Eileen Mae Dimond

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of our much-loved wife, mom and grandma, Eileen Mae Dimond of Birtle, MB at the age of 83. Eileen’s short journey with cancer ended peacefully on November 14, 2025 at the Birtle Health Centre. She was surrounded by family, friends, love and laughter in the days and weeks prior to her passing.

Born on May 5, 1942, in Holland, MB, Eileen was the eldest of four children born to Remi and Julienne Delichte. She grew up in St. Alphonse, MB on the family farm and attended school in St. Alphonse and Bruxelles, MB before pursuing nursing training at St. Boniface General Hospital. After graduating in 1963, she began her nursing career at Sacred Heart Hospital in Russell, MB.

It was in Russell that Eileen met the love of her life, Gary Dimond. Gary was born in 1939 in Gainsborough, SK, and moved to Russell as an infant. He grew up there and began his long career with the Royal Bank in Russell in 1956, later working in Snow Lake, Steinbach, Winnipeg, and Camp Shilo. It was during his time in Camp Shilo that he met Eileen, while on a visit back to Russell. She was one of the new nurses in town and she caught his eye!

Eileen and Gary were married in Russell on June 4, 1966. Following their wedding, they returned to Camp Shilo for Gary’s work until he was transferred to Winnipeg later that year. In Winnipeg, Gary worked at several bank branches while Eileen worked in the Operating Room at St. Boniface General Hospital. During their time in Winnipeg they were blessed with two children, Pam and Lance.

In 1973, the family moved to Steinbach, MB where Eileen continued her nursing career. A transfer to Roland, MB followed in 1976 when Gary became Branch Manager, and during their time there, Eileen chose to step back from nursing to focus on their family. In 1978, the family settled in Birtle after Gary accepted the position of Branch Manager. They built their home in town, raised their children, and were active members of the community throughout their working years and into retirement. Gary retired from the Royal Bank in 1994, and Eileen continued to work casual and part-time shifts at the Birtle Health Centre until her retirement in 2002.

Eileen was an exceptional nurse who truly cared about her patients and co-workers. She enjoyed her years working at the Birtle Health Centre and shared many fun times with the lifelong friends she made there! Throughout her nursing career, Eileen touched countless lives and she received many heartfelt expressions of gratitude from patients and families.

A devoted community member, Eileen volunteered her time and talents for numerous organizations in Birtle including the 4-H Club, United Church, Christmas Cheer, Donor’s Choice and the Food Bank. She enjoyed reading, participating in various activities in town, and visiting with friends. She cherished her grandchildren and was a cheerleader for them in all of their pursuits. Eileen loved to laugh and have fun. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and for always being willing to help out and lend a hand where needed.

Over the years, Eileen and Gary enjoyed many camping and fishing trips together and with their family. They also shared a passion for travel, visiting Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland; taking several memorable trips to Hawaii; enjoying two Caribbean cruises; and exploring many other destinations. Throughout the years they enjoyed several special vacations with their family.

Eileen is lovingly remembered by her husband, Gary; daughter Pam Coates (Tim); son Lance Dimond (Morgan); and her cherished grandchildren, Will and Katelyn. She is also survived by her brothers Kenner Delichte (Pat) of Victoria, BC; Wayne Delichte (Shirley) of Vernon, BC; and Brian Delichte (Muriel) of Milton, ON; brother-in-law Eldon Dimond and sister-in-law Bernice Dimond of Winnipeg; sister-in-law Pearl Warren and brother-in-law Arlin Warren of Hamilton, ON; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Eileen was predeceased by her infant sister; her parents, Remi and Julienne Delichte; her parents-in-law, Oscar and Ina Dimond; and her daughter-in-law, Kerri Dimond (Parker).

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the dedicated nurses and health care staff at the Birtle Health Centre, and to Nurse Practitioner Shannon Emerick, for their exceptional care, kindness and support. Gratitude is also extended to the doctors, nurses and staff of the cancer ward and the ICU at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. The family is forever grateful to the many relatives, friends and community members who surrounded Eileen and her family with love, care and support during her time in palliative care and following her passing. It brought great peace and comfort to Eileen and her family to be at “home” in Birtle.

A Celebration of Life for Eileen will be announced and held at a later date.

Donations in Eileen’s memory may be made to Birtle & Area Palliative Care, CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of choice.