Elaine McCuaig

Mary Elaine McCuaig, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many, passed away peacefully after a long, fulfilling life. Elaine, as she was known her entire life, was the daughter of G. Douglas and E. Irene Gourlay (nee McMullen) and older sister to Douglas, living her entire life in Toronto.

Elaine met Eric at St. Clements Anglican young people’s group in 1939 and they married March 8, 1941 just before he went off to war. The many letters she kept are a testament to their love and commitment. In the post war years they moved to Willowdale, raising 3 energetic boys who turned into fine men: Rob (Marilyn), Gary (Heather) and Jim (Shebat). They joined Lansing United Church in 1953, giving freely of their time and talents. Elaine’s strong faith sustained her throughout life.

After Eric’s sudden death in 1959, Elaine went to night school to improve her secretarial skills, working at TD Bank, then Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute, retiring after 22 years. Elaine was now free to pursue her interests: playing bridge, volunteering at North York General Hospital, Gibson House Museum and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and planning her travels all over the world. She was a lifelong learner, enjoyed reading extensively and pursuing new interests.

Elaine was a remarkable woman who carried herself with dignity and class. She maintained friendships that lasted a lifetime and nurtured close family ties. Elaine will remain a beacon of light in the lives of all who knew and loved her.

Elaine was predeceased by her parents, her brother Doug (Jean, nee Goodall), daughter-in-law Debra McCuaig (nee Ferguson), and nephews David, John and Ian. She will remain lovingly in her sons’ hearts, was a cherished grandmother of Eric (Diana), Cameron (Abby), Christopher, Catherine (Mike), Caitlin, Julie (Nate), great-grandmother of Finlay, Wesley, Sebastian, Julian, baby boy coming, and fond aunt of Glenys, Margaret, Barbara (Mike), Patti (Dan), Joanne (Robert) and Peter (Debbie).

The family would like to thank the staff of Gibson Retirement Residence and Bethany Lodge LTC for their loving care and support of Elaine.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Elaine McCuaig may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Lansing United Church, or a charity of your choice.