ELEANOR BERRY STRAIN

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ELEANOR BERRY STRAIN On Wednesday, February 21, 2001, Eleanor Strain passed away peacefully at Grace Hospital. The youngest child of David and Mary Oliphant, she was predeceased by both her parents, her step-mother Mary Oliphant; her first husband Jack Galbraith; her second husband Robert Strain; her sister Barbara Pearce; her brothers, David Oliphant and George Oliphant; her niece Alaine Irwin and her nephew Ross Pearce. She is survived by her nieces, Donna Wallace, Carol McIntosh, Barbara Dawson and Sydney Duncan; her nephews, Glenn Oliphant, Ken Oliphant, Allan Oliphant, Robert Foskett, David Strain, and Larry Mercier; as well as numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. Eleanor was born in Winnipeg, Man., on July 5, 1915. Educated in Winnipeg schools, she was proud to be a graduate of Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute. After high school, she pursued a secretarial career. She married her first husband, Jack Galbraith in 1939. When he joined the Canadian Armed Forces, to fight in Europe, Eleanor too decided to serve the war effort. She applied for a position as a Secretary with the British Government and was assigned to the British War Office in Washington, D.C. After the war, she returned to Winnipeg and following the death of her husband, resumed her career as a Secretary/Accountant in the offices of Black and Armstrong. She married her second husband, Bob Strain, in 1950, and they enjoyed thirty-nine years together. They travelled extensively and shared a love for classical music, opera, the ballet and the theatre. Eleanor was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion, joining the Valour Road branch in 1944, later transferring to the St. James branch. Over the years, she held a number of executive positions, serving not only as President of the Valour Road branch - Ladies Auxiliary, but also a four year term as President of Provincial Council, Ladies Auxiliary, Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Command. She was very proud to be the recent recipient of a fifty-year medal for service to the Legion. Eleanor was a member of Sturgeon Creek United Church for many years. She nurtured her passion for music as a member of its choir and lovingly shared her talents and treasures with its community. An avid supporter of Winnipegs Arts Community, Eleanor was especially fond of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and eagerly attended its performances and followed with pride its worldwide acclaim. In accordance with Eleanors wishes, cremation has taken place. A service celebrating her life will be held at Sturgeon Creek United Church, 207 Thompson St., on Tuesday, February 27, at 3:00 p.m. with the Rev. Debra Schweyer officiating. If friends and family so wish, donations in Eleanors memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 301 - 352 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2H8, or to a charity of ones choice. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 26, 2001