ELAINE PORT

ELAINE PORT Elaine left us on March 9, 2013, in her 71st year and after a brave and uncomplaining fight. She lived her life as the purest of souls and faced death unafraid, secure in the welcome she would receive from our Lord. She was the beloved wife of Doug, her husband for 43 years, and loving mother of their two sons Jason (Paula) and Ryan (Kelly) all of whom give thanks for the gift of her life, the love she shared with us and the legacy she has left. Elaine was the loving, proud Gramma to her grandchildren, Jacob, Keira, Keegan and Cayden. She is survived by her mother, Dorothy, and her twin sister, Dorothy. Elaine immigrated to Canada in 1964, and after marrying Doug in 1969, embarked on a life that involved multiple moves across Canada and twice to the U.K. She gave up her own interests and activities to help start afresh in each new city, supporting Doug's career and shouldering the load to build a loving, stable home for her family. In each place, Elaine was the homemaker extraordinaire and formed bonds with friends that she maintained even as she moved to another city. Elaine's family was her priority although she did return to the workforce for several years when the boys were teenagers, as a secretary at Applewood Heights and Floradale schools. Elaine loved walking and hiking and she was particularly proud when, as a senior, she completed the 60km Walk to End Breast Cancer with family members. Throughout their marriage, Elaine and Doug had the good fortune to travel the world extensively with good friends and family members. She loved to study art, never more so than when she lived in London. She knew almost every public gallery in that great city, and more importantly, the location of all the free ladies' washrooms. Elaine was loyal, trustworthy and blessed with the friendship of many, including those from her years at the fitness club, her tennis partners, her art study meetings, her Christian Women's fellowship, her church and her special friends at Grace's Bible Study group. She was always the first to seek out a stranger and make them feel welcome. She spoke with an innocent and genuine warmth, full of trust, pure spirit and with a natural grace. She was such a good person. Her family gives thanks to the medical staff at Hamilton General Hospital spinal unit, the Juravinski Cancer Centre and the Juravinski Hospital for their care and compassion. Special thanks go to the caregivers in Oakville, led by Dr. Helen Pyle, Elaine's home nurse Linda T., Farzana for her homecare and the truly wonderful, caring people at Ian Anderson House, who embraced her final days. Cremation has already taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Elaine's life will be held in St. Jude's Church, 160 William Street, Oakville, on Friday, March 22nd at 3 p.m. A reception will follow immediately at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made in Elaine's memory to Ian Anderson House in Oakville. Please visit Elaine's Book of Memories at www.wardfuneralhome.com