Georgina Doreen Elaine Wilson (Elaine) passed away at home on Friday, May 21, 2021, after a brief illness. Elaine lost her beloved husband Fred of 67 years only two months prior and we are not surprised that grief contributed to her decline.

Elaine was born May 2, 1931 in Saskatoon to Daniel and Georgina (Tronstad) McLay, the oldest of two girls. Darlene predeceased Elaine in 2017.

Elaine and family lived in Vance, Saskatchewan, where her father worked as a pumpman for the CPR. Her teenage years were spent in Biggar where she graduated with such high marks in math that she was offered a University scholarship. She reluctantly passed this up due to lack of finances and joined the CIBC as a teller, where she caught the eye of Fred. They married in 1954 and had three daughters, Linda, Doreen (Kevin Dunseath) and Sandra (Joe Matheson). Mom loved all her family, especially her grandchildren Emily and Paul Matheson and her many nieces and nephews.

Elaine worked tirelessly in the home and community, spending countless hours serving on church session, catering funerals, doing pastoral care in hospitals, and reaching out to anyone in need of help. Elaine cheerfully packed up the house in their many moves across the country, including Brandon, Winnipeg, Montreal, Capreol, Belleville and Toronto, retiring with Fred in 1994 in Mississauga, ON. Elaine was a gentle and kind woman who could surprise on occasion with a firm conviction.

In addition to her family Mom loved their Presbyterian Church (Erindale Presbyterian), travelling on cruises, and keeping up with friends and neighbours. One unexpected passion was Elaine’s stock trading. After seeing an old farmer in Biggar make money in the stock market young Elaine decided she could do as well as anyone. She began trading in the 1960’s and made her way in the risky world of metals and penny stocks, keeping that interest until the end.

COVID restrictions limit the funeral to a private family service, to be held on May 27, 2021. A memorial ceremony will be held at Erindale Presbyterian Church when circumstances allow.