Eleanor Isabel McMahon

Eleanor was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Jack. She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Neil (Lisa) of Brisbane, Australia; Doug (Amanda) of Edmonton; Rod (Dina) of Edmonton; and her daughter Janelle of Mayerthorpe.

She is also remembered by her grandchildren, James, Daniel, Katie, Andy, Nicki, Kirsten, Kyle, Jordan, Courtney, and Dani, along with their spouses; and by her great-grandchildren, Zoe, Eliza, Winnie, Rupert, Luella, Ellie, Sydney, Sophie, Palmer, Macklin, Brooks, Summer, Athena, Hayden, Paisley, Pyper, Rowelly, Tucker, and Jace. Eleanor is also survived and missed by her sister, Gerri (Stan), and her niece, Kellie (Lindsay), and their three children.

Eleanor was a devoted wife and partner to Jack, and they shared more than 62 years of marriage. Family meant everything to her – she lovingly raised her 4 kids with kindness, care, and a LOT of patience. Eleanor welcomed all her children’s spouses and treated them like her own as they joined the McMahon family. Each new grandchild and great-grandchild was welcomed with the same warmth and love that always defined her.

When Eleanor wasn’t looking after her own children or grandchildren, she devoted her time to helping others, most notably volunteering for over 35 years at the Cross Cancer Institute.

Eleanor and Jack loved to spend time at their family cabin at Pigeon Lake. For almost 50 years she could be found puttering around in her spectacular gardens and flower beds, drinking coffee and reading the newspaper on the deck, and enjoying laughter around the firepit and card table.

Family and friends were always welcome and Eleanor, who was the perfect hostess, made sure that, although it was “nothing fancy”, there was plenty of food and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

Eleanor and Jack never missed important events or milestones in the lives of their children and grandchildren. They were proud supporters at weddings, graduations, birthday parties, Christmas concerts, hockey and ringette games, and rodeos, always showing up to celebrate their family. They loved to travel, and together they traveled all over the world, including many trips to Australia where they were able to spend quality time with Neil and family. When they were not travelling or enjoying time at the lake, they loved to attend the Symphony, Stage West, and Edmonton Eskimo football games.

Eleanor’s family would like to thank the staff at Devonshire Care Center and particularly the caregivers in Balmoral for the kindness and compassion shown to Eleanor while she was there.

Respecting Eleanor’s wishes, a private family service will take place at a later date.

If you have a cherished memory to share with her family, please email it to [email protected].

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, the Cross Cancer Institute, or a charity of one’s choice.