Obituary of Harriet Eslinger
Harriet Jane Eslinger
(née Wilkins)
October 18, 1942 – September 1, 2024
Harriet Jane Eslinger (née Wilkins) died on September 1, 2024 at the age of 81 years. A woman of many talents, Harriet pursued many interests ranging from raising her family, pursuing a work life and a rich array of hobbies and public service.
Harriet was born on October 18, 1942 in Hammond, Indiana to Robert Poole Wilkins and Wynona Marguerite Huchette. The family home was filled with music and learning. She graduated from Grand Forks Central High School and went on to the University of Manitoba and the University of North Dakota. In June of 1963 she graduated with her Bachelor of Philosophy degree. While in Winnipeg she had met Fred Eslinger and they married in Grand Forks, North Dakota shortly after her graduation in 1963. They began their married life in Winnipeg where Fred was employed by the Province of Manitoba. Moving from Winnipeg to Dauphin and eventually to Brandon, Harriet and Fred raised four children. She was tireless in supporting her children’s activities and education. She volunteered her skill and time to the local music festivals and worked with the Manitoba Arts Council in bringing live musical programs to the town of Dauphin. In Brandon she volunteered for Relay for Life and embarked on genealogical research. Each summer she grew an astonishing garden whose bounty she made into jellies, jams and canned vegetables for the winter. Blossoms were also abundant in the garden, a tribute to her green thumb. She was an avid scrapbooker, seamstress, knitter, baker, reader and photographer. Her commitment to service was demonstrated by her devotion to church and community. Harriet was quick to lend a hand to anyone who needed one and excelled at organizing and homemaking.
Harriet was preceded in death by her husband Fred in April of 2024. She is survived by her brother Robert Wilkins, children Robert (Rita), Adelle (Donald), Alan and Catherine (Courtney) and nine grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, 403 13th Street, Brandon, MB on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation or to a charity of your choice.
