Elenor Bain
Posted Nov 25, 2021 | 11:21 AM
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our wonderful, amazing mother Elenor Bain (nee Bulford) on November 15th at the QE2 hospital following a stroke at the age of 95. Mom was born in Clairmont AB April 5th, 1926 and raised on the family farm in the Kleskun area.
Elenor is survived by daughters Cheryl McEwen (Bob Thompson), Ellen McAusland (Fred), Donna Mayne (Darrell). Sons Jody Bain, Elmer Bain (Lisa) and Brent Bain (Rhonda), son in law Keith Arlint and twin brother Elmer Bulford. Elenor also leaves behind 21 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren , 9 great great grandchilren and many, many nieces and nephews.
Mom was pre-deceased by husband George Bain, daughters Betty Gubbe and Cindy Arlint, daughter in law Rita Bain, sons in law Dennis Gubbe and Murray McEwen. Parents Haviland and Kate Bulford, sister Irene Nellis and husband Orville, brothers Harry, Harvey and wife Annie and sister in law Ann Bulford
Mom spent her childhood in the Bezanson area attending the Lindsey School in north Kleskun. Shortly after WW2 Mom received her teaching diploma at the U of A. Her 1st teaching post was in Grovedale where she stayed in the general store owned by Helen and Duncan Bain. Here she met and married George Bain in 1947. They moved across the river to the Dimsdale area where they farmed and raised all 8 of us kids. From 1955 to 1960 the family moved to Valemont, BC for work. Here they made many lifelong friends including Glen and Audrey Grubb. In 1977, they pulled up stakes and purchased another farm in the Hinton Trail area where brother Jody still resides. Dad passed away in 2002 and Mom stayed on the farm for a few years then moved into Beaverlodge for several years. 3 years ago, she moved into Wildrose Villas and truly loved living there. She spent many hours playing cards, visiting and watching hockey and curling with the residents which included Uncle Elmer.
Mom packed a lot of living into her 95+ years. She was always game for any kind of adventure, be it a cruise to Alaska, trips to both east and west coast, California, Mexico, Palm Springs and many other spots. Nothing was beyond her, even in her 90s she kept up with all of us! Even this past summer she golfed at least 50 rounds and had just started the winter floor curling season. Of all the places that Mom loved though nothing made her happier than being at the cabin at Wapiti Gardens. Ever since Mom and Dad bought it in 1979 it has been the destination of more wonderful occasions than can be counted. It was and will remain a place where friends and family are always welcome. Mom never turned down a chance to head to the river for the weekend and Darrell and Donna made sure she spent as much time there as possible. Countless hours of visiting, crosswords (by committee!), music and more than anything else, laughter filled our summers.
Even in the face of tragedy, losing a husband and two daughters to cancer, Mom forged ahead with strength and dignity. It was her who helped all of us get through those sad times. Memories are to be cherished but living in a state of perpetual grief does no good for anyone. There will be difficult times ahead, Christmas for one and her absence at the cabin and the golf course will take some time to get through. All of us Bain kids agree, we couldn’t have been more blessed to be raised by two of the most genuine, loving and kind parents.
A visitation will be held at Bear Creek Funeral Home (11802 99 Avenue, Grande Prairie, Alberta) on Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 1-3pm. Celebration of Life will be held at the Grovedale Community Hall @ 11:00 on Friday, December 3, 2021 with a family interment at the Grovedale Cemetery to follow. Everyone is invited for a luncheon and a toast to Mom following the service.
In lieu of flowers donations to STARS Air Ambulance (stars.ca) or Grovedale Fire Department (Box 140 Grovedale, AB T0H 1X0) would be greatly appreciated.
Following covid protocols, proof of full vaccination or negative covid test will be required. Testing will be available at the Grovedale Museum/Post office from 9-10:30 at a cost of $30.
Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 bearcreekfuneral.com
- Date : 2021-11-15
- Location : Grande Prairie, Alberta