Eleanor Edwards – Porter
In the early morning of June 3, 2007, God sent a very special angel to take our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, Eleanor Edwards Porter, to the garden of heaven. This very sudden passing leaves a significant chasm in the hearts of family, friends and community.
Eleanor, was born in Carman, Manitoba, March 10, 1927. The youngest of her siblings, she was predeceased by her parents James and Jean Shearer, brothers James and Harry, sisters Isa, Florence, Nellie and Peggy. She also mourned the loss of her beloved husband Lloyd Edwards (1985) and her second partner in life Keith Porter (2002).
She will be forever missed by her loving daughters; Janet (Walter) Scott of Elm Creek, Dianne (Richard) Brown of Manitou, Elizabeth Edwards (Rick) of Calgary and Carol Edwards (Neil) of Winnipeg. Also morning her loss, are her stepsons; Terry (Norma) Porter of Ninette and Mark Porter of Edmonton. Grandchildren that hold so many cherished memories are Christine, Neil, Stephanie (Will), Evan, Barbara, Amanda, Luke, Dustin, Jean, Grayson, and Matthew.
Eleanor grew up on the Wingham family farm loving the outdoors and was very much a tomboy. Puppies, her horse Ginger and other farm animals were her favorite childhood toys. She attended Wingham school until grade 11 and completed her high school education at Elm Creek. Baseball was her favorite sport and she fostered life long bonds with her school mates.
For the first year following school, Eleanor remained at home to help on the farm. She took teacher’s college and secured a position at McDurmot School. At a community dance she met a handsome young farmer and fell in love. She and Lloyd were married on November 14th 1947. They worked side by side as they raised their family of 4 daughters on the farm at Barnsly. Her huge vegetable and flower garden was her pride and joy.
She began a career as a Health Care Aide at Boyne Lodge in the early 1970’s. She was a caring health care provider and made many more life long friends. She and Dad developed a passion for golf and square dancing. Shortly after her retirement from Boyne Lodge, Lloyd was suddenly taken from her.
She went on with life filling it with the love of her family, her grandchildren, friends and activities. She moved to Carman and participated in many community groups and was often baking and volunteering for the United Church, Carman Fair, Legion and community fund raisers. Eleanor was blessed with a new love, Keith Porter, and they were married in 1988. Their hobbies of grandchildren, golf, square dancing, bridge, bowling, family and more dancing kept them very busy. Keith developed ALS and passed away in 2002.
Mom was a constant supporter of her daughters, grandchildren and her extended family. Among so many other values that she instilled in us, is a strong work ethic, pride in a day well spent, a commitment to community, the value of family and friendship, and the love of animals and nature.
Her family would like to thank the paramedics, physicians and professional staff at Carman Hospital and Health Science Center’s MICU for the care and compassion provided to Mom in her final hours. This was truly above and beyond and words cannot adequately reflect our appreciation.
A celebration of Eleanor’s life will take place at the Carman United Church on Thursday June 7th at 2:00 p.m.
For anyone wishing to do so, donations in Eleanor’s memory may be made to the Carman United Church Building Fund or the Carman Area Foundation.
