With great sadness we announce that Elaine Coleman has died in Vancouver, BC at the age of 94. Her health recently declined rapidly, and she elected to have a medically-assisted death. Elaine died peacefully with her family by her side. She will be lovingly remembered for her kind heart.
Elaine was born in Kamloops, BC. She spent her childhood years in Armstrong, BC, Jasper, Alberta and Vancouver, BC. Her family faced many hardships during the Depression. Throughout her life Elaine knew how to make the most out of little, whether it was food, clothing or money.
In 1942, Elaine enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force (Women’s Division). After training in Vancouver, she was stationed in Sydney NS and Ottawa, Ontario. After the war she transferred to the RCAF Reserve and worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Vancouver.
In 1947, Elaine married and raised a family in Vancouver and later in North Vancouver. She was a wonderful cook and she excelled at baking. Elaine was a devoted mother who loved and supported her children. After her marriage ended in 1969, she supported herself and her children until they left home. Elaine worked for many years as a secretary until her retirement in 1987.
Elaine loved her summers vacationing with family on Savary Island, BC, where she explored the beaches and deer trails. She thrived in an off-grid environment which brought back good childhood memories of summers spent on the family ranch near Kamloops. On Savary Island, Elaine was in charge of gas lamps, monitored the water supply in the well and helped gather kindling for the wood stove. She was always ready for a game of scrabble.
Elaine had many challenges in her life, which she faced with a quiet courage that was remarkable. Despite her loss of vision, she lived as independent a life as possible. Elaine was engaged in the world around her and she keenly followed the news on television and radio. Elaine was always an avid reader and continued her love of reading through the audio books service from the Vancouver Public Library.
Elaine was predeceased by her parents James and Lina McLeod and her sisters Doreen, Shirley and Shelia. She is survived by her children, Barbara (Richard), Bruce (Monica) and Deborah (Christopher); her grandchildren Deanna, Jacob, Christopher, Adrienne, David and Keon and her seven great- and six great-great-grandchildren.
The family is grateful for the compassionate care and support she received from the staff and residents at St. Vincent’s Brock Fahrni Pavilion.
No flowers or donations by request. A memorial service will be held at a later date.