ELINOR ELIZABETH FINES

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ELINOR ELIZABETH FINES (nee HARRIS) February 19, 1924 July 1, 2014 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Elinor Elizabeth Fines at the Park Lane Terrace Nursing Home in Paris, Ontario. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Elinor quickly established herself in the banking environment. She was the first female teller in the Royal Bank in Winnipeg in 1942, and worked in many offices from Montreal to Ancaster, Hamilton, and Winnipeg over the course of her career. Elinor was predeceased by Bert, her beloved husband of 67 years, and his siblings. She is survived by her children Lin and Don (Sherry), 12 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her two brothers Jim (June; predeceased) and Art (Bernice) and 10 nieces and nephews. Bert and Elinor lived most of their married life in the Hamilton area, and enjoyed over a decade as sunbirds in La Casa, Florida. They traveled extensively throughout Europe, South America and the Asia Pacific Rim, and owned a lodge on Ashigami Lake in northern Ontario for over 20 years. Elinor was a beautiful, vivacious woman with a quick wit and a lively sense of humour. She was a curious and passionate learner who always had a dictionary or encyclopedia at hand. While raising her family in Ancaster in the 1960s, Elinor played in two bridge clubs and was president of the Steel City Toastmistresses in Hamilton. After retirement, Elinor took up painting. Alzheimer's disease and cardiomyopathy resulted in a move to Park Lane Terrace, Paris, in 2011, where Mom enjoyed the many activities and the wonderful atmosphere in this remarkable long term care facility. Her family would change the canvases in Elinor's room with the seasons so she could appreciate her many works of art. Despite her failing memory, Elinor retained her love of art and nature, and her sense of humour. Her grandchildren and their friends called her "the Betty White of Brantford". She will be greatly missed. We are very grateful to the staff at Park Lane, who helped Mom maintain her dignity, privacy, and independence to the fullest extent possible, and whose kindness and affection made Mom feel at home and very well cared for. Mom, we love you, and we admire you. We are glad you reflected on what a great life you had - and that you slipped gently into that good night'. There will be a private memorial service on July 18. The family has suggested donations to the Brant Alzheimer's Society, St. Andrew's African Mission Fund (Home of Hope Orphanage in Malawi) or the CFUW Brantford Scholarship Fund.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 07, 2014