Elaine Margaret Tessaro

TESSARO _ Elaine Margaret (nee Dueck). Elaine died on Monday, July 24, 2006 at Kelowna General Hospital. Elaine's courageous battle with cancer dominated most of this year. She utilized this time to deepen her relationships with her family and her faith. Elaine left behind her loving husband Jim and their son Paul who lived with her in Abbotsford and their sons Mark and James in Vancouver. She is survived by her parents, Peter and Lena Dueck of Abbotsford, and her siblings Karen Low Ah Kee of Vancouver, Ken Dueck of Denver, Bev Durvin of Calgary, Warren Dueck of Richmond and Rob Dueck of Chilliwack. She was born October 30, 1953. All of Elaine's pursuits reflected her determination and drive. The mother of a young family she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Masters of Education and pursued a career at the University College of the Fraser Valley. She loved teaching and challenging critical thinking skills of her nursing students. Her nursing career began at Royal Columbian Hospital where she earned her Registered Nurse designation. She also nursed at MSA General Hospital and Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Elaine was an advocate for families with disabled family members relating her own experience as a caregiver. Elaine's zest for life included traveling, sailing, water skiing, cross-country and alpine skiing, hiking, rowing, quilting and so much more. She competed with the Abbotsford Figure Skating Club's precision skating team which she helped win many medals in Canadian championships this past winter. As a teenager she was a cheerleader at Abbotsford Senior Secondary School. She would be a cheerleader for her family the rest of her life. Elaine married her high school sweetheart Jim in 1974. They hiked throughout BC and traveled around the world before they became parents. They especially loved hiking in the Cathedral Lakes area. Later their place of solitude in every season was their vacation home at Coral Beach on Okanagan Lake, even in her last days. She coordinated the annual Bacon Jamboree and spent every summer there with her children. She was proud of all her sons' achievements, and her future daughter-in-law Carolin Phillips. Elaine will be deeply missed by her family, her colleagues, her team-mates and her friends. She was an inspiration to all she touched, a smile, a quick wit, a huge heart and a hug. She was a loving wife, a caring mother, a compassionate daughter, a cheerful sister and a great friend. She gave us so much. A funeral service will be held at Northview Community Church (32040 Downes Road in Abbotsford) on Monday, July 31st at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.