Eileen Basson (Hammell)

October 29, 1939-April 28, 2026

Eileen began life with a challenging start, her family dispersing in many directions during World War II. She grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba with her surviving sister Shirley Schellenberg of Winkler, Manitoba.

Over the years Eileen worked for the CNIB catering, Middlechurch Home, Robin’s Donuts, and was a friendly and quick-witted lunch time supervisor at both Chapman Elementary School and Rossburn Collegiate where she enjoyed interacting with the students.

She had a sassy sense of humour and a creative soul and often found ways to make simple things just a touch more special. She loved crafts, baking, and making holiday meals for her family. With a little glitter, a few flowers, and a hot glue gun she showed her love, and did her part to add beauty to the world around her, in her own unique way.

Eileen was lucky in love three times; predeceased by her husband of 27 years Richard Carpenter in 1991. Eileen is survived by their three children; Brenda McKay (husband Rod), Bonnie Carpenter (husband Matthew Boutilier) and their son Brad Carpenter. She also leaves behind grandchildren Christopher, Amanda, Christine, Jade, Rory, Ryan, Rebecca, their partners and children along with nieces and nephews Ed, Brian, Cathy, Kelly, Brent and Greg.

Marrying Norman Russell in 1995, Eileen was also blessed with the pleasure of sharing many great years in Ignace, ON., Tumbler Ridge, BC, and Vegreville, AB. and North Battleford, SK, making memories with his children and grandchildren. Upon Norman’s passing she appreciated the care and kindness of Gordie and Shirley Russell welcoming her to his home base of Eriksdale Manitoba before returning to Winnipeg.

At age 74 Eileen’s heart was captured one last time, by Anthony Basson and they were wed on June 14, 2015, in Steinbach, Manitoba, adding his children Amanda, Lynne, and Neil, and their spouses and extended families to her list of life’s gifts. Walking each other through the ups and downs of aging, Eileen and Tony taught many silent lessons on grace, forgiveness, and courage.

Eileen made the best of her final home for the last 15 months of her life at Beaconhill Lodge. She enjoyed the support, laughter, and good company of her fellow residents, and special visits with Bonnie, Matthew, and brother-in-law Ken Carpenter. 

Eileen and her family would like to thank the compassionate and dedicated staff of Access River East, Cancer Care Manitoba, her Homecare workers, the gang at Minds in Motion, and the kind and caring staff of Beaconhill Lodge for their dedication and support.

To honour Eileen’s wishes there will be no formal funeral service; please celebrate her life in your own special way.