished celebration, bringing together family and friends from near and far to honor a woman so deeply loved.

A service to celebrate Eleanor’s life will be held at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Gimli, Manitoba on Saturday, April 25 at 11:00 a.m.

She is now reunited with her beloved Michael.
Vichnaya Pamyat — Eternal Memory.