ELAINE MOORE (WESTCOTT)

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ELAINE MOORE (nee WESTCOTT) On January 25, 2007, Elaine Moore, aged 64, passed away peacefully with family and friends by her side at Providence Medical Centre in Anchorage, Alaska. Elaine was born to Reginald and Jemima Westcott in Brandon, Manitoba. She grew up in Douglas, Manitoba, and no matter where life took her she was proud of her heritage and especially proud to be a prairie girl. Elaine graduated from Brandon College with an Education degree. Her first teaching position was at the D.N.D. school in Churchill. While there she met Robert Moore, a civilian technician with the United States Air Force. They were married in 1963 in Brandon and made their home in Columbus, Georgia. In 1977 the family moved to Eagle River, Alaska. Elaine began teaching in the Anchorage School District, retiring from Ravenwood Elementary School in 2002. She will be remembered as a gifted teacher, able to sense the needs of children. Her book on Special Education, which she wrote for her Master's program, was published. Elaine was a pioneer in starting the outdoor education program at Ravenwood and fostered the love of nature in the children she taught. After retiring, because of her love of books and their effect on children, she became involved in organizing K-12 reading kits for teachers to use in the classroom. Teaching children and inspiring them to learn, to care, to love and to respect all people and all things was the ultimate joy in her life. In the summer of 1992, Elaine's personal interest in cancer care motivated her to participate in the photographic exhibit Beauty and the Breast, which toured the nation to broaden breast cancer awareness. She was a member of the Anchorage Breast Cancer Support Group. Her compassionate support and self-advocate approach helped many women, newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Elaine came to the attention of author, Bob Katz, who wanted to write a book to celebrate teachers. He wrote, Elaine's Circle, a story describing an incredible year in her teaching career. That year, Elaine, with her students, created a circle of love and friendship that supported one of her young students in his courageous fight against cancer. In October 2005, Eagle River held the event, One Book, One Community, which celebrated the amazing story told in this book. Elaine's Circle will remain a legacy to the remarkable achievements of a dedicated teacher. Elaine was an inspiration to us all and was loved by her students, their parents, colleagues, friends and family. She was very active in the community, loved to travel and was a keen competitor in sports. She had a unique sense of humor. Stories, revolving around her crazy experiences, will be remembered and talked about for years. Left to mourn her untimely passing are her three daughters, Michelle (Patrick Reber), LeighAnne (Barry Sydenham) and Jennifer Guest; granddaughters, Kelly and Jasmine; grandsons, Thomas, Logan, Alexander and Michael; her mother Mime Westcott of Brandon; brothers, Rae (Joyce) Westcott of Victoria and Ron (Flora) Westcott of Winnipeg; sister JoAnne (Dean) Kersten of Kramer, ND, and a large extended family throughout Canada and the United States. Elaine was preceded in death by her father Reg and her sister Norma Westcott. Cremation has taken place and a memorial celebration of Elaine's life will be held this summer. If friends so desire memoriam donations may be directed to the Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba Division, 415 1st Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 2W8, or a charity of one's choice. The golden thread that binds the love in our family cannot be broken by miles, by years or by death.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 17, 2007