ELEANOR ANN MORTON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ELEANOR ANN MORTON 1946 - 2012 Cherished sister, aunt, colleague and friend, Eleanor died peacefully on October 5, 2012 at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Palliative Care Unit, Toronto. Predeceased by her parents, Betty and John Morton and her beloved sister Jeanne, Eleanor is survived by her siblings; Kathy (Brian Squair), Sandy (Marion), Isabel (Garry Peterson), sister-in-law Marie and brother-in-law Eric, many nieces and nephews and their families and her longtime good friend, Ed Rogers. Over the past few years, Eleanor has been on what she called her Cancer Journey through which she was supported by family, friends and wonderful physicians, nurses and other healthcare staff. She wanted us to thank on her behalf, all those who helped her along this journey. Eleanor tackled her cancer journey with the same qualities as she lived her life, with determination, humour and independence. Eleanor lived her life honestly and authentically, never hesitating (right to her final days) to deliver what she knew was a truthful assessment of the situation. Friends and family quickly learned to rely on her perceptive, often ironic, observations. She showed a genuine interest in the careers and personal lives of friends and colleagues. Eleanor had a beautiful talent for bringing people together. Eleanor was born in Winnipeg and grew up on Banning Street in the West End, and graduated from DMCI. She trained as a medical records librarian, working first at the Winnipeg General Hospital and moving on to Kenora and Toronto. After graduating from York University, she embarked on a career in Risk Management. She enjoyed her career with the wonderful people at the Healthcare Insurance Reciprocal of Canada (HIROC), Eleanor became a trailblazer in that field, spearheading a risk management department that is now internationally renowned. She retired from HIROC in 2011. The Morton family cottage was in Loni Beach, Gimli where many of Eleanor's fondest memories occurred. Twelve years ago she and her high school friend Wendy Heisinger bought a cottage in Loni where she spent many enjoyable summer vacations, sharing in family celebrations, long walks, and singsongs by the bonfire. Eleanor loved travelling. During her travels she had some very interesting employment and life situations. One of the defining trips of her life was living for several years in Australia. She travelled extensively in Africa, South-East Asia and Europe and a few months ago was thrilled to experience an Arctic adventure with Ed on the Winnipeg-Churchill train and see polar bears up close. Wherever her travels took her, she made friends, who have remained part of her life. She will be warmly remembered by those whose life she has touched. She had a passion for hiking, canoeing and cycling; was a longtime member of the Bruce Trail Association and was instrumental in co-ordinating the Overthehillite bike group. The many friends Eleanor made through all these activities will miss her humour, adventurous spirit, great curries and of course, her irrepressible urge to break into song. Eleanor served on the boards of a number of organizations including the High Park Nature Centre, the Institute for Safe Medical Practice [ISMP] Canada and the Anne Johnston Health Station. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Eleanor will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may go to Wellspring Westerkirk House at Sunnybrook, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5. Wellspring is a community-based centre that offers programs providing support, coping skills, and education to cancer patients and their families. To contribute memories, pictures and condolences please send by e-mail to morton@btmtc.com and please visit this website to see the contributions of others www.eleanormorton.weebly.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 13, 2012