We are greatly saddened by the passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt and friend, Eleanor. Mom loved Jesus and was confident in her knowledge that she would be spending eternity with her loving God in heaven. Predeceased by her parents Frederick and Vera Hall, husband, Ted Woodyard, infant son, John, and second husband, Donald Naylor. Intensely missed by her three sons, Steve (Monika), Jim (Ann), Paul (Paivi); daughters, Nancy Bissell (Charles), and Sylvia (Dawn); 13 grandchildren (Catherine, Jeffrey, Jonathan, Joanna, Mark, David, Julia, Curtis, Natalie, Calvin, Michaela, Nolan and Andrew) and 2 great-grandchildren (Ariana and Evan). Also missing Elly are her sisters-in-law Marie and Winane, niece, Leslie and Mom’s step children Janet (Doug), Leslie (Ken), Barb (Ian) and Gordon (Barb) and dear friends from Ontario through to the West Coast to England.
Mom’s life touched many other friends and acquaintances from church and community. We often joked that she helped Hallmark stay afloat: Mom had cards at the ready for every eventuality in her family and friends’ lives, right to the end. Mom grew up in Victoria, B.C. where she was lovingly raised by her parents and grandparents. Her generosity of spirit, love for God, aptitude for music, sense of humour and compassion were at the core of her upbringing. She trained as a nurse at Jubilee Hospital in Victoria which allowed her to be a part time working mother at different points in her life, culminating in her years of service at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver. When Mom retired from nursing in the mid 80’s, she worked part time at “Sign of the Fish” Christian bookstore which fed her already well-established love of reading. Mom met Dad in elementary school, began dating in high school and they married in 1951, enjoying 52 years together. Dad’s career led them to London, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Mexico, Ottawa, Seattle then North Vancouver. Mom had a beautiful singing voice and played piano for church communities along the way. Mom would welcome her children’s friends into her home; many of the shared stories since Mom passed are of how she made everyone feel comfortable and welcome. Mom knit her signature baby sweater, hat and booties for countless little ones as long as she could. Mom loved being a grandma, and she and Dad cared for the children whenever and however they could. Mom and Dad traveled quite a bit across the country and to England in their retirement years. She lost her mother suddenly to a stroke in 1973, and lovingly cared for her father and our Dad until their passing in 1997 and 2003, respectively. In 2006, Mom found love again and married Donald Naylor, a high school friend of hers and Dad’s. She and Don traveled throughout Canada as well as to Hawaii. Mom and Don shared many interests at the core of which was connecting with their families. Don’s children and grandchildren occupied a special place in Mom’s heart.
In her last years, Mom’s heart disease took its toll on her body, but her mind and heart were untouched. With help from the family, Mom lived independently until September, 2019. We thank the staff of Lynn Valley Care Centre, Manor 3 for their loving care during these last few months. Her faith carried her through many hard times in her life and this was no different. Mom was an example of unwavering commitment to her family and her love for Jesus.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Union Gospel Mission, or the charity of your choice. Service to be held February 28, 2020, 2 p.m. at Sutherland Church, North Vancouver. Refreshments to follow.
“Bye for now”, Mom. We love you so deeply and will miss you.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialnorthvancouver.com for the Woodyard family.
DONACIONES
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.11.2