08-Jul-1933 - 12-Nov-2021
“Her smile alone security bestows.”
This line appeared beside Eleanor’s photo as a graduate from the Hamilton General Hospital School of Nursing in 1955. They are words that would suitably describe Eleanor throughout her life as the older sister and best friend of Helen and Diane; as a registered nurse in Hamilton and Oakville; as the devoted wife of Ron for 51 years (residing at the same address in Oakville for their entire life together); as the loving mother of five children and as the grandmother of four. She will be dearly missed by nieces and nephews and their families with whom she spent many summers and holidays at Fin’s Inn, the family cottage in Kincardine, Ontario. Brothers- and sisters-in-law through her marriage to Ron will have very fond memories of time spent with Eleanor at reunions, anniversaries and family gatherings.
Eleanor was born in Hamilton, Ontario, the first of three daughters of Greg and Isobel Findlay. The Findlay family lived in Ontario (Hamilton and Windsor) and in BC (Vernon and Victoria).
After saving every penny while working as a nurse, Eleanor set out on the adventure of a lifetime: alongside two girlfriends she hitchhiked around Europe for six months with a sense of adventure and a rucksack on her back. In 1956 this was considered quite unconventional. Since childhood, Rome had beckoned and she was not disappointed when she visited the Eternal City for the first time. Many years later she returned to Europe and revisited some of these places. Other travel adventures included numerous family car trips across North America covering much of Canada and most of the continental USA. In 2004 there was a memorable trip to Tunisia.
Although cooking was not a passion she will be remembered for her roast beef, homemade pies and cream puffs, and “quick walnut panocha.” She loved watching movies of all types especially old ones starring Sophia Loren, John Wayne, Joseph Cotten or Gene Tierney. She enjoyed live theatre and concerts. The first opera she attended was a production of Aida in the Colosseum in Rome in 1956. Later The Three Tenors and Andrea Bocelli were favorite singers. Eleanor had a keen mind. She loved to read (especially novels, histories and biographies) and to talk about books. She was devoted to her daily crossword puzzles, almost always using a pen. She stayed abreast of current events, but could be equally engaged by discussions of spirituality and the ‘big questions’ of life. Family and friends found her to be a good listener and non-judgmental. They will miss her wise counsel.
1977 was a milestone year: one daughter started university, one son started high school and the youngest son started kindergarten which means that Eleanor attended parent-teacher interviews for twenty consecutive years.
Married to a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan she remained stoic and supportive even during the Harold Ballard years. Later in life she became an enthusiastic Toronto Raptors fan.
Eleanor will be lovingly remembered by her children Sandy, Tracy (Lee) Perryman, Gary (Alison), Cam and David (Marie); grandchildren Daniel, Keegan, Bryden and Mya; sisters Helen (Ken) McCaig and Diane Marr; many nieces, nephews and in-laws.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Ron; son-in-law Garth Wilson; brother-in-law Tom Marr; and her parents Greg and Isobel Findlay.
At Eleanor’s request no service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in Eleanor Lynch’s name to the charity of your choice.
