Rosy Eleanor Matilda Oakley

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eleanor Oakley, after a brief, and heroic second battle with cancer. Born on January 27, 1947, Eleanor passed peacefully from this world, surrounded by her family, on April 9, 2024 at Lion’s Gate Hospital. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 plus years, Rick, and beloved sons Matthew (Stacie) and Trevor (Kayla).

Throughout her life, Eleanor was a passionate proponent of education, first as a teacher and, once her boys arrived, as a devoted volunteer with Scouting. Her decades of service to Scouting earned her the coveted Silver Acorn in 2018, subsequently followed this past year with her bar to the Silver Acorn, the highest commendation for a volunteer in Scouting. As a Group Commissioner for many Scouting groups on the North Shore, and the Guild Master of the 48th Baden-Powell Scouting Guild, Eleanor’s passion for enhancing the educational development and well being of youth was well known and her tenacity to “get things done” was legendary.

As a member of the congregation of Highlands United Church for over 40 years, Eleanor was active in many community events and had many wonderful friends, including her self-organized lady’s lunch group, and through being a member of the church’s birthday “club”.

Eleanor was the most generous and giving soul. There was always room at the Oakley house for all of Eleanor’s many “kids”. She loved being surrounded by the people she cared most about, hosting holiday dinners, laughing, travelling as part of her “Fabulous Four” scouting ladies, and having family and friends for visits in the backyard, enjoying her lovely garden.

The family would like to thank the wonderful team at the Cancer Clinic of Lion’s Gate Hospital for all their hard work, care and support of Eleanor during her battle. Also, although her stay was brief, we’d like to thank the Palliative Team at LGH for making her comfortable at the end.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Eleanor’s honour at 2 pm on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at Highlands United Church. Reception at Highlands after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the 48th Baden-Powell Scouting Guild (c/o Dawn Martin-Smith at [email protected]), which will be setting up an educational scholarship/ bursary for Scouting youth in Eleanor’s name.