Eleanor L. Strong

STRONG, Eleanor Memories of Eleanor Strong (also known as Ellie, Mumsie, Nana, Nori and Aunty Nor): Eleanor Louise Strong was born on July 25, 1914 in Southsea, England. She grew up in Barbados and immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1928. Both of her parents died within the family's first two years in Canada. Eleanor, being the second oldest of the six children became more of a mother to her brothers and sisters than a big sister. Fortunately the family had a devoted housekeeper who kept them together for several years. While working in the Classified Advertising Department of the Toronto Star, Eleanor got the idea she could conduct a dressmaking school on the air. Radio Station CFCA adopted the idea and carried her unique program until the station went off the air. In 1939 Eleanor married Donald Strong, a Chartered Accountant, and they had two children, David and Mary. In 1947 the family followed some friends out to the West Coast. After a lengthy battle with cancer, her husband passed away in 1976, her son in 1988 and her daughter in 2003. And Eleanor herself is now survived by her loving sister Gloria, her grandchildren Kevin and Janine and her great-grandchildren Jenna and Caden. Eleanor became involved in the community as a volunteer and it was during her term as President of the Canadian Citizenship Council that she realized the need for aid for newly arriving immigrants. Seeking more volunteer members for her committee, she spearheaded a drive from her basement where many programs were planned and initiated. The Federal Government was invited to help and they offered space along with a small grant which served to employ a part-time secretary. All others on the committee were dedicated volunteers giving their time with much enthusiasm. With Eleanor as their Founder and first Executive Director, the Immigrant Services Society became a chartered organization in 1973 working with a small budget, which grew to $5 million annually in 2003. One of the main attributes of the ISS is the compassion and caring exemplified by the staff. Eleanor retired from the ISS and discovered that she had the gift of writing poetry. She has published four books, and often went on speaking engagements. Nori's poems are messages of vision, hope and awareness. As volunteer, Eleanor has served in an Executive capacity at several other organizations, namely: The Women's Canadian Club Vancouver Citizenship Council The Vancouver Women's Musical Society Vancouver Folk Society L.I.F.E (Living in for Everyone) Toastmistress Club (Skyline) Vancouver Opera Guild/Association Vancouver Human Rights Council West End Writers' Club (Poetry) Eleanor was awarded the following: Toastmasters International Communication Achievement Award May 10, 1982 Good Servant Medal from the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews on September 12, 1985 A medal in celebration of Canada's 125th Anniversary, commissioned by the Governor General of Canada to be given to Canadians who made a significant contribution to their fellow citizens and their community December 16, 1992. On Thursday, January 27th 2011, our sister, grandma, friend, Elly-Nana-Nori, transcended into a higher realm of consciousness on her journey from infinity to infinity. Blessed are those touched by Eleanor's life and positive attitude. Nori is in our hearts and is a guide to the seeking: 'At times of challenge look inside yourself, for all the answers are within.' It is Eleanor's wish not to conduct a memorial, but you can meet her in spirit at her Seawalk Bench for you to discover at the west side of English Bay. Eleanor would appreciate any donations to be directed to the Women's Musical Society, Vancouver Opera Foundation or the Immigrant Services Society. E - M - V.