I am so sorry for you and with you for the loss of our Eleanor. She belonged a bit, a good deal, to all of us. Of course, your loss is the greater, by far. You have to build a new life now alone, humanly speaking. But to some extent this has been the case now for some time, and you have done a good job of it. I am sure you have not done it alone but with the help of God and your many good friends.
We will all miss Eleanor terribly, because she was the glue that held Ottawa together.
The way you all stick together as a social group, that made it easier to get to see and speak to a lot of old friends, and maintain those friendships, and make some new ones such as the Pensoms and the Lemkes and Marriages. My visits to Ottawa were always a great success, because Eleanor made my schedule.
Eleanor was a very close friend, first of all on account of her being your wife. But much more so in her own right. Whenever I entered your house I could always feel the warmth of both of your unconditional love for me. It is not the same as when you enter the house of other people who we call friends. Eleanor was an interesting person with a heart for people. But she was also a searcher for God and truth and I was privileged to be let in on the spiritual/theological aspects of that, and I was flattered by that trust.
The Thursday breakfasts, Enjoy and Flourish, and other meetings, visits, celebrations, and casual drop-ins were made possible by Eleanor’s heart for people and serious thinking. She and you made your house a centre for searchers and thinkers, like me and Ken, and many others less obviously so.
Dear Ed and family, I was just thinking about you and googled your names. I am sorry to learn of Eleanor’s passing. She was a very kind woman. I will pass this sad news on to my mother and sisters. Valerie Bennett Johnson, Calgary, Alberta.
Joe and I were so honoured to be able to attend Eleanor’s burial on Saturday. We loved seeing Ed and Chris again and chatting with Michelle and also many of Eleanor’s dear friends.She certainly was well loved.
Memories came flooding back from when we knew her at Little Trinity. I remember when she came to visit me after our son’s birth and she said “Tell me All about it “( meaning the birth experience ) and she really meant it. I remember visiting her in their home in Don Mills and loving her “decorating” with all the brightly coloured quotes on paper stuck up on the wall. She knew how important it was to fuel your mind with good and noble things. I agree! I remember when we house swapped with them (Unionville and Ottawa) and I remember her love of people. I know life was not easy for her.Loosing Sharon was devastating.But she learned from her pain how to truly care for others. Our world misses you Eleanor, but Heaven is richer!
I am sorry to hear of Eleanor’s passing. Although I only had a few occasions to see Eleanor these past years (most recently at my baby shower), I spent many years hanging out at the Pollitts’ home when I was a teenager. She was a strong presence at Bethany and one of the adults there that provided a supportive and reflective place to grow up in. She always asked such get to the point questions that got to the heart of any matter. Although I have not kept up going to church in Toronto, I am still impressed by Eleanor and the many good people I met at Bethany.
My first introduction to Eleanor was a photo in my parents album of her on the steps of their home on Niagara street in St Catharines ,carrying me as a small baby!!! Then I met her in 1961 at the Mack Training School for Nurses. She coached me,encouraged me, and listened to me as I struggled through the challenges of nursing training. One thing I’ll always remember was the day I made a medication error and had just left Mrs. Porteous’ office, reduced to tears and feeling of complete failure by her tirade on my character!! Eleanor gently reminded me,as I wept on her shoulder, “Linda, this will not be the only mistake you make in your life. You’ll learn.” And she was right!
It was from her home that I dressed for our wedding in 1965. Her parents Frank and Ruth Colsell had opened their home and hearts to me so often during training days. During the challenging years of 1967-69 we spent hours together. After we moved to Quebec City our visits and contacts were sporadic but always filled with sharing news, laughter , insights into her wide appreciation of poetry and literature . Her distinct creativity was expressed by cards, quotes , and wisdom gleaned by her rich experience of sorrow and joys.
John and I want to express our deep love and prayers to Ed and family. She will be greatly missed. We hope to join you all in May for the celebration of her life
Linda Miller
I remember meeting Ed and Eleanor a number of years ago when they came out to Vancouver to visit Chris and Michelle. I remember that we played cards. A few months later when I was I think unemployed, Chris said to me, “Karen, my mother is afraid of you.” “Huh?” I said. “Ooops I mean afraid for you,” he said, prepositionally correcting himself. I was touched by her concern.
Aunt Eleanor was truly one of a kind. I never met anyone who was more interested in what was going on in your life and less eager to promote themselves. She saw potential where others saw none. I remember her telling John that he was the kind of person who could be an executive in a company…back when he was a mechanic! I also remember him laughing at the very idea as it seemed so ridiculous to him! In recent years his mother has told us that his dad used to lie awake at night worrying about how John would ever support himself because of the reading difficulties he was having in school. But Aunt El had faith in people where faith was unfounded and her encouragement inspired them to go further than they thought possible. To my mind, that isn’t just a special person…that is an extraordinary one and the world has lost a great treasure.
We wanted to tell you that in honour of Eleanor, we bought seven cowhide, locally made drums. They were given, in her memory, to:
* the Goma Women’s Prison,
* the Goma Juvenile Detention,
* the Men’s Central Prison of Goma,
* the Petit Sanctuaire Goma (2 for teaching),
* the Petit Sanctuaire Gisenyi,
* the Ambassadors for Christ Singers (one of our groups in Goma).
They are wonderful with a deep, rich sound and make quite an impression – just the way Eleanor always did!! The people who received them were overjoyed, and the Gisenyi one was played at Fine’s House Inauguration on Saturday with about 200 people present. For us, they will be a constant and joyful reminder of our dear Eleanor. We are so thankful for her life and for our friendship with you.
Chris. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. May God bless you and your family at this time and may your memories bring you joy and laughter as you remember the fun days. God’s richest love to you. Grace and Brian VandenBerg
When saying good-bye to our beloved Eleanor moments before she was taken to the Civic Hospital, I was profoundly reminded of the famous lines by the Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas:
“Do not go gentle into that good night;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
All throughout her life’s journey, Eleanor fought “the good fight with all her might.” She used her brilliant intellect and determination to battle apathy, callousness, ignorance, and despair. Secure in the knowledge that Christ was her strength and support, she freely gave of herself to all whose lives she touched with her big heart and unique talents.
I will always cherish the memories of her wit and dramatic flare, the giant cards with words of wisdom, the humorous skits she wrote for our special celebrations, the poetry evenings, the romantic candlelight dinners, and the many kindnesses conveyed to us, our children and grandchildren. But I especially treasure those intimate , deep discussions by the Ottawa River while we were watching the sunset, and sharing our love of nature , water and boats.
Eleanor, you inspired me in so many ways. I miss you terribly.
Rest in God’s peace, dear friend.
With love, and deepest sympathy to Ed and family,
Johanna
Eleanor and Ed were such a big part of our lives during our 28 years in Ottawa and at Bethany. We just cannot imagine going out for a meal and not having Eleanor questioning all aspects of our lives and those of our children. When our son Tam had his first stroke at age eight, Eleanor called and said she was available during the middle of the night to take my call, if I needed to talk as that was the hardest time for her when Sharon was ill. She understood like almost no one else what we were going through. We look forward to getting back to Ottawa and sharing stories with Ed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ed. We will miss Eleanor and all her uniqueness. Love to all the family. Nancy and Doug
Beyond my own mom and dad, there are very few people who have had a greater influence on my life than you, Eleanor.
Reading all the comments here, it’s obvious that you touched so many people’s lives in so many profound ways. Here’s what I’m going to miss:
• Your Biblical Hospitality: In a latter-day reenactment of the loaves and fishes, there always seemed to be enough food at your dinner table for as many unexpected guests as there happened to be. My favourite quote: “I’ll just add more water to the soup!”
• Your Interrogations: On visits home, you’d ply Roger and me with goodies and then give us the third degree on life, school, girlfriends, successes and failures.
• The Sea of Yellow: Our fridge at home was full of tofu and sprouts. Your pantry provided a welcome respite from the tyranny!
• The Wise Pronouncements: “Blessed is he who expecteth little, for he shall not be disappointed…”
• The Sermons: I sat through a whole lot of ’em as a kid, but yours were the ones that I wished wouldn’t end. They were poignant, heartfelt, sincere, and delivered with the greatest humility. You laid bare your soul on the pulpit.
Although I have only had brief conversations with Ed and Eleanor over the past few years at Bethany, their relationship was obvious to me. One day after Church, while in the narthex, Ed and Eleanor were making quiet comments back and forth to each other. I will never forget the way they looked at each other while Ed put his arm around her. I said something like “You two sure do love each other, don’t you?” to which Ed replied “We sure do!” I know Eleanor was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed.
God Bless
My name is Michele Buteau. I am a friend of Jan. I wish to extend my sympathies to Mrs. Pollitt’s family, nieces, nephews and close friends. Gentle hugs to everyone.
SWEET REPOSE FOR ELEANOR
For this one dear lady, life’s worries are over; rest in peace without alarms
Your time has been and seen struggles enough, put yourself in Jesus’ arms
Years were not easy, many downright hard, but your faith in God transcended
Put away your thoughts and sleep in bliss, your efforts have all been commended
You kept a fine family, worked hard and well, and always followed the Son.
Hang up your mantel of service to Him, your job here on earth is done
A faith few possess led your journey through life, on often a challenging way
The sun is setting, your friends are all gathered, and now is the end of your day
Your dedicated work for God has affected us all, and the stories flow like a river
Turn off your computer, now close the day-timer for this final time and forever
Remove your glasses and put down the phone, no more need to keep us together
Your labour is done, your home is now heaven; no more time must you wait
Your legacy lives on, love of husband, family and friends, but now we must close life’s gate
Aunt Eleanor as I knew her through Jan was a very inspiring lady. I me her at
Jan’s big birthday party and she made a great impression…we all loved her.
Uncle Ed may you be given courage and strength to face each new day.
Your loss is Heaven’s gain.
My deepest sympathy.
May the Peace of God be with you all.
~ Joan
Eleanor exemplified the meaning of profound compassion. When Eleanor asked how a person was she really wanted to know, to the very depths of your soul. Skimming along the surface was unacceptable. When Eleanor looked into your eyes you experienced heartfelt, genuine caring and beautiful truth. Her capacity to embrace people was incredibly tangible – as though one had come home to warm laughter and total acceptance. Eleanor’s steadfast faith and her brilliant mind planted wavering feet on solid ground. Eleanor is a glorious, everlasting force for which we are deeply grateful. With love to Ed and family. Jacqueline and Gaston.
My memories of Mrs. Pollitt are from many years ago when I was one of David’s teachers at Merivale High School in the 1980s. We met at the usual parent-teacher interviews and sometimes she would drop in just for a chat. Most of my knowledge about her came from her son–a fine young man who knew his mother’s love and truly valued her constancy and faithfulness in his life. She taught valuable life lessons which David put into practice on a daily basis. A few years after David moved to higher education and I moved to another school, we met again during the March for Jesus in Ottawa. She was there for all the right reasons; her joy showed in her entire being.
I extend my condolences to you David, to your brother and your father and all your family members. Such treasured memories you must have!
Kathleen (Whitfield) Fletcher
We have fond memories of many Saturday breakfasts at various restaurants. Eleanor always wanted updates on our children and pictures of our grandchildren. There was usually a specific topic to be discussed, aided by Eleanor’s probing questions. We also remember fun games nights and adventures to Montebello, Wakefield and Pinheys Point.
I am sure Eleanor was disappointed in my lack of enthusiasm for two of her great interests. She would loan me several of her favorite DVDs only to have me return them later and admit I had viewed only one or two. Eleanor could not understand why I didn’t enjoy swimming and picnics on the beach.
Eleanor made cards for us (including my mother) for any special event. She always included appropriate scripture verses, witty sayings and poems. A lot of thought and work went into these cards and they were appreciated.
Eleanor and I shared a love of poetry (among many other things.) As long as I can remember, we always had a ‘poetry night’ complete with candle light. I am using a Shakespeare sonnet in part to say some of my thoughts about Eleanor. She
was so importatnt in my life.
For Eleanor
When to the sessions of sweet silent thought
I summon up remembrance of things past
I sigh the lack of many a thing I sought
And with old woes my dear time’s waste:……
Then can I greive at greivances foregone
And heavily from woe to woe tell o’r
But if the while I think on thee , dear friend
All losses are restor’d and sorrws end.
Rest in peace
Love, Kate
Eli was always interested in her friends and their families. We shall miss our talks and the game nights we shared.
The lovely large cards she made for all special events touched our hearts. One of my favorite cards has “Thoughts to Ponder”
“A True friend is one who reaches for your hand & touches your heart”
“Friendship is the golden thread that ties together the heart of the world”
Eleanor Pollitt was many things to many people. If I had to think of only three descriptive words to describe her impact on my life I would choose the following: Eleanor was an encourager, She was my Barnabas. She would listen to a sermon and then declare, I love the way you say what you say with boldness and confidence. Eleanor made you feel that you could preach in a “man’s world” and share some truth from a female perspective. She was secondly a person who gave real support. Her way of supporting me as a femal pastor in a new church with a new family was to invite me over. To make it clear I was welcome at any time. To make understood, that her pool was my pool and to corner me after a service in June and say the pool was “open” when were we all coming. Then when we went to the pool we had to have “snacks”. She would phone ahead and asked what the boys like to eat. Maybe it was ginger ale and cookies or ice cream sandwiches. But there was always hospitality. The third word and I am struggling to think of the right word is “perceptive”. You could really talk to Elenor. She knew everthing about everyone, and she could give you great insight into someone’s personality and trials and character. I think she always loved people first, faults and all. I would also state that her own trials and tribulations in light gave her great insight into what makes up human character. She was knowledgeable about so many things, and she helped me to understand the journey of many people. Eleanor loved meeting people, and she had a rare gift for cultivating friendships. I consider Eleanor, as a fellow female chaplain and clergy and a very special friend. I will miss Eleanor.
My heart is full and I find it hard to express myself – for once in my life.
El’s passing leaves me as the Matriarch of the family. No one will fill her place in our lives. She was always so full of life and made our lives fuller by all of her creative ways.
She dearly loved visiting us on PEI. How she loved THE Island. We always made many trips to her favourite places and enjoyed them the most with her, because of her great love of it all.
Her friends became our friends – as she shared her life fully with us. She and Ed always have had the most interesting people as their close friends.
We had yearly great times meeting at Lake Placid and enjoying just being together and eating at restaurants, swimming in the pool, and playing games. El stimulated conversation and asked countless questions about our lives and always wanted to know exactly what we were up to.
After Sharon left us I was so proud and thankful for El that she spent 60 hours a week setting up the Family Leukemia Association at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto to help the many families of children suffering. She was an RN and was able to get together the oncologists, hematologists, parents and siblings of the patients to be able to help in every way possible way those who needed support and had none. She worked without renumeration to accomplish this for I think a couple of years.
She worked as a Chaplain at the Rideau Regional Hospital in Smiths Falls for years with the most difficult clients in the world helping them and their families with the problems they had in not developing into their full capacity as a person.
I thank God that at the most difficult times in my life she really helped me. She was always concerned about me and tried her best to help me make the most of my life, as she felt I should do.
In the later days of her life Ed told me during the night she would call out “Phyl, Phyl” I wished I could have been there to answer that call.
I thank God for the fun she brought into my life. When she first left home in St Catharines I was still there 151 Niagara was not the same.
Our lives will not be the same with our loss of her. but we thank God that she will live on in our memories.
Eleanor was a unique character who shared her faith and love of God in a meaningful way. We will miss her terribly. To Ed, David and Chris we send our most sincere condolences and prayers for the Lord’s comfort and peace at this sad time. With our love S & E
Whenever there was a challenge, my mom loved to quote the following Edgar Guest poem:
Somebody said it couldn’t be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That “maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be one
Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing and he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it.
My mom would regularly take David and I to the beach. While there we would make cities in the sand and have hours of fun. Our picnic lunch would consist of (cold) canned spaghetti, canned pudding, pop and chips. Ah, those were the days.
Often when we were coming home from a trip, driving down the highway, my parents would sing the following (in harmony no less):
Walking along life’s road one day,
I heard a voice so sweetly say,
‘A place up in heaven I’m building thee.’
‘A beautiful, beautiful ho-oh-oh-ome.’
Home sweet home.
Ho-oh-ome sweet home.
Where I’ll never roam. (Never roa-oh-ohm.)
I see those lights,
of that city so bright.
It’s my home,
it’s my home,
It’s my home, sweet home.
The word aunt will never fully describe my relationship with Eleanor. She was so much more than just my mother’s little sister. She was my confident, my dearest friend, my partner in both crime and prayer, and most especially my place to come home to when life got rocky. I could relax with her and just be myself. Auntie El was so much fun – always brimming with plans and sometimes utterly crazy yet innovative ways to bring people together. Eleanor was a model of inclusiveness. She hated anyone to feel left out ever! These are things she taught me …
My very first memory of her as a preschooler is of Christmas at Grama and Grampa Colsell’s home in Saint Catharines. Eleanor was in nurses training and she had unfortunately injured her back lifting a patient. She was wearing some sort of a special brace around her waist (right now she would chime in and say that was back in the day that she had a waist!) but I digress. Someone, I cant remember who, told us to make a little fist and knock on her stomach and when my brother John and I did that it was like knocking on a steel door … tuck tuck tuck. We thought this was hilarious and she let us do it over and over all thro the holidays. Early on I thought she was made of steel because of that and because she kept on going and I might add she kept believing God no matter what life threw at her. We will all agree life threw a lot more than one auntie ought to bear. But God never wastes pain and He used those life experiences to mold and shape Eleanor into an extraordinary but very human woman who freely gave His boundless love, deep comfort , understanding, counsel and often humor to everyone in need.
My memories of fun times together are innumerable. They start in Burlington when all 3 soggy diapered Pollitt cousins would bound into El & Ed’s bed each morning and I would climb in too for morning snuggles. Auntie El had the ultimate kid proof house. The walls were decorated with colorful cut out people lined hand to hand like border wall paper. The master bed room was converted to a big playroom complete with a swing set and slide. She even filled a kiddie pool with birdseed so we could pour the seed from container to container. Thus we developed our fine motor skills while having a blast! We finger painted, paper macheed and play doughed to our heart’s content. She never worried about the mess. She always just let kids be kids. Years later I had the joy of watching her do the same with my own daughters! Eleanor and Ed both loved children to pieces. We went on endless outings all over Toronto picnicking on the island, at the beaches and even in random ravines. She lugged along sand toys, canned spaghetti which we all ate cold out of the same can along with chocolate pudding and pop! And altho from a dietetic point of view there may have been a few nutrients lacking, her love and gusto for living more than made up for it!
She and I spent many amazing days at various and assorted pools over the years. Some of my happiest memories are of days floating together, chatting in a pool or on a beach. Our conversations were deep, meaningful, helpful and whimsical all at the same time. Eleanor had a special knack for asking questions that allowed you to understand yourself better and she was truly interested in every little detail of the lives of those around her. Her favorite interrogation tools included opening phrases like: start at the beginning, don’t leave anything out, go straight thro to the end and then stop! Or you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to but … She taught me how to be an active listener.
Aunt Eleanor loved to eat as we all know and many of my fondest memories are of us gathered around a table. She had a special fondness for tomato aspic, mashed turnips and peanut buster parfaits! I loved to cook for her and Uncle Ed and they were always so appreciative of my efforts even as a child I would make them breakfast in bed on a Saturday morning and carry it up the long, steep stairs at Village Greenway. On one of these occasions I accidentally dropped the sugar pot and made a huge mess. Eleanor only laughed and said don’t cry over slipped sugar and enjoyed her breakfast in bed all the same as Sharon, wee Dave and CW played in the sticky white powder on the stairway! She taught me early on not to sweat the small stuff … a lesson I have had to relearn many times over the years.
Eleanor also taught me to hold things lightly. After Sharon died she explained to me once, things became less and less important and relationships became more and more valuable. Auntie El fully enjoyed pleasure in giving. She understood and actively modeled Christ’s words Freely, freely you have received freely freely give … She gave from the heart to all of us. Her legacy in many ways is that she enlarged our circle of family and friends. She gave us each other … We will carry her in our hearts always and one day soon I know we will meet at Jesus’ feet and share in His love for all eternity. I am so thankful that God lent her to us for 79 years. Her legacy to each of us is one of boundless love.
With welcoming arms
And a loving pat,
You accepted me in
(snap fingers) just like that.
Oh Eleanor, I will miss you. You gave me so much I’m grateful for. You fueled a love of poetry, and we sometimes host poetry nights in our home too (I always think of you when we do). You loved it when people told stories and talked about their lives. And you were insatiably curious and asked lots of interesting questions; most importantly, you listened to the answers. And games nights were tons of fun (despite trying to start me at -20 in Scrabble!). When I made you a quilt in colours you love, it stretched my colour sense and I fell in love with golds and autumn tones. Thank you.
Many of your beautiful big cards had one of your favourite quotes in it: “Love is blind, but marriage is an eye-opener.” Truer words have not been spoken!
I couldn’t have asked for a more fabulous mother-in-law. I will miss you dearly.
1. A kitchen full of Life cereal, canned tapioca pudding and holiday tangerines.
2. Being told “up, down or out” at the end of a meal.
3. Her love of movies and her latest recommendations.
4. Conversations. She was so good at asking questions and caring about the answers.
5. “Cut out letter” parties – celebrating various retirements, birthdays, graduations, etc…
6. Her large cards and the poems and quotations.
7. Her sense of humor displayed in the choice of family photos decorating her walls.
8. Hearing her loudly declare “He is risen, he is risen indeed” on Easter morning.
9. The smell of Noxzema
10. Her circle of friends. Imagine a world where we’re all in an “Enjoy and Flourish” breakfast group.
11. Her hugs and pats.
She was and is a wonderfully unique soul who must already be adding lots of color to heaven. For all the joyful memories I have, I am indebted to her for sharing with me the stages of grief and mourning after someone I cared for deeply passed away unexpectedly. These were lessons Eleanor must have learned more deeply than most of us, but lessons she did not hide from, no instead she passed them along with great love. For this and all the rest – Thank you Aunt El.
Please give my hugs and best regards to Ed. Wish I could have been there to hold Eleanor’s hand and thank her and Ed for their valiant and generous efforts in life through difficult circumstances. Reflecting from my middle-aged perspective, such commitment through adversity is beautiful and inspiring (feeling a bit choked up as I write this). Ian
Phil Bosmans has written a small book entitled “Just for you” in which the first line reads: – SEEK THE PERSON BEHIND EACH FACE. He goes on to say “If you like seeing people, it means you give your smile to people, your friendly face in days of joy … in hours of need your heart and your hand, your voice and your comfort. If you like seeing people, it means that you are divested of smugness and have created space in your heart.”
My husband had driven Eleanor and Chris to Grad Camp but I had only met Eleanor and Ed at Peggy’s and Ian’s home in Deep River once. Just before we moved to Ottawa Croombe needed neck surgery and was to be in the Civic Hospital for a week. Eleanor and Ed said that I could stay in their home so that I could visit Croombe every day without the expense of a hotel. Most remarkable was the fact that they were going to be in Prince Edward Island during that week and they would let a comparative stranger stay in their home alone! At the time I thought that Peggy must have put in a good word for me but later, when we moved to Ottawa we discovered that this couple was indeed very generous and hospitable. We were also welcomed into the breakfast group, which consists of friends of Eleanor and Ed from over many years and which has been a great source of friendship and blessing for us. Thank you, Eleanor and Ed.
Eleanor was a beautiful lady. What I remember most about Eleanor was her support and encouragement of me as a “budding pastor”. She cheered me on! I also remember fondly that she was intellectually curious–a wonderful trait. She enjoyed discussing a wide range of topics and she had the rare capacity to look at complex issues from multiple angles. That is, she could put herself in other peoples’ shoes and look at things through their eyes. Eleanor was very intelligent. She also possessed a delightful sense of humor and always shared a good laugh with me. Indeed, Eleanor was “one of a kind” and I am blessed to have journeyed through life with her. I thank God for giving her to us. I will miss her, and my prayers go out to Ed and the entire family. May you know God’s rich presence during this difficult time.
Eleanor was my Great Aunt, in all senses of the word. My fondest memories of her took place during my childhood, when we lived in Shawville and were only a short drive away from her and Uncle’s Ed’s condo in Ottawa. I remember she would encourage us to visit for the pool, as though the pool were the main attraction. In reality the moments I enjoyed the most were when I would find myself awake before everyone else, and I’d sneak into her and Ed’s room to see if they were awake. They’d let me crawl into their bed and we’d play the Little Piggy Game. Eleanor would demand to see my toes, and wiggle one at a time saying:
”This little piggy went to market
This little piggy stayed home
This little piggy had roast beef
This little piggy had none”
And when she got to my pinky toe she would tickle me as the last little piggy went ”weeee weeee weeee all the way home”
Dear Ed, and family
I am so sorry for you and with you for the loss of our Eleanor. She belonged a bit, a good deal, to all of us. Of course, your loss is the greater, by far. You have to build a new life now alone, humanly speaking. But to some extent this has been the case now for some time, and you have done a good job of it. I am sure you have not done it alone but with the help of God and your many good friends.
We will all miss Eleanor terribly, because she was the glue that held Ottawa together.
The way you all stick together as a social group, that made it easier to get to see and speak to a lot of old friends, and maintain those friendships, and make some new ones such as the Pensoms and the Lemkes and Marriages. My visits to Ottawa were always a great success, because Eleanor made my schedule.
Eleanor was a very close friend, first of all on account of her being your wife. But much more so in her own right. Whenever I entered your house I could always feel the warmth of both of your unconditional love for me. It is not the same as when you enter the house of other people who we call friends. Eleanor was an interesting person with a heart for people. But she was also a searcher for God and truth and I was privileged to be let in on the spiritual/theological aspects of that, and I was flattered by that trust.
The Thursday breakfasts, Enjoy and Flourish, and other meetings, visits, celebrations, and casual drop-ins were made possible by Eleanor’s heart for people and serious thinking. She and you made your house a centre for searchers and thinkers, like me and Ken, and many others less obviously so.
Love from Bill and Agnes
Dear Ed and family, I was just thinking about you and googled your names. I am sorry to learn of Eleanor’s passing. She was a very kind woman. I will pass this sad news on to my mother and sisters. Valerie Bennett Johnson, Calgary, Alberta.
May God’s eternal love embrace you, Eleanor. You challenged the “powers” with God’s justice and loved with a generous heart. Peace.
~ Brian Hart
Joe and I were so honoured to be able to attend Eleanor’s burial on Saturday. We loved seeing Ed and Chris again and chatting with Michelle and also many of Eleanor’s dear friends.She certainly was well loved.
Memories came flooding back from when we knew her at Little Trinity. I remember when she came to visit me after our son’s birth and she said “Tell me All about it “( meaning the birth experience ) and she really meant it. I remember visiting her in their home in Don Mills and loving her “decorating” with all the brightly coloured quotes on paper stuck up on the wall. She knew how important it was to fuel your mind with good and noble things. I agree! I remember when we house swapped with them (Unionville and Ottawa) and I remember her love of people. I know life was not easy for her.Loosing Sharon was devastating.But she learned from her pain how to truly care for others. Our world misses you Eleanor, but Heaven is richer!
I am sorry to hear of Eleanor’s passing. Although I only had a few occasions to see Eleanor these past years (most recently at my baby shower), I spent many years hanging out at the Pollitts’ home when I was a teenager. She was a strong presence at Bethany and one of the adults there that provided a supportive and reflective place to grow up in. She always asked such get to the point questions that got to the heart of any matter. Although I have not kept up going to church in Toronto, I am still impressed by Eleanor and the many good people I met at Bethany.
My first introduction to Eleanor was a photo in my parents album of her on the steps of their home on Niagara street in St Catharines ,carrying me as a small baby!!! Then I met her in 1961 at the Mack Training School for Nurses. She coached me,encouraged me, and listened to me as I struggled through the challenges of nursing training. One thing I’ll always remember was the day I made a medication error and had just left Mrs. Porteous’ office, reduced to tears and feeling of complete failure by her tirade on my character!! Eleanor gently reminded me,as I wept on her shoulder, “Linda, this will not be the only mistake you make in your life. You’ll learn.” And she was right!
It was from her home that I dressed for our wedding in 1965. Her parents Frank and Ruth Colsell had opened their home and hearts to me so often during training days. During the challenging years of 1967-69 we spent hours together. After we moved to Quebec City our visits and contacts were sporadic but always filled with sharing news, laughter , insights into her wide appreciation of poetry and literature . Her distinct creativity was expressed by cards, quotes , and wisdom gleaned by her rich experience of sorrow and joys.
John and I want to express our deep love and prayers to Ed and family. She will be greatly missed. We hope to join you all in May for the celebration of her life
Linda Miller
I remember meeting Ed and Eleanor a number of years ago when they came out to Vancouver to visit Chris and Michelle. I remember that we played cards. A few months later when I was I think unemployed, Chris said to me, “Karen, my mother is afraid of you.” “Huh?” I said. “Ooops I mean afraid for you,” he said, prepositionally correcting himself. I was touched by her concern.
Aunt Eleanor was truly one of a kind. I never met anyone who was more interested in what was going on in your life and less eager to promote themselves. She saw potential where others saw none. I remember her telling John that he was the kind of person who could be an executive in a company…back when he was a mechanic! I also remember him laughing at the very idea as it seemed so ridiculous to him! In recent years his mother has told us that his dad used to lie awake at night worrying about how John would ever support himself because of the reading difficulties he was having in school. But Aunt El had faith in people where faith was unfounded and her encouragement inspired them to go further than they thought possible. To my mind, that isn’t just a special person…that is an extraordinary one and the world has lost a great treasure.
Ed,
We wanted to tell you that in honour of Eleanor, we bought seven cowhide, locally made drums. They were given, in her memory, to:
* the Goma Women’s Prison,
* the Goma Juvenile Detention,
* the Men’s Central Prison of Goma,
* the Petit Sanctuaire Goma (2 for teaching),
* the Petit Sanctuaire Gisenyi,
* the Ambassadors for Christ Singers (one of our groups in Goma).
They are wonderful with a deep, rich sound and make quite an impression – just the way Eleanor always did!! The people who received them were overjoyed, and the Gisenyi one was played at Fine’s House Inauguration on Saturday with about 200 people present. For us, they will be a constant and joyful reminder of our dear Eleanor. We are so thankful for her life and for our friendship with you.
Our love,
Pierre and Judy
Chris. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. May God bless you and your family at this time and may your memories bring you joy and laughter as you remember the fun days. God’s richest love to you. Grace and Brian VandenBerg
When saying good-bye to our beloved Eleanor moments before she was taken to the Civic Hospital, I was profoundly reminded of the famous lines by the Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas:
“Do not go gentle into that good night;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
All throughout her life’s journey, Eleanor fought “the good fight with all her might.” She used her brilliant intellect and determination to battle apathy, callousness, ignorance, and despair. Secure in the knowledge that Christ was her strength and support, she freely gave of herself to all whose lives she touched with her big heart and unique talents.
I will always cherish the memories of her wit and dramatic flare, the giant cards with words of wisdom, the humorous skits she wrote for our special celebrations, the poetry evenings, the romantic candlelight dinners, and the many kindnesses conveyed to us, our children and grandchildren. But I especially treasure those intimate , deep discussions by the Ottawa River while we were watching the sunset, and sharing our love of nature , water and boats.
Eleanor, you inspired me in so many ways. I miss you terribly.
Rest in God’s peace, dear friend.
With love, and deepest sympathy to Ed and family,
Johanna
Eleanor and Ed were such a big part of our lives during our 28 years in Ottawa and at Bethany. We just cannot imagine going out for a meal and not having Eleanor questioning all aspects of our lives and those of our children. When our son Tam had his first stroke at age eight, Eleanor called and said she was available during the middle of the night to take my call, if I needed to talk as that was the hardest time for her when Sharon was ill. She understood like almost no one else what we were going through. We look forward to getting back to Ottawa and sharing stories with Ed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ed. We will miss Eleanor and all her uniqueness. Love to all the family. Nancy and Doug
Beyond my own mom and dad, there are very few people who have had a greater influence on my life than you, Eleanor.
Reading all the comments here, it’s obvious that you touched so many people’s lives in so many profound ways. Here’s what I’m going to miss:
• Your Biblical Hospitality: In a latter-day reenactment of the loaves and fishes, there always seemed to be enough food at your dinner table for as many unexpected guests as there happened to be. My favourite quote: “I’ll just add more water to the soup!”
• Your Interrogations: On visits home, you’d ply Roger and me with goodies and then give us the third degree on life, school, girlfriends, successes and failures.
• The Sea of Yellow: Our fridge at home was full of tofu and sprouts. Your pantry provided a welcome respite from the tyranny!
• The Wise Pronouncements: “Blessed is he who expecteth little, for he shall not be disappointed…”
• The Sermons: I sat through a whole lot of ’em as a kid, but yours were the ones that I wished wouldn’t end. They were poignant, heartfelt, sincere, and delivered with the greatest humility. You laid bare your soul on the pulpit.
I’m going to miss you immensely, Mrs Pollitt.
Love,
Chris (Philip)
Although I have only had brief conversations with Ed and Eleanor over the past few years at Bethany, their relationship was obvious to me. One day after Church, while in the narthex, Ed and Eleanor were making quiet comments back and forth to each other. I will never forget the way they looked at each other while Ed put his arm around her. I said something like “You two sure do love each other, don’t you?” to which Ed replied “We sure do!” I know Eleanor was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed.
God Bless
My name is Michele Buteau. I am a friend of Jan. I wish to extend my sympathies to Mrs. Pollitt’s family, nieces, nephews and close friends. Gentle hugs to everyone.
SWEET REPOSE FOR ELEANOR
For this one dear lady, life’s worries are over; rest in peace without alarms
Your time has been and seen struggles enough, put yourself in Jesus’ arms
Years were not easy, many downright hard, but your faith in God transcended
Put away your thoughts and sleep in bliss, your efforts have all been commended
You kept a fine family, worked hard and well, and always followed the Son.
Hang up your mantel of service to Him, your job here on earth is done
A faith few possess led your journey through life, on often a challenging way
The sun is setting, your friends are all gathered, and now is the end of your day
Your dedicated work for God has affected us all, and the stories flow like a river
Turn off your computer, now close the day-timer for this final time and forever
Remove your glasses and put down the phone, no more need to keep us together
Your labour is done, your home is now heaven; no more time must you wait
Your legacy lives on, love of husband, family and friends, but now we must close life’s gate
Aunt Eleanor as I knew her through Jan was a very inspiring lady. I me her at
Jan’s big birthday party and she made a great impression…we all loved her.
Uncle Ed may you be given courage and strength to face each new day.
Your loss is Heaven’s gain.
My deepest sympathy.
May the Peace of God be with you all.
~ Joan
Eleanor exemplified the meaning of profound compassion. When Eleanor asked how a person was she really wanted to know, to the very depths of your soul. Skimming along the surface was unacceptable. When Eleanor looked into your eyes you experienced heartfelt, genuine caring and beautiful truth. Her capacity to embrace people was incredibly tangible – as though one had come home to warm laughter and total acceptance. Eleanor’s steadfast faith and her brilliant mind planted wavering feet on solid ground. Eleanor is a glorious, everlasting force for which we are deeply grateful. With love to Ed and family. Jacqueline and Gaston.
My memories of Mrs. Pollitt are from many years ago when I was one of David’s teachers at Merivale High School in the 1980s. We met at the usual parent-teacher interviews and sometimes she would drop in just for a chat. Most of my knowledge about her came from her son–a fine young man who knew his mother’s love and truly valued her constancy and faithfulness in his life. She taught valuable life lessons which David put into practice on a daily basis. A few years after David moved to higher education and I moved to another school, we met again during the March for Jesus in Ottawa. She was there for all the right reasons; her joy showed in her entire being.
I extend my condolences to you David, to your brother and your father and all your family members. Such treasured memories you must have!
Kathleen (Whitfield) Fletcher
We have fond memories of many Saturday breakfasts at various restaurants. Eleanor always wanted updates on our children and pictures of our grandchildren. There was usually a specific topic to be discussed, aided by Eleanor’s probing questions. We also remember fun games nights and adventures to Montebello, Wakefield and Pinheys Point.
I am sure Eleanor was disappointed in my lack of enthusiasm for two of her great interests. She would loan me several of her favorite DVDs only to have me return them later and admit I had viewed only one or two. Eleanor could not understand why I didn’t enjoy swimming and picnics on the beach.
Eleanor made cards for us (including my mother) for any special event. She always included appropriate scripture verses, witty sayings and poems. A lot of thought and work went into these cards and they were appreciated.
Eleanor was a special person. We will miss her.
Our sympathy to Ed and the family.
Elizabeth and Fred Demaray
Eleanor and I shared a love of poetry (among many other things.) As long as I can remember, we always had a ‘poetry night’ complete with candle light. I am using a Shakespeare sonnet in part to say some of my thoughts about Eleanor. She
was so importatnt in my life.
For Eleanor
When to the sessions of sweet silent thought
I summon up remembrance of things past
I sigh the lack of many a thing I sought
And with old woes my dear time’s waste:……
Then can I greive at greivances foregone
And heavily from woe to woe tell o’r
But if the while I think on thee , dear friend
All losses are restor’d and sorrws end.
Rest in peace
Love, Kate
Memories of Eli,
Eli was always interested in her friends and their families. We shall miss our talks and the game nights we shared.
The lovely large cards she made for all special events touched our hearts. One of my favorite cards has “Thoughts to Ponder”
“A True friend is one who reaches for your hand & touches your heart”
“Friendship is the golden thread that ties together the heart of the world”
We shall miss you dear friend.
Eleanor Pollitt was many things to many people. If I had to think of only three descriptive words to describe her impact on my life I would choose the following: Eleanor was an encourager, She was my Barnabas. She would listen to a sermon and then declare, I love the way you say what you say with boldness and confidence. Eleanor made you feel that you could preach in a “man’s world” and share some truth from a female perspective. She was secondly a person who gave real support. Her way of supporting me as a femal pastor in a new church with a new family was to invite me over. To make it clear I was welcome at any time. To make understood, that her pool was my pool and to corner me after a service in June and say the pool was “open” when were we all coming. Then when we went to the pool we had to have “snacks”. She would phone ahead and asked what the boys like to eat. Maybe it was ginger ale and cookies or ice cream sandwiches. But there was always hospitality. The third word and I am struggling to think of the right word is “perceptive”. You could really talk to Elenor. She knew everthing about everyone, and she could give you great insight into someone’s personality and trials and character. I think she always loved people first, faults and all. I would also state that her own trials and tribulations in light gave her great insight into what makes up human character. She was knowledgeable about so many things, and she helped me to understand the journey of many people. Eleanor loved meeting people, and she had a rare gift for cultivating friendships. I consider Eleanor, as a fellow female chaplain and clergy and a very special friend. I will miss Eleanor.
My heart is full and I find it hard to express myself – for once in my life.
El’s passing leaves me as the Matriarch of the family. No one will fill her place in our lives. She was always so full of life and made our lives fuller by all of her creative ways.
She dearly loved visiting us on PEI. How she loved THE Island. We always made many trips to her favourite places and enjoyed them the most with her, because of her great love of it all.
Her friends became our friends – as she shared her life fully with us. She and Ed always have had the most interesting people as their close friends.
We had yearly great times meeting at Lake Placid and enjoying just being together and eating at restaurants, swimming in the pool, and playing games. El stimulated conversation and asked countless questions about our lives and always wanted to know exactly what we were up to.
After Sharon left us I was so proud and thankful for El that she spent 60 hours a week setting up the Family Leukemia Association at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto to help the many families of children suffering. She was an RN and was able to get together the oncologists, hematologists, parents and siblings of the patients to be able to help in every way possible way those who needed support and had none. She worked without renumeration to accomplish this for I think a couple of years.
She worked as a Chaplain at the Rideau Regional Hospital in Smiths Falls for years with the most difficult clients in the world helping them and their families with the problems they had in not developing into their full capacity as a person.
I thank God that at the most difficult times in my life she really helped me. She was always concerned about me and tried her best to help me make the most of my life, as she felt I should do.
In the later days of her life Ed told me during the night she would call out “Phyl, Phyl” I wished I could have been there to answer that call.
I thank God for the fun she brought into my life. When she first left home in St Catharines I was still there 151 Niagara was not the same.
Our lives will not be the same with our loss of her. but we thank God that she will live on in our memories.
Much love El
Phyl
Eleanor was a unique character who shared her faith and love of God in a meaningful way. We will miss her terribly. To Ed, David and Chris we send our most sincere condolences and prayers for the Lord’s comfort and peace at this sad time. With our love S & E
Many, many, memories of course. A few:
Whenever there was a challenge, my mom loved to quote the following Edgar Guest poem:
My mom would regularly take David and I to the beach. While there we would make cities in the sand and have hours of fun. Our picnic lunch would consist of (cold) canned spaghetti, canned pudding, pop and chips. Ah, those were the days.
Often when we were coming home from a trip, driving down the highway, my parents would sing the following (in harmony no less):
Love you mom!
Eleanor was an amazing woman.
Your Christmas cards and love, your stories (especially at Michelle and Chris’s wedding); thank you.
The Pollitt Pat vs the Houle Hug
You will be missed more than you’ll ever imagine! xoox
The word aunt will never fully describe my relationship with Eleanor. She was so much more than just my mother’s little sister. She was my confident, my dearest friend, my partner in both crime and prayer, and most especially my place to come home to when life got rocky. I could relax with her and just be myself. Auntie El was so much fun – always brimming with plans and sometimes utterly crazy yet innovative ways to bring people together. Eleanor was a model of inclusiveness. She hated anyone to feel left out ever! These are things she taught me …
My very first memory of her as a preschooler is of Christmas at Grama and Grampa Colsell’s home in Saint Catharines. Eleanor was in nurses training and she had unfortunately injured her back lifting a patient. She was wearing some sort of a special brace around her waist (right now she would chime in and say that was back in the day that she had a waist!) but I digress. Someone, I cant remember who, told us to make a little fist and knock on her stomach and when my brother John and I did that it was like knocking on a steel door … tuck tuck tuck. We thought this was hilarious and she let us do it over and over all thro the holidays. Early on I thought she was made of steel because of that and because she kept on going and I might add she kept believing God no matter what life threw at her. We will all agree life threw a lot more than one auntie ought to bear. But God never wastes pain and He used those life experiences to mold and shape Eleanor into an extraordinary but very human woman who freely gave His boundless love, deep comfort , understanding, counsel and often humor to everyone in need.
My memories of fun times together are innumerable. They start in Burlington when all 3 soggy diapered Pollitt cousins would bound into El & Ed’s bed each morning and I would climb in too for morning snuggles. Auntie El had the ultimate kid proof house. The walls were decorated with colorful cut out people lined hand to hand like border wall paper. The master bed room was converted to a big playroom complete with a swing set and slide. She even filled a kiddie pool with birdseed so we could pour the seed from container to container. Thus we developed our fine motor skills while having a blast! We finger painted, paper macheed and play doughed to our heart’s content. She never worried about the mess. She always just let kids be kids. Years later I had the joy of watching her do the same with my own daughters! Eleanor and Ed both loved children to pieces. We went on endless outings all over Toronto picnicking on the island, at the beaches and even in random ravines. She lugged along sand toys, canned spaghetti which we all ate cold out of the same can along with chocolate pudding and pop! And altho from a dietetic point of view there may have been a few nutrients lacking, her love and gusto for living more than made up for it!
She and I spent many amazing days at various and assorted pools over the years. Some of my happiest memories are of days floating together, chatting in a pool or on a beach. Our conversations were deep, meaningful, helpful and whimsical all at the same time. Eleanor had a special knack for asking questions that allowed you to understand yourself better and she was truly interested in every little detail of the lives of those around her. Her favorite interrogation tools included opening phrases like: start at the beginning, don’t leave anything out, go straight thro to the end and then stop! Or you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to but … She taught me how to be an active listener.
Aunt Eleanor loved to eat as we all know and many of my fondest memories are of us gathered around a table. She had a special fondness for tomato aspic, mashed turnips and peanut buster parfaits! I loved to cook for her and Uncle Ed and they were always so appreciative of my efforts even as a child I would make them breakfast in bed on a Saturday morning and carry it up the long, steep stairs at Village Greenway. On one of these occasions I accidentally dropped the sugar pot and made a huge mess. Eleanor only laughed and said don’t cry over slipped sugar and enjoyed her breakfast in bed all the same as Sharon, wee Dave and CW played in the sticky white powder on the stairway! She taught me early on not to sweat the small stuff … a lesson I have had to relearn many times over the years.
Eleanor also taught me to hold things lightly. After Sharon died she explained to me once, things became less and less important and relationships became more and more valuable. Auntie El fully enjoyed pleasure in giving. She understood and actively modeled Christ’s words Freely, freely you have received freely freely give … She gave from the heart to all of us. Her legacy in many ways is that she enlarged our circle of family and friends. She gave us each other … We will carry her in our hearts always and one day soon I know we will meet at Jesus’ feet and share in His love for all eternity. I am so thankful that God lent her to us for 79 years. Her legacy to each of us is one of boundless love.
With welcoming arms
And a loving pat,
You accepted me in
(snap fingers) just like that.
Oh Eleanor, I will miss you. You gave me so much I’m grateful for. You fueled a love of poetry, and we sometimes host poetry nights in our home too (I always think of you when we do). You loved it when people told stories and talked about their lives. And you were insatiably curious and asked lots of interesting questions; most importantly, you listened to the answers. And games nights were tons of fun (despite trying to start me at -20 in Scrabble!). When I made you a quilt in colours you love, it stretched my colour sense and I fell in love with golds and autumn tones. Thank you.
Many of your beautiful big cards had one of your favourite quotes in it: “Love is blind, but marriage is an eye-opener.” Truer words have not been spoken!
I couldn’t have asked for a more fabulous mother-in-law. I will miss you dearly.
Things I love about my Aunt Eleanor…
1. A kitchen full of Life cereal, canned tapioca pudding and holiday tangerines.
2. Being told “up, down or out” at the end of a meal.
3. Her love of movies and her latest recommendations.
4. Conversations. She was so good at asking questions and caring about the answers.
5. “Cut out letter” parties – celebrating various retirements, birthdays, graduations, etc…
6. Her large cards and the poems and quotations.
7. Her sense of humor displayed in the choice of family photos decorating her walls.
8. Hearing her loudly declare “He is risen, he is risen indeed” on Easter morning.
9. The smell of Noxzema
10. Her circle of friends. Imagine a world where we’re all in an “Enjoy and Flourish” breakfast group.
11. Her hugs and pats.
She was and is a wonderfully unique soul who must already be adding lots of color to heaven. For all the joyful memories I have, I am indebted to her for sharing with me the stages of grief and mourning after someone I cared for deeply passed away unexpectedly. These were lessons Eleanor must have learned more deeply than most of us, but lessons she did not hide from, no instead she passed them along with great love. For this and all the rest – Thank you Aunt El.
Love,
Jeff
Please give my hugs and best regards to Ed. Wish I could have been there to hold Eleanor’s hand and thank her and Ed for their valiant and generous efforts in life through difficult circumstances. Reflecting from my middle-aged perspective, such commitment through adversity is beautiful and inspiring (feeling a bit choked up as I write this). Ian
Phil Bosmans has written a small book entitled “Just for you” in which the first line reads: – SEEK THE PERSON BEHIND EACH FACE. He goes on to say “If you like seeing people, it means you give your smile to people, your friendly face in days of joy … in hours of need your heart and your hand, your voice and your comfort. If you like seeing people, it means that you are divested of smugness and have created space in your heart.”
My husband had driven Eleanor and Chris to Grad Camp but I had only met Eleanor and Ed at Peggy’s and Ian’s home in Deep River once. Just before we moved to Ottawa Croombe needed neck surgery and was to be in the Civic Hospital for a week. Eleanor and Ed said that I could stay in their home so that I could visit Croombe every day without the expense of a hotel. Most remarkable was the fact that they were going to be in Prince Edward Island during that week and they would let a comparative stranger stay in their home alone! At the time I thought that Peggy must have put in a good word for me but later, when we moved to Ottawa we discovered that this couple was indeed very generous and hospitable. We were also welcomed into the breakfast group, which consists of friends of Eleanor and Ed from over many years and which has been a great source of friendship and blessing for us. Thank you, Eleanor and Ed.
Eleanor was a beautiful lady. What I remember most about Eleanor was her support and encouragement of me as a “budding pastor”. She cheered me on! I also remember fondly that she was intellectually curious–a wonderful trait. She enjoyed discussing a wide range of topics and she had the rare capacity to look at complex issues from multiple angles. That is, she could put herself in other peoples’ shoes and look at things through their eyes. Eleanor was very intelligent. She also possessed a delightful sense of humor and always shared a good laugh with me. Indeed, Eleanor was “one of a kind” and I am blessed to have journeyed through life with her. I thank God for giving her to us. I will miss her, and my prayers go out to Ed and the entire family. May you know God’s rich presence during this difficult time.
Eleanor was my Great Aunt, in all senses of the word. My fondest memories of her took place during my childhood, when we lived in Shawville and were only a short drive away from her and Uncle’s Ed’s condo in Ottawa. I remember she would encourage us to visit for the pool, as though the pool were the main attraction. In reality the moments I enjoyed the most were when I would find myself awake before everyone else, and I’d sneak into her and Ed’s room to see if they were awake. They’d let me crawl into their bed and we’d play the Little Piggy Game. Eleanor would demand to see my toes, and wiggle one at a time saying:
”This little piggy went to market
This little piggy stayed home
This little piggy had roast beef
This little piggy had none”
And when she got to my pinky toe she would tickle me as the last little piggy went ”weeee weeee weeee all the way home”