Lydia Eisner

Lydia Eisner

June 18, 1937- February 13, 2026

Lydia was born on June 18, 1937, in Reinfeld, Russia, which is now southern Ukraine. She was the youngest of five children, born to William and Charlotte Hoff.  The war uprooted the family and in its wake they lost their father, their home and all that was familiar.

Through much of World War Two, the family’s fight for survival brought many hardships and difficult situations. God sustained them through it all, and the family eventually immigrated to Canada, settling in Morris, Manitoba, in 1948.  The big flood of 1950 severely damaged the home and farm, and Lydia, and her family, moved to Winnipeg. Lydia embraced the city lifestyle and often fondly told stories of her time there.

During these years, she met a young farmer who was in Winnipeg training for his career as a mechanic, and her city lifestyle took another turn when she and Nelson married on October 10, 1959. They started a new chapter in their lives in Swan River and built a house in town, which was home to them for over sixty years.

Lydia’s desire to become a mother was not an easy journey, and her much-prayed-for children were welcomed with Shelly’s arrival in 1968 and Sandy’s in 1972. She and Nelson found great joy in raising their daughters together.

Lydia and Nelson worked to establish a life that included friends, family, faith and various work opportunities. Lydia’s work ethic was an example to her co-workers at Cox’s Grocery and Woodies Goodies Bakery.  She enjoyed her time volunteering in children’s ministries at church and at summer camp. She built a home where everyone who entered the door was welcomed and well-fed. Her garden was a source of life: it not only fed her family, but it fed her soul. Her hands often held a cup of coffee or a crochet needle as her way to fill the quiet moments.

 Through the years her family was blessed with the addition of sons-in-law and grandchildren, whom she adored, spoiled and prayed for.  These years of gathering together were filled with laughter and good times.  However, her journey with dementia began to cloud these memories for her, and another new chapter began for her and for our family. 

Lydia spent the last fourteen years in the Swan Valley Lodge Personal Care Home where she was well cared for and enjoyed Nelson’s daily visits. She continued to lean on the strength of her saviour, Jesus Christ, until the very end.  Lydia’s faith has now become sight, as she is in the presence of her Lord, enjoying a new body and a new mind.

Lydia was predeceased by her parents, William and Charlotte; siblings, Nicholas, Bertha and Hilda; and her beloved husband, Nelson. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Shelly (Marvin), and Sandra (Darryl); grandchildren, Jeremy (Audrey), Brendan (Sarah), Joelle (Matthew), Tanner (Megan) and Dylan (Kendall Reimer); great-grandchildren Oliver, Charlotte, Nora and Claire; and sister, Mary Schmalcel.

“You have fought the good fight; you have finished the race and kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). 

Funeral Service for Lydia Eisner will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Temple Baptist Church in Swan River.  A live stream will be available for those unable to attend. 

If friends so desire, memorial donations in memory of Lydia may be made to Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation, Box 1450 Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0 or Water’s Edge Bible Camp, Box 60, Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0.