Eleanor Katherine Edith Henshaw

Eleanor was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. She and her extended family were active members of Hillhurst Baptist Church. In 1942, as an alto in her church choir, Eleanor caught the eye of a New Zealander named Roy who was stationed briefly in Calgary for the Commonwealth Air Force training programme. They corresponded throughout the war and in 1946 she sailed to New Zealand to become his bride. She also became superintendent of the large Sunday School at Milford Baptist Church. In 1952 they moved to Calgary with their first two children where Roy trained in building technology. After he graduated, they moved to Royal Oak where they ran a Sunday School program while their family expanded. Eleanor’s courage, determination, and intelligence sustained the family through times of hardship, most notably during the early years of her daughter Kathy’s life. In the early 1960s they joined Central Baptist Church in Victoria. Eleanor and Kathy served faithfully by folding bulletins and helping in the church nursery until they could no longer do so.

Eleanor’s wisdom and gracious personality endeared her to everyone she met. Visits with her were always uplifting, even as her memory faded. She never failed to acknowledge the efforts of those who cared for her.

Heartfelt thanks to the staff and management of Brentwood House for the consummate professionalism and loving-kindness which Eleanor enjoyed for nearly seven years.

Eleanor was predeceased by her husband Roy and grandson Bruce Henshaw. She is survived by children Harry (Marlene), Janet (Dennis), Lloyd (Leslie), Russell (Catherine), Katherine, Bruce, twelve grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at Gateway Church, 898 Royal Oak Avenue, Victoria, B. C., on Friday, January 19th at 11:30 AM.

A donation in Eleanor’s memory may be made to Beacon Community Services, Lifetime Networks Victoria, or the Victoria Academy of Ballet.