Eleanor Violet Botsford

BOTSFORD, Eleanor Violet (nee Elliot) - It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our dear mother and grandmother Eleanor Botsford. She passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on August 25, 2011 at Mount Sinai Hospital with her loving family at her side. As the centre of our family, our mother's fierce independence and constant love were gifts that profoundly shaped our lives. Beloved wife of the late Eric Botsford, loving mother to Nonie Plener (Sheldon), Jane (Chris Purkis) and Neill and cherished grandmother to Jordie, Marilyn, Nicole, Gary, Michelle and Eric. Cottage life formed some of Eleanor's fondest memories because it brought together her two loves, family and nature. In her youth, she enjoyed the simple pleasures of fishing, playing cards and doing puzzles at Four Mile Lake with her parents, sisters Catherine and Jocelyn and her beloved niece Little Eleanor. These early memories were an inspiration to purchase her own cottage where her family continues to enjoy the traditions of swimming around the island and big family breakfasts. Simple pastimes like monitoring the time of the sunset and observing the stars while listening to the call of the loons made for many happy memories. A truly inspirational woman who did not let her debilitating arthritis limit or define her life, she will be dearly missed by her family. A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 29, 2011 at St. George's Church on-the-Hill, 4600 Dundas Street West with a reception to follow. Friends may visit with the family at the Church prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Eleanor may be made to The Arthritis & Autoimmunity Research Centre Foundation, R. Fraser Elliott Building, 190 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4 or online at www.beatarthritis.ca