Debra and Grant Hilliard 

Entered February 14, 2018 from Aurora

So sorry to hear of your mothers passing. I know it has been a long battle. She is now in peace and contentment and with your dads company.
Peace be with you.
Deb and grant

Elena was born in the town of Zarasai, Lithuania in 1920. She had a brother Vytautas, as well as some other siblings that passed away in their childhood.

She studied nursing, and worked as a nurse in Lithuania. She also worked in Gratz, Austria after WWII and eventually made her way to Canada, first to Montreal and later Toronto, where she met Stasys at a church dance and they married in 1955.

I was born in 1958. Throughout my life, Elena continued to work as a nurse in Canada, at Grace Hospital, with Dr. Rudd (who started the Rudd Clinic in 1969), and eventually as a geriatric care nurse and nursing supervisor at Kipling Acres Home for the Aged where she worked for over 25 years.

Elena's nursing education and designation was not recognized in Canada, so she studied and passed many courses to achieve her Registered Nurse accreditation in her new homeland. I was inspired by her hard work and perseverance.

She and Stasys eventually purchased a property on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka, Ontario where they built a beautiful cottage. It was truly their sanctuary where family and friends spent many enjoyable hours.

Elena and Stasys came to Canada separately, with few possessions, but large hopes and dreams for a new life. Together they built a successful happy life.

Elena devoted herself to her husband's care when he became ill in his late 80's. After his passing in 2003, Alzhemer's disease began to take hold of Elena. We watched helplessly as it took its toll.

She may not have remembered her life and accomplishments during her final years, but we will always love and cherish her and take great pride in all she achieved in her life of 97 years.

Love you forever Mama!