Elinor died peacefully at the age of 97. Elinor was born in Calgary, the only child of Annie and William Main. Predeceased by her husband in 1962, mom was left with five kids, a mortgage and as a stay at home mother no paying job.
Without missing a beat, she got her agent’s license and took over dad’s fledgling general insurance company. She was a very practical woman who preferred “to just get on with it”.
The United Church was a big part of Elinor’s life. She volunteered countless hours for Oak Bay United through more than 60 years of service. She also acted as camp director for many summers at Pringle…always with the entire family in tow.
Mom had an unwavering faith and was fiercely loyal to family and friends. Being a child of the depression, she was incredibly frugal which came in handy over the lean years. We all still scratch our heads at how she did it. We had a great home and never felt we were missing out.
Elinor loved the outdoors and was very active in the guiding movement in her younger days. She spoke fondly of her time with Guides right to the end.
She loved to camp, hike, read and play scrabble. She was a big fan of large family gatherings, many of them around her dinner table. Not known as a gourmet cook, she did have a knack for Turkey dinners, especially at Christmas.
Elinor was predeceased by her parents, her husband Don, daughter Jocelyn and son Malcolm (1982); survived by children Larry (Susan), David (Julia), Diane, Doug (Christine) and daughter-in-law Denise. Perhaps the greatest joy in mom’s life was the time she spent with her 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Elinor lived in the family home until very recently. The family would like to thank neighbours Mike and Jocelyn Demontmarency for keeping an eye on her over the years and to next door neighbor Jane Moran for her frequent visits and friendship.
A celebration of Elinor’s life will be held later in the summer, date to be determined.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Loretta
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Paula Sparks To the Branter family.
Sending you my sincere condolences on the passing of your Mother. I had the sincere pleasure of working with Elinor at both Thomas McAlpine & Westcoast Insurance. She was a great person; a wonderful teacher and friend. She had a great knowledge of the insurance industry. I always looked to her for guidance. Once I moved to Calgary we stayed in touch at Xmas. She was so proud of her family!With deepest sympathy!
Paula Sparks
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Ruth Russell(Frampton) To the Branter Family. We are so very sorry to hear of your loss of your dear Mother, Elinor. She was such a treasured friend, along with your Father, Don, of our parents, Florence and Percy. We also have fond memories of our two families coming together. Love to you All.
Sincerely, Ruth, Lorraine, Betty and Don.
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Dave Dunnet My thoughts are with the family of this wonderful, loving and supportive Mother who through some tough times did an amazing, caring job of raising such fine children.
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Tom & Vincenza Dear Doug and family,
We were saddened to read about the passing of your mom. We know her loss will be felt and we hope her remarkable life will bring much comfort and many smiles.
With much love at this sad time,
Tom, Vincenza, Marc, Eric, & Luc Goldbach
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Steve Murphy Hello Branters: Steve Murphy here from the other side of St Mike’s school (not sure what it is now). Your mom’s obituary brought a tear to my eye remembering all the times we would hang out at your place after school and weekends. Your mom was always welcoming and had a smile on her face it seemed, no matter what kind of ruckus we were getting up to. Incredible to hear she was still in the house up till recently. That dwelling served your family for many decades. Wait to hear the date for the celebration of life.
Steve Murphy
Dear Cousins
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Aunt Elinor. We didn’t meet often, but when we did we enjoyed very much our visits.
Kathleen, Glenn, Lanny and Loretta Branter (Rob and Christina)