Eleanor Morton had a wide circle of family and friends who love her dearly. This Blog is meant to allow friends and family to post pictures and memories of Eleanor Morton. If you wish to contribute something, please email it to [email protected]
From Niece Lisa
I went into a favorite shop this week that I have purchased wine and chocolate for Auntie Ellie and read the following quote on a set of napkins: “If a bear shits in the woods, can I pour myself a cocktail?”. I thought of Auntie Ellie right away as she would have appreciated the setting and the humour. I am able to stand in front of all of you, in part, because of the confidence she instilled in me. The story goes, when I was born, Mom exclaimed “ Look, Lisa has Eleanor’s toes; she’ll never take any shit from anyone with those feet”!! Those long narrow feet crossed many miles and despite the distances, Auntie Ellie was sent many letters and tapes, updating her on our feats, featuring our own song and instrumental recitals. This should come as no surprise!
Auntie Ellie was a cool Aunt! She established individual relationships with all of her nieces and nephews with a letter, phone call, visit or email and with our own children too.
She shared Toronto with me during some summers of my Univ. years, introducing me to the best bike and subway routes, galleries and shopping areas. We cycled in England from Portsmouth to Oxford in mostly pelting rain. She included me in a bike trip with her beloved gang and we cycled Manitoulin Island. She was a fabulous companion, keen and willing to do anything.
If Auntie Ellie could, she flew out for every special family occasion, celebrating birthdays, Christmas, graduations, weddings, the births of grand nieces/nephews. She invariably came bearing fine cheeses and wines. Family was important to her and in her loving and fun way, she shared stories and songs of the Morton family.
On occasion, with a bit of wine and scotch, she would lead a singsong around a bonfire or in the car on the way back from Kenora or Gimli. One time, to the delight of her nieces and nephews, she got up on top of an ottoman, raised her long tartan skirt belting out the verse of a favourite family song: “Oompa, oompa, stick it up your doompa”!!
I will miss my strong, intelligent, compassionate, adventurous, conversationalist and fun-loving Ellie and I am a stronger, more independent and resilient woman for her love and influence in my life.
Auntie Ellie, may all the scotches be 12+ years now and forever!! I love you.
I went into a favorite shop this week that I have purchased wine and chocolate for Auntie Ellie and read the following quote on a set of napkins: “If a bear shits in the woods, can I pour myself a cocktail?”. I thought of Auntie Ellie right away as she would have appreciated the setting and the humour. I am able to stand in front of all of you, in part, because of the confidence she instilled in me. The story goes, when I was born, Mom exclaimed “ Look, Lisa has Eleanor’s toes; she’ll never take any shit from anyone with those feet”!! Those long narrow feet crossed many miles and despite the distances, Auntie Ellie was sent many letters and tapes, updating her on our feats, featuring our own song and instrumental recitals. This should come as no surprise!
Auntie Ellie was a cool Aunt! She established individual relationships with all of her nieces and nephews with a letter, phone call, visit or email and with our own children too.
She shared Toronto with me during some summers of my Univ. years, introducing me to the best bike and subway routes, galleries and shopping areas. We cycled in England from Portsmouth to Oxford in mostly pelting rain. She included me in a bike trip with her beloved gang and we cycled Manitoulin Island. She was a fabulous companion, keen and willing to do anything.
If Auntie Ellie could, she flew out for every special family occasion, celebrating birthdays, Christmas, graduations, weddings, the births of grand nieces/nephews. She invariably came bearing fine cheeses and wines. Family was important to her and in her loving and fun way, she shared stories and songs of the Morton family.
On occasion, with a bit of wine and scotch, she would lead a singsong around a bonfire or in the car on the way back from Kenora or Gimli. One time, to the delight of her nieces and nephews, she got up on top of an ottoman, raised her long tartan skirt belting out the verse of a favourite family song: “Oompa, oompa, stick it up your doompa”!!
I will miss my strong, intelligent, compassionate, adventurous, conversationalist and fun-loving Ellie and I am a stronger, more independent and resilient woman for her love and influence in my life.
Auntie Ellie, may all the scotches be 12+ years now and forever!! I love you.
From Niece Leanne
All I Really Need To Know I Learned From My Auntie Ellie
Auntie Ellie you influenced me in so many ways and showed me the ways of being a great friend and neighbor. Your loving, caring ways will remain with me the rest of my life.
Leanne Squair-#1 Niece
All I Really Need To Know I Learned From My Auntie Ellie
- Be nice to everyone you meet
- Dress for success
- Spend time with your sisters in Gimli
- Learn how to take the subway
- Travel well and extensively
- Always wear clean underwear (and throw it out when you get to your destination)
- How to pack
- Wear nice jewelery
- Make a fabulous salad
- Make sure your toilet sparkles
- Select nice gifts for people
- Spend special times with your nieces & nephews
- Be particular about your wine selections
- Cycle beside your niece to motivate her to towards her marathon goal
- Sing whenever you get the chance
- Be silly and laugh with others often
- Eat good, dark chocolate
- Always be yourself
Auntie Ellie you influenced me in so many ways and showed me the ways of being a great friend and neighbor. Your loving, caring ways will remain with me the rest of my life.
Leanne Squair-#1 Niece
From Niece Lynne
Auntie Ellie was a central figure and influence in my life. One of my absolute earliest memories was when I was around 2 1/2 -3 years old. I was recovering from surgery and woke up in a hospital room which was completely dark as I had bandages around my eyes. Gradually I became aware of a voice…. it was reading a book to me...
” I think I can – I think I can”… .Those words were a gift to me not only at a difficult time but moreover have continued to frame my life. And just as Auntie Ellie lived her own life as the “Little Engine that Could “, she was as well the consummate cheerleader and supporter in my life and I know in the lives of many others.
Auntie Ellie’s love of traveling as well deeply influenced my life. As a young girl I was absolutely fascinated with her tales and treasures from all over the world. Her postcards, letters, gifts ( I still have my jolly swagman!) and assorted friends met along the way who often entered our own lives; created a growing hunger for adventure and exploration.
Auntie Ellie gave me the confidence to set out on my own adventures at the age of 17. She was an independent strong woman ; a great role model for my sisters as well as our own children.
She forged paths , and when it came time for me to follow in those footsteps, I was guaranteed to not only have excellent guidance in terms of packing…. But as well a lengthy list of amazing , generous people to stop in and stay with.
It was an absolute gift for my sisters to come to Toronto a few weeks ago and say our goodbyes. We witnessed all the love, support and tenderness her circle of friends surrounded her with, and for this we deeply thank-you. We were as always inspired by our beautiful mother Kathy. Most importantly, we saw Auntie Ellie journeying her final steps with the same quiet dignity and strength that guided her life. When we said our final goodbyes we thanked her for her love, the gifts and lessons she gave and taught.
Leanne said… “ Auntie Ellie you taught me how to drive the subway.”
Lisa said “Auntie ellie you taught me how to make pizza”
I said “ Auntie Ellie you taught me how to snap my fingers!” ( a major milestone for a 7 year old as I remember!)
And as we were about to leave to leave the room Auntie Ellie – already so weak- started snapping her fingers…
forever the giving spirit, the life of the party…..and the beat goes on.
Auntie Ellie was a central figure and influence in my life. One of my absolute earliest memories was when I was around 2 1/2 -3 years old. I was recovering from surgery and woke up in a hospital room which was completely dark as I had bandages around my eyes. Gradually I became aware of a voice…. it was reading a book to me...
” I think I can – I think I can”… .Those words were a gift to me not only at a difficult time but moreover have continued to frame my life. And just as Auntie Ellie lived her own life as the “Little Engine that Could “, she was as well the consummate cheerleader and supporter in my life and I know in the lives of many others.
Auntie Ellie’s love of traveling as well deeply influenced my life. As a young girl I was absolutely fascinated with her tales and treasures from all over the world. Her postcards, letters, gifts ( I still have my jolly swagman!) and assorted friends met along the way who often entered our own lives; created a growing hunger for adventure and exploration.
Auntie Ellie gave me the confidence to set out on my own adventures at the age of 17. She was an independent strong woman ; a great role model for my sisters as well as our own children.
She forged paths , and when it came time for me to follow in those footsteps, I was guaranteed to not only have excellent guidance in terms of packing…. But as well a lengthy list of amazing , generous people to stop in and stay with.
It was an absolute gift for my sisters to come to Toronto a few weeks ago and say our goodbyes. We witnessed all the love, support and tenderness her circle of friends surrounded her with, and for this we deeply thank-you. We were as always inspired by our beautiful mother Kathy. Most importantly, we saw Auntie Ellie journeying her final steps with the same quiet dignity and strength that guided her life. When we said our final goodbyes we thanked her for her love, the gifts and lessons she gave and taught.
Leanne said… “ Auntie Ellie you taught me how to drive the subway.”
Lisa said “Auntie ellie you taught me how to make pizza”
I said “ Auntie Ellie you taught me how to snap my fingers!” ( a major milestone for a 7 year old as I remember!)
And as we were about to leave to leave the room Auntie Ellie – already so weak- started snapping her fingers…
forever the giving spirit, the life of the party…..and the beat goes on.
From Fiona Ivanski
We are eleanor's scottish cousins [ my grandmother isabella morton was eleanor's dad's sister] - my mum was eleanor too and like eleanor she was very family orientated - so between them we have had good contact with our canadian cousins
Many years ago i was given the 'task' of entertaining eleanor for an evening while she was visiting my folks - it was the start of a wonderful friendship and found shared interests in travel / books[ i loved the stone diaries and the book of negroes she sent me /food [ and beer ! - she introduced us to sleemans ]
over the years we met both in scotland and canada - enjoying each other's grand tours and we swapped emails about our individual adventures
we have many happy memories of eleanor - she was a person who enriched our lives
x fiona , vinny and family
We are eleanor's scottish cousins [ my grandmother isabella morton was eleanor's dad's sister] - my mum was eleanor too and like eleanor she was very family orientated - so between them we have had good contact with our canadian cousins
Many years ago i was given the 'task' of entertaining eleanor for an evening while she was visiting my folks - it was the start of a wonderful friendship and found shared interests in travel / books[ i loved the stone diaries and the book of negroes she sent me /food [ and beer ! - she introduced us to sleemans ]
over the years we met both in scotland and canada - enjoying each other's grand tours and we swapped emails about our individual adventures
we have many happy memories of eleanor - she was a person who enriched our lives
x fiona , vinny and family
From Bill Gentles
As with every challenge that she took on, Eleanor was a masterful cook and baker. She had an endless repertoire of curries. Her Christmas cake was legendary. Rich and dark and moist, it was started months ahead, so that it could mature wrapped in rum-soaked cheesecloth. The Christmas cookie weekend had become a tradition too, with Monica, Trish and others. An Incredible variety of cookies was cranked out by this team of dedicated bakers, to be shared generously with family and friends. In recent years, she polished her skills as a baker with a series of courses at George Brown college.
Eleanor had a special recipe for granola. When it came time to make another batch, she would make a trip to St Lawrence market, armed with her set of labeled paper bags, saved from the last time, one for each ingredient, with quantities marked on the bags so nothing was wasted. She was a regular at St Lawrence market, getting there early on Saturday mornings, to get the best choice of the freshest ingredients. Making preserves was another passion. We are currently enjoying a jar of her wild blueberry jam, made in the summer of 2012.
Whenever she came back from visiting family in Winnipeg, she came with a suitcase full of Lake Winnipeg pickerel, compliments of Garry (frozen, of course). If you were lucky, you were invited to a meal of this delicious fish, with the table set on her fish-themed tablecloth. Being invited to a meal at Eleanor's was always a memorable experience. The food always wonderful, the conversations always interesting and thoughtful, these meals are just one of so many ways that Beth and I will miss her.
As with every challenge that she took on, Eleanor was a masterful cook and baker. She had an endless repertoire of curries. Her Christmas cake was legendary. Rich and dark and moist, it was started months ahead, so that it could mature wrapped in rum-soaked cheesecloth. The Christmas cookie weekend had become a tradition too, with Monica, Trish and others. An Incredible variety of cookies was cranked out by this team of dedicated bakers, to be shared generously with family and friends. In recent years, she polished her skills as a baker with a series of courses at George Brown college.
Eleanor had a special recipe for granola. When it came time to make another batch, she would make a trip to St Lawrence market, armed with her set of labeled paper bags, saved from the last time, one for each ingredient, with quantities marked on the bags so nothing was wasted. She was a regular at St Lawrence market, getting there early on Saturday mornings, to get the best choice of the freshest ingredients. Making preserves was another passion. We are currently enjoying a jar of her wild blueberry jam, made in the summer of 2012.
Whenever she came back from visiting family in Winnipeg, she came with a suitcase full of Lake Winnipeg pickerel, compliments of Garry (frozen, of course). If you were lucky, you were invited to a meal of this delicious fish, with the table set on her fish-themed tablecloth. Being invited to a meal at Eleanor's was always a memorable experience. The food always wonderful, the conversations always interesting and thoughtful, these meals are just one of so many ways that Beth and I will miss her.
FROM URSULA VERSTRAETE
I was so shocked to read about Eleanor ‘s death in the Globe last week and I found it difficult to comprehend. Having moved from Ontario in 2006, I often think of the colleagues and friends I made along the way and always assume all is well. Eleanor was such a great help to me when I was given responsibility for the Legal and Risk Management portfolio at the hospital. With her guidance many risk initiatives were implemented and she was always there to support, never to judge. When I was leaving, Eleanor made sure she found time to have dinner with me and gave me leads and ideas for future work possibility. Until I retired from healthcare, we still had the odd e-mail exchange and conversation when I was querying a resource for the issue I had to tackle. I know my determination to minimize risk and ensure safe practice came from Eleanor and I truly thank her for that and all that she gave to healthcare.
Ursula Verstraete, Ladysmith BC
I was so shocked to read about Eleanor ‘s death in the Globe last week and I found it difficult to comprehend. Having moved from Ontario in 2006, I often think of the colleagues and friends I made along the way and always assume all is well. Eleanor was such a great help to me when I was given responsibility for the Legal and Risk Management portfolio at the hospital. With her guidance many risk initiatives were implemented and she was always there to support, never to judge. When I was leaving, Eleanor made sure she found time to have dinner with me and gave me leads and ideas for future work possibility. Until I retired from healthcare, we still had the odd e-mail exchange and conversation when I was querying a resource for the issue I had to tackle. I know my determination to minimize risk and ensure safe practice came from Eleanor and I truly thank her for that and all that she gave to healthcare.
Ursula Verstraete, Ladysmith BC
From Karen Botting
Today as I listened to the radio, I heard a book editor talk about the journey his mother took as she was dying - it reminded me of Eleanor, who also called her disease a "journey", and who was "not going to let the disease define her; she was going to focus on the gifts she'd been given". And Eleanor continued to live, despite her illness and share her gifts of friendship and generosity. Eleanor and I had recently reconnected, having been school friends at General Wolfe and Daniel Mac - and last year had a great visit remembering our youth and catching up on Eleanor's recent hiking adventures with sister, Kathy. A few months ago she sent me a photo of the two of us, in our teens, trying out " smoking" with a couple of other friends - we laughed at how foolish we looked! I was saddened to hear of her death, but know that she led a very productive, adventurous, friend-filled life and had a wonderful supportive family whom she loved. Eleanor, may your journey continue through the wonderful memories that people have of you! My thoughts are with her family.
Karen Borgford Botting
Today as I listened to the radio, I heard a book editor talk about the journey his mother took as she was dying - it reminded me of Eleanor, who also called her disease a "journey", and who was "not going to let the disease define her; she was going to focus on the gifts she'd been given". And Eleanor continued to live, despite her illness and share her gifts of friendship and generosity. Eleanor and I had recently reconnected, having been school friends at General Wolfe and Daniel Mac - and last year had a great visit remembering our youth and catching up on Eleanor's recent hiking adventures with sister, Kathy. A few months ago she sent me a photo of the two of us, in our teens, trying out " smoking" with a couple of other friends - we laughed at how foolish we looked! I was saddened to hear of her death, but know that she led a very productive, adventurous, friend-filled life and had a wonderful supportive family whom she loved. Eleanor, may your journey continue through the wonderful memories that people have of you! My thoughts are with her family.
Karen Borgford Botting
From Monica
When Great Trees Fall by Maya Angelou
When great trees fall,
rocks on distant hills shudder,
lions hunker down
in tall grasses,
and even elephants
lumber after safety.
When great trees fall
in forests,
small things recoil into silence,
their senses
eroded beyond fear.
When great souls die,
the air around us becomes
light, rare, sterile.
We breathe, briefly.
Our eyes, briefly,
see with
a hurtful clarity.
Our memory, suddenly sharpened,
examines,
gnaws on kind words
unsaid,
promised walks
never taken.
Great souls die and
our reality, bound to
them, takes leave of us.
Our souls,
dependent upon their
nurture,
now shrink, wizened.
Our minds, formed
and informed by their
radiance,
fall away.
We are not so much maddened
as reduced to the unutterable ignorance
of dark, cold
caves.
And when great souls die,
after a period peace blooms,
slowly and always
irregularly. Spaces fill
with a kind of
soothing electric vibration.
Our senses, restored, never
to be the same, whisper to us.
They existed. They existed.
We can be. Be and be
better. For they existed.
When Great Trees Fall by Maya Angelou
When great trees fall,
rocks on distant hills shudder,
lions hunker down
in tall grasses,
and even elephants
lumber after safety.
When great trees fall
in forests,
small things recoil into silence,
their senses
eroded beyond fear.
When great souls die,
the air around us becomes
light, rare, sterile.
We breathe, briefly.
Our eyes, briefly,
see with
a hurtful clarity.
Our memory, suddenly sharpened,
examines,
gnaws on kind words
unsaid,
promised walks
never taken.
Great souls die and
our reality, bound to
them, takes leave of us.
Our souls,
dependent upon their
nurture,
now shrink, wizened.
Our minds, formed
and informed by their
radiance,
fall away.
We are not so much maddened
as reduced to the unutterable ignorance
of dark, cold
caves.
And when great souls die,
after a period peace blooms,
slowly and always
irregularly. Spaces fill
with a kind of
soothing electric vibration.
Our senses, restored, never
to be the same, whisper to us.
They existed. They existed.
We can be. Be and be
better. For they existed.
From Kathy Callfas
I am so sorry to learn that Eleanor has lost her battle with this terrible disease. Having had the opportunity to work with Eleanor for 3 years, I feel so fortunate to have had her as a mentor. She was definitely tough at times, but I always knew that it was driven by her passion for healthcare and her drive to make system improvements. Eleanor was truly one of a kind, I had dinner with her last summer and we had plenty to talk about from the state of healthcare to Australia , I will always carry with me her words of support and wisdom.
Rest in peace Eleanor, you are definitely going to be missed.
Kathy Callfas
I am so sorry to learn that Eleanor has lost her battle with this terrible disease. Having had the opportunity to work with Eleanor for 3 years, I feel so fortunate to have had her as a mentor. She was definitely tough at times, but I always knew that it was driven by her passion for healthcare and her drive to make system improvements. Eleanor was truly one of a kind, I had dinner with her last summer and we had plenty to talk about from the state of healthcare to Australia , I will always carry with me her words of support and wisdom.
Rest in peace Eleanor, you are definitely going to be missed.
Kathy Callfas
From Erika Roka Sydney, Australia
Eleanor was my Canadian Mum.
Since I was very young I had heard about Eleanor Morton. She was a long-lost friend of my parents, from the days before email and the Internet. Magically, one day my parents received a letter from her - she was coming to Sydney and had looked up my parents in a phone book at the main post office in Toronto. So I knew right away she was smart and resourceful, and a very loyal friend. A few years later, in 1998, after completing my university studies and travel, I ended up in Canada. Eleanor was the only person I knew so naturally I had been in touch and she'd invited me to stay with her while I got set up with a job and place to live. I stayed with Eleanor for around 5 months, and by that time we were bonded for life. We shared many happy times, eating, drinking, walking, talking... Eleanor welcomed me into her world and held onto me with two hands, during my entire year in Canada and ever since. She taught me many things, the meaning of true friendship, generosity, how to live a full life, and that pickerels had cheeks, and that they could be eaten. It is no exaggeration to say that Eleanor had a profound and lasting influence on my life. She did this by living her life to the fullest, leading by doing, not telling.
My world, our world, the world is a richer place for having Eleanor as a part of it. Through our memories she will live on for a very long time.
Love to you all.
Erika Roka Sydney, Australia
Eleanor was my Canadian Mum.
Since I was very young I had heard about Eleanor Morton. She was a long-lost friend of my parents, from the days before email and the Internet. Magically, one day my parents received a letter from her - she was coming to Sydney and had looked up my parents in a phone book at the main post office in Toronto. So I knew right away she was smart and resourceful, and a very loyal friend. A few years later, in 1998, after completing my university studies and travel, I ended up in Canada. Eleanor was the only person I knew so naturally I had been in touch and she'd invited me to stay with her while I got set up with a job and place to live. I stayed with Eleanor for around 5 months, and by that time we were bonded for life. We shared many happy times, eating, drinking, walking, talking... Eleanor welcomed me into her world and held onto me with two hands, during my entire year in Canada and ever since. She taught me many things, the meaning of true friendship, generosity, how to live a full life, and that pickerels had cheeks, and that they could be eaten. It is no exaggeration to say that Eleanor had a profound and lasting influence on my life. She did this by living her life to the fullest, leading by doing, not telling.
My world, our world, the world is a richer place for having Eleanor as a part of it. Through our memories she will live on for a very long time.
Love to you all.
Erika Roka Sydney, Australia
From Her Nephew Lief Sigurdson
Auntie Ellie was a very special person to me. She picked me up at the airport when I arrived in Toronto. She took very good care of me when I arrived in Toronto to begin chiropractic college there. She fit me out with a bike, groceries and even a screw driver. She always made the time to go out for dinner with me or have me over. We had many good trips to the market together. She enjoyed getting to know my classmates and introducing me to her friends. Auntie Ellie's conversation was generous and authentic. She was one of the first people to know that Monique was pregnant with Hayden- I felt comfortable telling her. At that time having a child was a very scary and daunting proposition and she was there for me. She was where I went to chat when I heard Mom and Dad were separating. She drove me to the airport when I left Toronto (with Hayden) in Monique's tummy.
She was great with Monique and the lads. She treated each of the as the individuals they are and they all loved her dearly.
We had once last chance with her this summer. Despite illness we hiked, got Chinese take out, went to Granville Island and made homemade pizza. We talked deeply and laughed.
Love, Leif
Auntie Ellie was a very special person to me. She picked me up at the airport when I arrived in Toronto. She took very good care of me when I arrived in Toronto to begin chiropractic college there. She fit me out with a bike, groceries and even a screw driver. She always made the time to go out for dinner with me or have me over. We had many good trips to the market together. She enjoyed getting to know my classmates and introducing me to her friends. Auntie Ellie's conversation was generous and authentic. She was one of the first people to know that Monique was pregnant with Hayden- I felt comfortable telling her. At that time having a child was a very scary and daunting proposition and she was there for me. She was where I went to chat when I heard Mom and Dad were separating. She drove me to the airport when I left Toronto (with Hayden) in Monique's tummy.
She was great with Monique and the lads. She treated each of the as the individuals they are and they all loved her dearly.
We had once last chance with her this summer. Despite illness we hiked, got Chinese take out, went to Granville Island and made homemade pizza. We talked deeply and laughed.
Love, Leif
From John J. Morris, BLG
Those of us at BLG who work with HIROC had a long relationship with Eleanor and will miss her ever-sunny disposition and unparalled dedication to patient safety. We could always count on Eleanor to teach us the finer points of risk management, to collaborate on conferences and presentations and to be, even in retirement, an enthusiastic and welcome guest at our annual BLG-HIROC Holiday Party. Her absence this year will be a sad reminder of a wonderful person.
Those of us at BLG who work with HIROC had a long relationship with Eleanor and will miss her ever-sunny disposition and unparalled dedication to patient safety. We could always count on Eleanor to teach us the finer points of risk management, to collaborate on conferences and presentations and to be, even in retirement, an enthusiastic and welcome guest at our annual BLG-HIROC Holiday Party. Her absence this year will be a sad reminder of a wonderful person.
From Ellen Gardner, HIROC
We lost a great friend and colleague last night; Eleanor died peacefully about 5 am with her sister Kathy by her side.
I’m sure I share the feelings of everyone at HIROC in saying we will always remember Eleanor’s strong character, her dedication to her work, her honesty, and her kindness and generosity to friends and colleagues. She was indeed a trailblazer, someone who always forged ahead with determination, humour and a spirit of adventure, even during these last difficult weeks. As her friend Beth Johnson said this morning, we may never be able to capture in words all the wonderful and special things we feel about Eleanor.
When I saw Eleanor earlier this week, I told her I was going to be attending a conference with Stephanie DePellegrin. She leaned in close to me and said softly, “You’ll have fun with Stephanie!”
We lost a great friend and colleague last night; Eleanor died peacefully about 5 am with her sister Kathy by her side.
I’m sure I share the feelings of everyone at HIROC in saying we will always remember Eleanor’s strong character, her dedication to her work, her honesty, and her kindness and generosity to friends and colleagues. She was indeed a trailblazer, someone who always forged ahead with determination, humour and a spirit of adventure, even during these last difficult weeks. As her friend Beth Johnson said this morning, we may never be able to capture in words all the wonderful and special things we feel about Eleanor.
When I saw Eleanor earlier this week, I told her I was going to be attending a conference with Stephanie DePellegrin. She leaned in close to me and said softly, “You’ll have fun with Stephanie!”
From Peter Flattery, HIROC
Very sad news indeed. Eleanor's contributions will survive in each of us regardless of how well you knew her, or even if you never met her. She's had such a great influence on so many people directly and indirectly that we are all better off because of her. I'm looking forward to the party celebrating her life.
Very sad news indeed. Eleanor's contributions will survive in each of us regardless of how well you knew her, or even if you never met her. She's had such a great influence on so many people directly and indirectly that we are all better off because of her. I'm looking forward to the party celebrating her life.
From Cindy Brownley, HIROC
Eleanor touched all of our lives – she is especially amazing in that she made time and welcomed all in her last days - everyone who wanted and needed to see her - to add some sense and closure for themselves. Eleanor was selfless.
Bless her and it is comforting that she is at peace.
Eleanor touched all of our lives – she is especially amazing in that she made time and welcomed all in her last days - everyone who wanted and needed to see her - to add some sense and closure for themselves. Eleanor was selfless.
Bless her and it is comforting that she is at peace.
From Polly Stevens, HIROC
This is a very, very sad news for us all - I am sure today and in the days ahead we find ourselves pausing for moments of silence, reflecting on the life of our wonderful Eleanor. Rest in peace dear friend.
This is a very, very sad news for us all - I am sure today and in the days ahead we find ourselves pausing for moments of silence, reflecting on the life of our wonderful Eleanor. Rest in peace dear friend.
From Philip DeSouza, HIROC
So sad to hear this news today, but I’m 1,000% sure Eleanor wouldn’t want us to be down and sad, but try to live our lives to the fullest and with the same vigour she lived with.
Eleanor’s legacy in my eyes is that fact that she was a great people connector, she was able to connect YOU and I – and I will be forever grateful for this!
So sad to hear this news today, but I’m 1,000% sure Eleanor wouldn’t want us to be down and sad, but try to live our lives to the fullest and with the same vigour she lived with.
Eleanor’s legacy in my eyes is that fact that she was a great people connector, she was able to connect YOU and I – and I will be forever grateful for this!
From Heather Galli, HIROC
the world has lost someone extraordinary. This is a terrible tragedy but we are all glad that she has finally found peace and the suffering is over under the circumstances. May God rest her soul.
the world has lost someone extraordinary. This is a terrible tragedy but we are all glad that she has finally found peace and the suffering is over under the circumstances. May God rest her soul.
From Susan Bowen, HIROC
I am glad for her. Sorry for us at HIROC and her family. I cannot be there on the 13th so please raise a glass for me. I will have a glass of wine in her honour tonight.
I am glad for her. Sorry for us at HIROC and her family. I cannot be there on the 13th so please raise a glass for me. I will have a glass of wine in her honour tonight.
From Christina Giannone, Hiroc
I am deeply saddened by the news and my sincerest condolences go out to her family, friends and loved ones.
I am deeply saddened by the news and my sincerest condolences go out to her family, friends and loved ones.
From Kopitha Nathan, Hiroc
That is such devastating news. I didn’t realize it was going to happen so soon.
My deepest condolences.
That is such devastating news. I didn’t realize it was going to happen so soon.
My deepest condolences.
From Neli Gomes, HIROC
What am amazing woman! A true defender of healthcare on every possible front, such a loving and caring individual that it was impossible to have met her and not to have been touched by her spirit and character. Eleanor always remembered my birthday and would visit me in person at my desk to pass along her birthday wishes. In spite of all that she was going through and fighting with, even in her weakest moments she always went out of her way to ask how I was doing. Not because it was the polite thing to do, but because she sincerely cared for all those around her. You will be missed and forever remembered by all that knew you. May you rest in peace finally. My thoughts and condolences are with Eleanor's family and close friends during this great loss.
Nel Gomes
What am amazing woman! A true defender of healthcare on every possible front, such a loving and caring individual that it was impossible to have met her and not to have been touched by her spirit and character. Eleanor always remembered my birthday and would visit me in person at my desk to pass along her birthday wishes. In spite of all that she was going through and fighting with, even in her weakest moments she always went out of her way to ask how I was doing. Not because it was the polite thing to do, but because she sincerely cared for all those around her. You will be missed and forever remembered by all that knew you. May you rest in peace finally. My thoughts and condolences are with Eleanor's family and close friends during this great loss.
Nel Gomes
From Wendy Whelan
My sincere condolences to Eleanor's family and everyone who has been touched by her. I was fortunate to get to know Eleanor during my secondment to HIROC a few years ago. I was struck by Eleanor's presence and her strength, and how much she was admired and adored by her colleagues. She will be truly missed.
Wendy
My sincere condolences to Eleanor's family and everyone who has been touched by her. I was fortunate to get to know Eleanor during my secondment to HIROC a few years ago. I was struck by Eleanor's presence and her strength, and how much she was admired and adored by her colleagues. She will be truly missed.
Wendy
From Susan and Quentin
We will always remember Eleanor as a out standing woman. We would love to have said goodbye in person but not possible due the distance required to travel. Please pass on our sincere sympathy to your family,also to Lynn and Ed whom I have met. Lynn stayed with us about 25 years ago and Ed met us 6 years ago in Canada. kindest regards
Susan and Quentin, Australia
We will always remember Eleanor as a out standing woman. We would love to have said goodbye in person but not possible due the distance required to travel. Please pass on our sincere sympathy to your family,also to Lynn and Ed whom I have met. Lynn stayed with us about 25 years ago and Ed met us 6 years ago in Canada. kindest regards
Susan and Quentin, Australia
From ISMP Canada
The ISMP Canada Board of Directors, management and staff offer sincere condolences to Eleanor's family and friends. Eleanor has been an ISMP Canada Board member since our organization's inception more than 10 years ago and her guidance and support have contributed greatly to who we are today. She connected us with HIROC, leading to corporate support for our bulletins and other initiatives, as well as shared office space and many new friendships. Eleanor was a tireless reviewer of our bulletins, ensuring that our messages were clear and meaningful. On a personal level, she was a dear friend to many of our staff and board members and will be greatly missed by all.
The ISMP Canada Board of Directors, management and staff offer sincere condolences to Eleanor's family and friends. Eleanor has been an ISMP Canada Board member since our organization's inception more than 10 years ago and her guidance and support have contributed greatly to who we are today. She connected us with HIROC, leading to corporate support for our bulletins and other initiatives, as well as shared office space and many new friendships. Eleanor was a tireless reviewer of our bulletins, ensuring that our messages were clear and meaningful. On a personal level, she was a dear friend to many of our staff and board members and will be greatly missed by all.
From Beth Derr
I was very sorry to see today that Eleanor passed away and my deepest sympathy and thoughts are with all of you. I am leaving early tomorrow to visit Bruce and family in Toronto till 22nd. I will call on my return.
Love, Beth
I was very sorry to see today that Eleanor passed away and my deepest sympathy and thoughts are with all of you. I am leaving early tomorrow to visit Bruce and family in Toronto till 22nd. I will call on my return.
Love, Beth
From Margaret Taylor
Eleanor was the sister of my dear friend Jean and, together with the rest of the Morton family, made us feel like family members when we arrived in Canada in 1969. She was a memorable personality and it was always good to see her whenever she visited the family in Winnipeg. I remember her kind words written to me when my husband passed away two years ago. She will leave so many happy memories but also an empty chair at family gatherings. My deepest regrets and condolences to Cathy, Sandy, Isabel and their families.
Margaret Taylor, Winnipeg
Eleanor was the sister of my dear friend Jean and, together with the rest of the Morton family, made us feel like family members when we arrived in Canada in 1969. She was a memorable personality and it was always good to see her whenever she visited the family in Winnipeg. I remember her kind words written to me when my husband passed away two years ago. She will leave so many happy memories but also an empty chair at family gatherings. My deepest regrets and condolences to Cathy, Sandy, Isabel and their families.
Margaret Taylor, Winnipeg
From Beth Theis
Friend collector, friend connector - some of us met for the first time by her palliative care bed. I once remarked to Eleanor that I'd drifted away from some friends in life, sometimes by changing countries, but found new friends, and Eleanor replied that she never seemed to lose any, she just kept adding - so true. Elwyn and Chris - see their lovely remembrance - took me out to dinner in Sydney, sight unseen - Eleanor's recommendation was good enough, and we had a lovely evening. When I first knew Eleanor, at Women's College Hospital, and then at Sunnybrook, she had long springy hair, fun clothes, and high standards. The hair got shorter, a lot of the clothes were still fun (striped cycling tights in 2 shades of green, remember?), the high standards remained but she forgave us for not meeting them - not traveling with salt, pepper and dry cleaning fluid, not intending to paint the back side of a piece of wood inside her cupboard, and more serious personal and professional failings. Kim got it right about the legion-flavoured songs - for me, a reminder of prairie community sing-songs, although Eleanor was the only person I ever sang with who knew all the words to Have some Madeira, m'dear. The cycling trips and the longer trips have been great - again, Eleanor as connector - but some of my most closely held memories are from our long walks together in Toronto, with intense conversations and companionable silences.
Eleanor, m'dear, we hold you dear. - Beth T
Friend collector, friend connector - some of us met for the first time by her palliative care bed. I once remarked to Eleanor that I'd drifted away from some friends in life, sometimes by changing countries, but found new friends, and Eleanor replied that she never seemed to lose any, she just kept adding - so true. Elwyn and Chris - see their lovely remembrance - took me out to dinner in Sydney, sight unseen - Eleanor's recommendation was good enough, and we had a lovely evening. When I first knew Eleanor, at Women's College Hospital, and then at Sunnybrook, she had long springy hair, fun clothes, and high standards. The hair got shorter, a lot of the clothes were still fun (striped cycling tights in 2 shades of green, remember?), the high standards remained but she forgave us for not meeting them - not traveling with salt, pepper and dry cleaning fluid, not intending to paint the back side of a piece of wood inside her cupboard, and more serious personal and professional failings. Kim got it right about the legion-flavoured songs - for me, a reminder of prairie community sing-songs, although Eleanor was the only person I ever sang with who knew all the words to Have some Madeira, m'dear. The cycling trips and the longer trips have been great - again, Eleanor as connector - but some of my most closely held memories are from our long walks together in Toronto, with intense conversations and companionable silences.
Eleanor, m'dear, we hold you dear. - Beth T
From Hume Martin
I worked with Eleanor during the 1980's at North York General and was fortunate to stay in touch with her over the subsequent years. Eleanor was a joy to work with; ruthlessly logical, persistent, principled, driven and very smart. She was also a lot of fun. I have fond memories of Eleanor visiting me with Gill Firth in Bermuda in 1990 or thereabouts. We had lunch at Frank's 18 months ago just before I left for a contract in Kuwait. We spoke candidly about her cancer, the wonderful support she was receiving from HIROC and her many friends and sister. Eleanor was a gift to healthcare in Canada and a wonderful colleague and friend.
Hume Martin
I worked with Eleanor during the 1980's at North York General and was fortunate to stay in touch with her over the subsequent years. Eleanor was a joy to work with; ruthlessly logical, persistent, principled, driven and very smart. She was also a lot of fun. I have fond memories of Eleanor visiting me with Gill Firth in Bermuda in 1990 or thereabouts. We had lunch at Frank's 18 months ago just before I left for a contract in Kuwait. We spoke candidly about her cancer, the wonderful support she was receiving from HIROC and her many friends and sister. Eleanor was a gift to healthcare in Canada and a wonderful colleague and friend.
Hume Martin
From Edna & Jim Erickson
To Eleanor’s loved ones- We are so saddened to hear of Eleanor’s passing after being so strong in her health battles. We feel privileged to have known her through Allie’s marriage to Lars and being privy to many family gatherings, the wedding, and summer days at Gimli. She will be missed dearly by you all and our sympathies are with you in the loss of a precious member of your family. May all the wonderful memories give you strength in this sad time.
Our love,
Edna & Jim Erickson, Winnipeg
To Eleanor’s loved ones- We are so saddened to hear of Eleanor’s passing after being so strong in her health battles. We feel privileged to have known her through Allie’s marriage to Lars and being privy to many family gatherings, the wedding, and summer days at Gimli. She will be missed dearly by you all and our sympathies are with you in the loss of a precious member of your family. May all the wonderful memories give you strength in this sad time.
Our love,
Edna & Jim Erickson, Winnipeg
From Helen McMurtrie, Cousin
I will never forget Eleanor. I had several good times with her when she visited me on the Cape and when I stayed with her in Toronto at her apartment. She was generous to show Toronto to me - my first guide to the city. Eleanor made herself available to our family several times - we enjoyed her company at Jim and Sheila McMurtrie's 50th anniversary in Vancouver and it was great to always visit with her many times when she came to visit in Vancouver with Doug's relatives!
I wouldn't have met you all if she hadn't insisted I go to Gimli when I was in Minneapolis for the summer of 2007. I was coached by Eleanor as to who everyone was and who belonged together in your various families. That trip was a highlight of my life. I recall all those special days fondly and want to return.
I wish I could be there with you all on the 13th but my thoughts are with you all and your entire family. Eleanor was a rich woman - she has the best best sisters (yes I meant to say BEST twice) and her wonderful friend Ed whom she spoke of often. And there is the rest of her family of which I include myself - I am better for knowing Eleanor.
My thoughts will be with you all this weekend and for the days you'll be in Toronto surrounded by Eleanor's personal belongings and memories.
Love to all - may Eleanor rest well - she lived a stellar life.
Love Helen
I will never forget Eleanor. I had several good times with her when she visited me on the Cape and when I stayed with her in Toronto at her apartment. She was generous to show Toronto to me - my first guide to the city. Eleanor made herself available to our family several times - we enjoyed her company at Jim and Sheila McMurtrie's 50th anniversary in Vancouver and it was great to always visit with her many times when she came to visit in Vancouver with Doug's relatives!
I wouldn't have met you all if she hadn't insisted I go to Gimli when I was in Minneapolis for the summer of 2007. I was coached by Eleanor as to who everyone was and who belonged together in your various families. That trip was a highlight of my life. I recall all those special days fondly and want to return.
I wish I could be there with you all on the 13th but my thoughts are with you all and your entire family. Eleanor was a rich woman - she has the best best sisters (yes I meant to say BEST twice) and her wonderful friend Ed whom she spoke of often. And there is the rest of her family of which I include myself - I am better for knowing Eleanor.
My thoughts will be with you all this weekend and for the days you'll be in Toronto surrounded by Eleanor's personal belongings and memories.
Love to all - may Eleanor rest well - she lived a stellar life.
Love Helen
From Gary Bunio
In my earlier life I used to drive BMW motorcycles. Eleanor's niece, my lovely child bride Leanne, wasn't fond of motorcycles, and thus Eleanor had more rides on the back of the bike than Leanne ever had. We tooled around Toronto a couple of times when we lived there.
Another memory of Ellie was her love of fine wines. My favorite was the last time she was in Calgary, where we had a lovely Christmas together. Over several wonderful meals we had a couple of glasses of great wine, after which Eleanor would have a wee rest in what is now "Ellie's Chair" in front of the fire. That last Christmas was a gift to remember her by.
To remember her grace, sense of equanimity and sense of humour. Thank you Eleanor, we were blessed by the time we spent with you.
In my earlier life I used to drive BMW motorcycles. Eleanor's niece, my lovely child bride Leanne, wasn't fond of motorcycles, and thus Eleanor had more rides on the back of the bike than Leanne ever had. We tooled around Toronto a couple of times when we lived there.
Another memory of Ellie was her love of fine wines. My favorite was the last time she was in Calgary, where we had a lovely Christmas together. Over several wonderful meals we had a couple of glasses of great wine, after which Eleanor would have a wee rest in what is now "Ellie's Chair" in front of the fire. That last Christmas was a gift to remember her by.
To remember her grace, sense of equanimity and sense of humour. Thank you Eleanor, we were blessed by the time we spent with you.
Never another - From Ruby
My dearest family, one & all,
The heartbreak may subside, but the memories w/never fade,
I was 12 when I first held the sweet baby Eleanor, so I've been able 2 store precious memories 67 yrs.
2 my mind, Ellie didn't really die in the hospital bed, she simply got on her bike & rode frwd, so that she cld start preparing food, canning, preserving & probably ironing....so that everything wld b in good order 4 the rest of us when w/arrive.
I shall remember her best, standing w/my Mom, singing Paddy McGinty's Goat when I celebrated my 40th wedding anniversary (60 yrs ago, Kathy was by my side as I began my wedded life). My Mother just adored her & Eleanor visited w/her as often as possible & always came laden w/"treats" of her many culinary skills.
A favourite hymn 4 us "Morning Has Broken" & Jack left on a Friday around 5 a.m. also, 21yrs ago & 2wks earlier. "At Dawning" was 1 of our wedding songs, so w/must have an affinity 4 the dawn of a new day.
I experienced my "1st Nite" in Toronto w/Ed & Ellie & I still use the same candle container all these yrs later, never forgetting the wonderfilled experience.
Many visits back & forth always brought joy & even funny events, such as me forgetting the tent poles when w/had Ellie camping w/us 1 wknd!!!!!!!!! As always, she took it all in her stride & saw the hilarious side of the event.
Eleanor's work sojourns always brought an invitation 2 b w/her in Phoenix, so w/cld squeeze in another 2 short visit. Surprising me w/a very, very British "tea" outing @ the edge of the desert, amazed me & delighted her!
Taking r sandwiches & having "lunch" @ great-granny Stark's graveside, weird 2 some people, but great 4 us, her descendants.
Ellie made sure, together w/Kathy & Isabel that I was able 2 provide AC 4 my home during the horrendously triple digit summers, endured here during the last 2 yrs.
There never was & never w/b a girl quite as stupendous as r Eleanor!!!!
It turned out that some of Ellie's girlfriends hail from Dunnville, where Jack & I celebrated the end of r honeymoon & Canuck Thksg all those yrs ago. W/were staying w/Hank & Annie Crosbie & the Jacob's family were nxt door. If any of the girls r Johnny wld care 2 b in touch w/me, I wld b so thrilled!
Ellie tried 2 b the link 4 me w/all of Jeanne's boys & all of Kathy's girls, so I pray the chain w/b unbroken, as the song says.
It grieves me not 2 b able 2 b w/all of u physically, but my heart shall remain constant w/as w/always said "the Winnipeg" cousins.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
My dearest family, one & all,
The heartbreak may subside, but the memories w/never fade,
I was 12 when I first held the sweet baby Eleanor, so I've been able 2 store precious memories 67 yrs.
2 my mind, Ellie didn't really die in the hospital bed, she simply got on her bike & rode frwd, so that she cld start preparing food, canning, preserving & probably ironing....so that everything wld b in good order 4 the rest of us when w/arrive.
I shall remember her best, standing w/my Mom, singing Paddy McGinty's Goat when I celebrated my 40th wedding anniversary (60 yrs ago, Kathy was by my side as I began my wedded life). My Mother just adored her & Eleanor visited w/her as often as possible & always came laden w/"treats" of her many culinary skills.
A favourite hymn 4 us "Morning Has Broken" & Jack left on a Friday around 5 a.m. also, 21yrs ago & 2wks earlier. "At Dawning" was 1 of our wedding songs, so w/must have an affinity 4 the dawn of a new day.
I experienced my "1st Nite" in Toronto w/Ed & Ellie & I still use the same candle container all these yrs later, never forgetting the wonderfilled experience.
Many visits back & forth always brought joy & even funny events, such as me forgetting the tent poles when w/had Ellie camping w/us 1 wknd!!!!!!!!! As always, she took it all in her stride & saw the hilarious side of the event.
Eleanor's work sojourns always brought an invitation 2 b w/her in Phoenix, so w/cld squeeze in another 2 short visit. Surprising me w/a very, very British "tea" outing @ the edge of the desert, amazed me & delighted her!
Taking r sandwiches & having "lunch" @ great-granny Stark's graveside, weird 2 some people, but great 4 us, her descendants.
Ellie made sure, together w/Kathy & Isabel that I was able 2 provide AC 4 my home during the horrendously triple digit summers, endured here during the last 2 yrs.
There never was & never w/b a girl quite as stupendous as r Eleanor!!!!
It turned out that some of Ellie's girlfriends hail from Dunnville, where Jack & I celebrated the end of r honeymoon & Canuck Thksg all those yrs ago. W/were staying w/Hank & Annie Crosbie & the Jacob's family were nxt door. If any of the girls r Johnny wld care 2 b in touch w/me, I wld b so thrilled!
Ellie tried 2 b the link 4 me w/all of Jeanne's boys & all of Kathy's girls, so I pray the chain w/b unbroken, as the song says.
It grieves me not 2 b able 2 b w/all of u physically, but my heart shall remain constant w/as w/always said "the Winnipeg" cousins.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
From Donna Carter
Eleanor was amazing in many ways and her life long embracing of and nurturing of friends is certainly on the amazing list. Anyone who has the privilege of being Eleanor’s friend has a shining example of how to be one. I am one of the lucky ones counted as her friend. Eleanor embraced me into the Bike Hike Group and I was welcomed so warmly by all. Through Eleanor I enjoyed our bike hikes and the camaraderie of that wild and wonderful group. I was recently asked ‘Do you go on many bike trips?” My answer “As few as possible and then only to enjoy the group with whom I am cycling.” In truth the bike excursions certainly encouraged me to improve my equipment, fitness and cycling skills so now I can almost keep up with the group and lately I actually enjoy a spin around the neighborhood. Eleanor had a way of bringing out the best in people.
I experienced vicariously Eleanor’s voracious appetite for travel and challenging experiences. The canoe trip in the North West Territories is my favourite and she was resigned to telling me over and over about that wonderful and awful trip. Then came the time to join Eleanor and bike-hikers in Italy, and since then I have traveled to England, Spain, Turkey with a long list of future destinations. Eleanor ha a way of opening doors to new experiences for her friends.
With her work and leisure traveling, her busy Toronto social life, family in Manitoba, Eleanor and I had just a few ‘just us’ opportunities and each one is an extra special memory. Eleanor had a way of making each of us feel like her very special friend.
Eleanor was amazing in many ways and her life long embracing of and nurturing of friends is certainly on the amazing list. Anyone who has the privilege of being Eleanor’s friend has a shining example of how to be one. I am one of the lucky ones counted as her friend. Eleanor embraced me into the Bike Hike Group and I was welcomed so warmly by all. Through Eleanor I enjoyed our bike hikes and the camaraderie of that wild and wonderful group. I was recently asked ‘Do you go on many bike trips?” My answer “As few as possible and then only to enjoy the group with whom I am cycling.” In truth the bike excursions certainly encouraged me to improve my equipment, fitness and cycling skills so now I can almost keep up with the group and lately I actually enjoy a spin around the neighborhood. Eleanor had a way of bringing out the best in people.
I experienced vicariously Eleanor’s voracious appetite for travel and challenging experiences. The canoe trip in the North West Territories is my favourite and she was resigned to telling me over and over about that wonderful and awful trip. Then came the time to join Eleanor and bike-hikers in Italy, and since then I have traveled to England, Spain, Turkey with a long list of future destinations. Eleanor ha a way of opening doors to new experiences for her friends.
With her work and leisure traveling, her busy Toronto social life, family in Manitoba, Eleanor and I had just a few ‘just us’ opportunities and each one is an extra special memory. Eleanor had a way of making each of us feel like her very special friend.
From Don Teskey
I am Don Teskey and had the great good fortune to arrive in Sydney, Australia in 1971, and to be introduced to a special group of friends and family with whom I have kept a close and ongoing association ever since and whenever possible. That group consisted of Ed, Will and Bonnie Rogers and Bonny's partner Doug Clark. I had just arrived "Down Under" from Canada and was delighted to be welcomed into the midst of such a group of kindred spirits.
In those early years, Dear Eleanor was always there - seemingly involved in whatever activity or adventure was going on - anytime; and I am sorry now that they hadn't invented digital photography - or that we didn't take more "happy snaps" during the 70's when we were all young and bullet-proof and living just for the weekends. I'm not certain just when Ed and Eleanor and Doug and Bonnie decided to return to Canada, but I maintained a travelling lifestyle, both as a living and by choice. Whenever I returned to visit my family in Ontario - which I did frequently throughout the 70's, 80's and 90's; there was always a warm welcome and a bed for the traveler with all of those steady friends. Ed particularly was always there and where Ed was - Eleanor was seemingly never far away.
Beyond that long distance friendship, topped up with my bi-annual fleeting visits; I believe it was in 1994 that Eleanor got in touch - searching for an excuse to visit Oz and she joined me for a week of travelling in Tasmania where we revisited some of the people and places from her previous life - while working in a bookstore in old Hobart Town. She delighted in revisiting the places and recalling those early memories of living in a "loft" apartment in the Hobart. I suspect that's where her love of multiple stairwells and "attic" apartments with steeply slanted walls came from. Her homes were always cozy and there was always something going on.
During the 90's, my Partner - Ada North - and I had a number of trips through Canada (in the summers, thank you) in various motor homes and once again - Ed and Eleanor featured prominently in those trips whenever possible. Eleanor and Kathy intersected with us (or we with them) in Sept 2006 for a typically delightful shared culinary and trekking adventure in St Johns, Nfld. It was always a pleasure to spend time with her and her interest in all things - never varied.
And then, Eleanor surprised and delighted Ada and I by appearing in Cairns, Qld in Sept 2009 to give us the rare opportunity of reciprocating a sliver of the warmth and hospitality she has lavished on us over the years. That was fun week as well, and very special because Eleanor's health had come back from her first issues just enough so she could spread her wings one more time to revisit old friends and new places. She was such an excellent traveler, and so thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of what was around her. - I dare say that she leaves behind a marvelous collection of memories and memorabilia to be shared and enjoyed by her sisters and her extended family.
I don't like sad things. And I find it difficult to feel badly about Eleanor's life or her passing from it. She was so alive, and so vibrant that I'm certain she enjoyed every moment of the journey. It was her nature to embrace all the twists and turns and that's how I will remember her. Life won't be quite as full and there will be moments when we'll all be doing - whatever - and we'll think "Eleanor would enjoy this".
So, she lives on. In our memories, with Love and Laughter and - well - Forever.
I am Don Teskey and had the great good fortune to arrive in Sydney, Australia in 1971, and to be introduced to a special group of friends and family with whom I have kept a close and ongoing association ever since and whenever possible. That group consisted of Ed, Will and Bonnie Rogers and Bonny's partner Doug Clark. I had just arrived "Down Under" from Canada and was delighted to be welcomed into the midst of such a group of kindred spirits.
In those early years, Dear Eleanor was always there - seemingly involved in whatever activity or adventure was going on - anytime; and I am sorry now that they hadn't invented digital photography - or that we didn't take more "happy snaps" during the 70's when we were all young and bullet-proof and living just for the weekends. I'm not certain just when Ed and Eleanor and Doug and Bonnie decided to return to Canada, but I maintained a travelling lifestyle, both as a living and by choice. Whenever I returned to visit my family in Ontario - which I did frequently throughout the 70's, 80's and 90's; there was always a warm welcome and a bed for the traveler with all of those steady friends. Ed particularly was always there and where Ed was - Eleanor was seemingly never far away.
Beyond that long distance friendship, topped up with my bi-annual fleeting visits; I believe it was in 1994 that Eleanor got in touch - searching for an excuse to visit Oz and she joined me for a week of travelling in Tasmania where we revisited some of the people and places from her previous life - while working in a bookstore in old Hobart Town. She delighted in revisiting the places and recalling those early memories of living in a "loft" apartment in the Hobart. I suspect that's where her love of multiple stairwells and "attic" apartments with steeply slanted walls came from. Her homes were always cozy and there was always something going on.
During the 90's, my Partner - Ada North - and I had a number of trips through Canada (in the summers, thank you) in various motor homes and once again - Ed and Eleanor featured prominently in those trips whenever possible. Eleanor and Kathy intersected with us (or we with them) in Sept 2006 for a typically delightful shared culinary and trekking adventure in St Johns, Nfld. It was always a pleasure to spend time with her and her interest in all things - never varied.
And then, Eleanor surprised and delighted Ada and I by appearing in Cairns, Qld in Sept 2009 to give us the rare opportunity of reciprocating a sliver of the warmth and hospitality she has lavished on us over the years. That was fun week as well, and very special because Eleanor's health had come back from her first issues just enough so she could spread her wings one more time to revisit old friends and new places. She was such an excellent traveler, and so thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of what was around her. - I dare say that she leaves behind a marvelous collection of memories and memorabilia to be shared and enjoyed by her sisters and her extended family.
I don't like sad things. And I find it difficult to feel badly about Eleanor's life or her passing from it. She was so alive, and so vibrant that I'm certain she enjoyed every moment of the journey. It was her nature to embrace all the twists and turns and that's how I will remember her. Life won't be quite as full and there will be moments when we'll all be doing - whatever - and we'll think "Eleanor would enjoy this".
So, she lives on. In our memories, with Love and Laughter and - well - Forever.
From Wolf Paunic
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Eleanor was always there for her friends. She'll be missed by many, including the Paunic family.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Eleanor was always there for her friends. She'll be missed by many, including the Paunic family.
Memories from Elwyn and Chris Coad, Australia
Our friendship with Eleanor began when she answered an ad to share a room in the house I rented in Hobart in 1973. Her predecessor had left with some bad feeling and I probably grilled Eleanor on her drinking habits or possession of an abusive boyfriend. Eleanor quickly became a friend to both Chris and I and we had lots of fun times together. She loved to dance with Chris when we went out together because he was a good ballroom dancer, even though she was 6 inches taller than him. She was a good cook and we still use her recipe for an Icelandic layered prune wedding cake on special occasions. Looking at the photograph taken on the back veranda of the flat in 1973 (views of the Derwent River behind)
I’m reminded of her telling me not to worry about us having buck teeth because we wouldn’t end up having those vertical lines around our mouths when we got older. We heard about a mysterious adventurer named Ed and stories of her family in Canada. She had a picture of Cathy’s girls on her dressing table.
There was a purple floral shirt that had apparently been shoplifted by some troubled child and someone in her family or a friend had given it to Eleanor. She gave it to Chris and after he had finished with it our daughters wore it.
We would think of Eleanor every time it surfaced. Eleanor came to our wedding in Swan Hill in country Victoria the following January. She sewed the hem of Chris’s going away trousers on the morning of the wedding with a beautiful herringbone stitch and I was worried she wouldn’t get them finished on time she was doing it so slowly and perfectly.
There was a purple floral shirt that had apparently been shoplifted by some troubled child and someone in her family or a friend had given it to Eleanor. She gave it to Chris and after he had finished with it our daughters wore it.
We would think of Eleanor every time it surfaced. Eleanor came to our wedding in Swan Hill in country Victoria the following January. She sewed the hem of Chris’s going away trousers on the morning of the wedding with a beautiful herringbone stitch and I was worried she wouldn’t get them finished on time she was doing it so slowly and perfectly.
We visited Eleanor in 1975 when we had 8 weeks in Canada at the end of our 2 year working holiday in Britain. Eleanor borrowed a tent and we travelled to Niagara Falls and the east coast of Canada also staying with her friends and relatives. We used to have brandy in our coffee at night when we were camping as it was so cold (and it tasted delicious). We had thanksgiving dinner with Ed’s family. The autumn colours in Canada were spectacular and we are so grateful for the hospitality shown to us. I remember visiting a place called magnetic hill where the particular configuration of the landscape gave the effect of the car rolling uphill. Eleanor and I were laughing our heads off but Chris kept saying that he “couldn’t get it.”Chris and I continued the holiday westward alone but meeting many of Eleanor’s friends and relatives along the way.
Over the intervening years we always kept in touch sharing the trials and joys of life.
I remember Cathy’s daughter Leanne visiting us in about 1990. Eleanor told us on her last visit that one of her grandnieces was in Australia recently but was too shy to contact us. There is always a bed at our place for any friend or relative of Eleanor’s especially now that all the kids have left home so don’t be shy!
Eleanor visited Australia again in January 1994. We had a camping holiday down the coast with our 14, 12 and 4year old. She had bought a Canadian children’s tape for Francesca who loved it but was terrified of one song, “ g o b l i n gggoblin”. The campsite had karaoke one night and Eleanor and Chris did a very respectable rendition of “Love Potion No. 9” while our two older daughters ran out of the hall in embarrassment.
Our second daughter Joanna was in Vancouver on exchange from uni in 2002 and Eleanor arranged for her to fly to Vancouver for a holiday where she had a lovely time. Eleanor was unable to come to Joanna’s wedding in November 2010 as she was sick at that time with the first lymphoma.
I remember Cathy’s daughter Leanne visiting us in about 1990. Eleanor told us on her last visit that one of her grandnieces was in Australia recently but was too shy to contact us. There is always a bed at our place for any friend or relative of Eleanor’s especially now that all the kids have left home so don’t be shy!
Eleanor visited Australia again in January 1994. We had a camping holiday down the coast with our 14, 12 and 4year old. She had bought a Canadian children’s tape for Francesca who loved it but was terrified of one song, “ g o b l i n gggoblin”. The campsite had karaoke one night and Eleanor and Chris did a very respectable rendition of “Love Potion No. 9” while our two older daughters ran out of the hall in embarrassment.
Our second daughter Joanna was in Vancouver on exchange from uni in 2002 and Eleanor arranged for her to fly to Vancouver for a holiday where she had a lovely time. Eleanor was unable to come to Joanna’s wedding in November 2010 as she was sick at that time with the first lymphoma.
Eleanor’s last visit was brief when she was in Sydney for a wedding in September 2009. She commented how great it was that despite all the years passing we were always able to pick up the friendship as if the time meant nothing.
Chris is planning retirement in 2013 and we had no sense that this would be the last time we would see Eleanor, thinking we would have plenty of time to organise a trip to Canada. Alas this will not be. We will miss a very loyal friend with a wonderful sense of humour, intelligence and a great love for her family and friends.
Our sympathy, love and prayers are with Eleanor’s family and friends everywhere.
Love from Elwyn and Chris Coad, Sydney, Australia.
Chris is planning retirement in 2013 and we had no sense that this would be the last time we would see Eleanor, thinking we would have plenty of time to organise a trip to Canada. Alas this will not be. We will miss a very loyal friend with a wonderful sense of humour, intelligence and a great love for her family and friends.
Our sympathy, love and prayers are with Eleanor’s family and friends everywhere.
Love from Elwyn and Chris Coad, Sydney, Australia.
Eleanor was my friend, Eleanor will always be my friend - Kim Froats, Toronto
Eleanor Morton loved to sing. You could always count on her to break out into a little ditty, the kind you would have heard around the drinking tables at the local Legion. The words usually were a short, sweet little rendition that was so apropos for the current situation and one that often shed light on the issue at hand; whether it be building on an already funny moment or alleviating tension in a difficult conversation.
Born of hard drinking Scots background, there was one thing that was always clear, you always knew where you stood with Eleanor. There was never any room left for doubt, and in case you thought there was, Eleanor would straighten you out.
Eleanor had a wide and varied circle of friends. They came with various classifications: Family, Friends from Africa, Australia, Canada, Winnipeg, Toronto, the walking group, the bike group, the Rogers Family, the HIROC group..... and many more. Eleanor had this uncanny ability to keep these separate universes all spinning in unison and with her strong magnetic personality, she would bring them into occasional similar orbits so that each one would gain an appreciation of the other.
The one thing that held these diverse groups all together was the strong fabric that Eleanor weaved, by telling each one exactly what was going on in the other, and in a way that drew you in and compelled you to learn more, from the sheer energy, determination and will that Eleanor brought to bear in any conversation. She was the internet before there was one.
It is through the jammed packed photos on Eleanor’s refrigerator that I saw a generation of Morton descendants grow up. Many of these young faces would know her as their very own “Auntie Ellie”.
We all felt the energy that Eleanor would bring to any given life situation. If you ever needed to move, you would naturally call Eleanor. Her powers to tame the dirt and grime of any new apartment or home were legendary. Eleanor could attack a black toilet with a tooth brush and cleanser and the thing would come out sparkling.
To this day, we know of her sense of order, organization and neatness. These are standard references, as common as the elements in the periodic table. Of particular use for me is the “Eleanor Morton Packing list” .....be sure to start all journeys with it and you will always be prepared.
I know that in many instances, Eleanor had my back. You could feel it always. From the kind word and cheery smile to the warm embrace, Eleanor made you always feel that you were part of the family.
Whether you were with Eleanor on a bike trip, a car trip or a vacation in Spain, Italy, France or any other spot on God’s Green Earth, she made you feel the wonder of the moment and the euphoria of being alive.
Though there is this whole side of the professional Eleanor, the hospital clerk, the medical records supervisor, the risk manager or the Vice-President, there for me, will simply be, just Eleanor, my friend.
Eleanor had a standing invitation to Sunday dinner at our house, and I was fortunate enough to break bread and drink wine with her on many, many occasions.
Eleanor would often start with a wee dram of Scotch in order to align the orbits of the various universes and then the information, update, assessment and feedback would flow. You were washed over with a tidal wave of knowledge and insight. She would then smile, give me a hug and then be on her way. I just wished that every day could have been Sunday.
In the last year as she battled her disease, she showed vulnerability and strength at the same time. Ever practical, ever straight forward, Eleanor knew the hill she was climbing and kept on going, one steady foot after another. In the final days, she grew weaker and her body became a ghost of what she once was.......but she was still Eleanor. She took her final step today.
Leave no doubt, she radiated love to her family and friends, to Ed and his family, the morning walking group and to all that she knew well.
A light has gone out. We all walk in a slightly darker place.
Eleanor was my friend, Eleanor will always be my friend. Kim
Eleanor Morton loved to sing. You could always count on her to break out into a little ditty, the kind you would have heard around the drinking tables at the local Legion. The words usually were a short, sweet little rendition that was so apropos for the current situation and one that often shed light on the issue at hand; whether it be building on an already funny moment or alleviating tension in a difficult conversation.
Born of hard drinking Scots background, there was one thing that was always clear, you always knew where you stood with Eleanor. There was never any room left for doubt, and in case you thought there was, Eleanor would straighten you out.
Eleanor had a wide and varied circle of friends. They came with various classifications: Family, Friends from Africa, Australia, Canada, Winnipeg, Toronto, the walking group, the bike group, the Rogers Family, the HIROC group..... and many more. Eleanor had this uncanny ability to keep these separate universes all spinning in unison and with her strong magnetic personality, she would bring them into occasional similar orbits so that each one would gain an appreciation of the other.
The one thing that held these diverse groups all together was the strong fabric that Eleanor weaved, by telling each one exactly what was going on in the other, and in a way that drew you in and compelled you to learn more, from the sheer energy, determination and will that Eleanor brought to bear in any conversation. She was the internet before there was one.
It is through the jammed packed photos on Eleanor’s refrigerator that I saw a generation of Morton descendants grow up. Many of these young faces would know her as their very own “Auntie Ellie”.
We all felt the energy that Eleanor would bring to any given life situation. If you ever needed to move, you would naturally call Eleanor. Her powers to tame the dirt and grime of any new apartment or home were legendary. Eleanor could attack a black toilet with a tooth brush and cleanser and the thing would come out sparkling.
To this day, we know of her sense of order, organization and neatness. These are standard references, as common as the elements in the periodic table. Of particular use for me is the “Eleanor Morton Packing list” .....be sure to start all journeys with it and you will always be prepared.
I know that in many instances, Eleanor had my back. You could feel it always. From the kind word and cheery smile to the warm embrace, Eleanor made you always feel that you were part of the family.
Whether you were with Eleanor on a bike trip, a car trip or a vacation in Spain, Italy, France or any other spot on God’s Green Earth, she made you feel the wonder of the moment and the euphoria of being alive.
Though there is this whole side of the professional Eleanor, the hospital clerk, the medical records supervisor, the risk manager or the Vice-President, there for me, will simply be, just Eleanor, my friend.
Eleanor had a standing invitation to Sunday dinner at our house, and I was fortunate enough to break bread and drink wine with her on many, many occasions.
Eleanor would often start with a wee dram of Scotch in order to align the orbits of the various universes and then the information, update, assessment and feedback would flow. You were washed over with a tidal wave of knowledge and insight. She would then smile, give me a hug and then be on her way. I just wished that every day could have been Sunday.
In the last year as she battled her disease, she showed vulnerability and strength at the same time. Ever practical, ever straight forward, Eleanor knew the hill she was climbing and kept on going, one steady foot after another. In the final days, she grew weaker and her body became a ghost of what she once was.......but she was still Eleanor. She took her final step today.
Leave no doubt, she radiated love to her family and friends, to Ed and his family, the morning walking group and to all that she knew well.
A light has gone out. We all walk in a slightly darker place.
Eleanor was my friend, Eleanor will always be my friend. Kim
Remembering - Lois Hales, Toronto
Compared to others at HIROC, I only knew Eleanor for a short time, but in some ways, it felt like a long time. Eleanor always made the point of stopping by to say hello and to see how I was doing in my new role. It meant a lot to me, as did the wisdom she imparted to me in her mentoring and “mothering” role. Even on her final day at HIROC she sent along this message to me following my request for her sage wisdom on an e-mail that I was sending along to a client.
“Hi Lois,
As this is my last day at HIROC I absolutely have to add some comment – otherwise you’d feel let down, I’m sure!”
Eleanor always brought a simile to my face and that’s how I shall remember her.
Lois Hales
Healthcare Risk Management Specialist
HIROC
Compared to others at HIROC, I only knew Eleanor for a short time, but in some ways, it felt like a long time. Eleanor always made the point of stopping by to say hello and to see how I was doing in my new role. It meant a lot to me, as did the wisdom she imparted to me in her mentoring and “mothering” role. Even on her final day at HIROC she sent along this message to me following my request for her sage wisdom on an e-mail that I was sending along to a client.
“Hi Lois,
As this is my last day at HIROC I absolutely have to add some comment – otherwise you’d feel let down, I’m sure!”
Eleanor always brought a simile to my face and that’s how I shall remember her.
Lois Hales
Healthcare Risk Management Specialist
HIROC