ELAINE MCINTYRE (HARDIMAN)

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ELAINE MCINTYRE (nee HARDIMAN) 1943 2012 We say goodbye to our beloved mother and friend, Elaine McIntyre. Elaine died on August 15 at Health Sciences Centre from respiratory failure. Elaine is forever remembered by her children Fiona (Dirk Slikker) and Ian (Nina) as well as her Grandchildren Gavin and Isla McIntyre and cousin Murray Tisdale. Elaine was predeceased by Joan Tisdale, the McIntyre Clan and the Hardimans. Few people ever forgot meeting Elaine, so there are too many names to mention. She was a legend, to be sure. We like to think that is because she left people richer for knowing her. She was a true character with a lot of character. Elaine was born on May 2, 1943 in Winnipeg and lived in St. Vital for most of her life. In her early years, she attended Glenlawn Collegiate and was proud to have been a member of the Provincial Women's Basketball team during her senior year. Elaine later attended United College. She often remembered with fondness those days of discovery and long conversations with friends in coffee shops. She was an artist at heart. At various times in her life Elaine cultivated an interest in painting, music and most recently poetry, having published some of her favourite poems. She loved to read and had extensive knowledge spanning many subjects, with a particular interest in history, and literature. She had a quick wit and a great sense of humor, with a boisterous, infectious laugh. To recount the details of Mom's working life is to show her diversity and tenacity. Selling vacuums door-to-door, working at 7-11, brief forays into real estate and earlier, training to be a nurse, are just a few examples. As a single parent she worked and struggled to put food on the table, and I can't imagine how stressful that must have been for her. Elaine was a wonderful person who had a full, but at times, a tragic life. It is to her great credit that she rose above difficult odds to thrive as a vibrant human being, full of dreams and loving kindness. For all those living with a mental illness we hope that our Mom is an inspiration to you to spread your wings for a full life despite the despair that you must certainly feel at times. She was a survivor and we hope that you are too. Elaine derived enormous joy from many lifelong relationships with stalwart friends, and recently, with new friends that she met at Clubhouse. Friends like Carol, Jenny, Catherine, Marilyn and James formed a foundation of support for Elaine that she cherished beyond words. The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the many fine health professionals that have cared for Elaine during these last years of her life. The compassion and dedication exhibited by the Nurses and Physicians at St. Boniface Hospital, the Grace Hospital ICU and Health Sciences Centre MICU will always be remembered. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Morier and Sheila Levine. Dr. Andre De Rocquigny was Elaine's Psychiatrist for over 30 years and saw mom through some tough times with grace and compassion. Lastly, to the Nurses and Doctors of H4 medicine, your understanding and kindness set us free. (When) she made her last snow angel, little did they know, That it made a lasting impression deeper than the snow, In his soul, the snow angel never faded. (Ron Sexsmith) A memorial service to celebrate Elaine's life is planned for Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Chapel Lawn funeral home (4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg). In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to The Clubhouse: 172 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB, R3C2B6; or the charity of one's choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 18, 2012