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ELAINE WILLOWS 1932 - 2017 Our sweet mom passed away on October 1 at the Riverview Health Centre, peacefully and full of grace, just as she lived her life. Elaine was born in London, ON to Hilda and John Stuart, a little sister to John Lyon who was her hero forever and always. She and her husband Bruce made the family they loved and believed in and enjoyed almost every moment of it. With a little help from Dr. Spock, Mom raised her six children by example. She modelled compassion, acceptance, gratitude and how to find beauty in everything. She loved unconditionally and encouraged all of us to be our best selves. She believed in life long learning and encouraged us to question, to think and to define and live our own lives and values with integrity...just as she did. Elaine listened when other people spoke. She recognized that behind every face there is a rich and meaningful story. She embraced the strengths and frailties she found there. She was beautiful inside and out: spiritual, mindful, compassionate and genuine. She took pride in her work at Eaton's and relished the independence it gave her. She was a card carrying Liberal, an avid student at the Universities of Winnipeg and Manitoba and a keen Blue Bombers fan. She loved one-on-one conversations as much as she loved minding her grandchildren, singing in the choirs at Kelvin and St. Alban's, and walking her several old and infirm dogs. Elaine was blessed to live in contentment, touched but not diminished by the trials of life. In her words, "There are lots of things we'll never understand in life but I know I'll hear the answers in Heaven". Celebrating Elaine's life are her children, Laura (Leigh) (Tod), Bruce (Karen), Patti (Glen), Cathy, Frederick (Christine) and Jim (Susan), grandchildren, Laine, Noah, Liza, Karla, Johanna, Colleen, Ashleigh, Shane, Devon, Crystal and Lauren, and vanguards of the next generation, Malachi and Preston. Elaine's quality of life would not have been the same without the commitment, creativity and love of her caregivers of more than 14 years: Carroll, Els, Cathy, Anika, Nancy and Doug. Thanks also to nurse Kristina and the CD1 staff at the Riverview Health Centre. Funeral will be held at St. Luke's Anglican Church, 130 Nassau St. N. at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 7. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your charity of choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 05, 2017
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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So sad to hear of Elaine's passing. She was so sweet and kind even in a difficult space. I remember her fondly. Her love of children and animals was always at the forefront and she always had a smile. My sincere condolences to her loving family. - Posted by: Cheryl (Friend on AB) on: Nov 20, 2017
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My condolences to the Willows family. When we lived just up Ashland Avenue, my Mother Jean Walker cherished her friendship with Elaine Willows. - Posted by: Kelly Walker () on: Oct 23, 2017
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I did not know Elaine but I do have the honour of knowing her daughter Cathy and her granddaughter Lauren. Both are shining examples of all of the qualities that Elaine chose to impart on them. They are living legacies of goodwill, dignity, kindness, intelligence and respect. My heart goes out to the whole family. Sincerely, Cathy G. - Posted by: Cathy Gagnon (Friend to Cathy) on: Oct 09, 2017
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A wonderful grace-filled woman. Many fond memories of her at St. Alban's. - Posted by: Jim Njegovan (Former priest) on: Oct 08, 2017
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Memories of Elaine are of a lovely and gracious woman. Christmas Eve was very special in the McBean/Willow families, a time to reconnect and reminisce. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Evelyn and Greg McBean (cousins) on: Oct 08, 2017
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It was truly a pleasure to know Elaine! From her wonderful service at Eaton's to a friendly and peaceful chat on the street in Riverview, I was always very happy to see her loving smile and kind eyes! You will be missed! My sincere condolences to the entire Willows' family and their families. May you enjoy God's Peace, Elaine. - Posted by: DEA CODE (FRIEND) on: Oct 07, 2017
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What a pleasure reading this tribute to such good woman. I send my sympathies to the family. Keep those memories with you forever and share them often! - Posted by: Leanne Bremault (Friend ) on: Oct 06, 2017
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Elaine was an amazing lady soft spoken and very gracious. I enjoyed the times we were at her home she made us feel very much part of the family. She truly was an angel on earth now she is an angel in heaven. I am glad that I can say I knew this wonderful person. Sorry for your loss but she will always be with all of us she will be watching over all of us. - Posted by: Brenda Young (Patti's sister-in-law ) on: Oct 05, 2017