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Eleanor Mae ISAAC

May 28, 2004

Eleanor Mae Isaac (nee Merson) late of Chilliwack B.C passed away on May 28, 2004 at Chilliwack General Hospital, after a brief but courageous and humor filled fight with cancer. Eleanor was born April 30, 1927 and had just celebrated her 77th birthday a month prior to her death.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her passions were her family and friends, her lifelong career as a teacher in the Chilliwack School District #33, her sports and her associations with groups such as the Ruth Rebecca’s Lodge #4 of Chilliwack, and Lodge #11 of Cloverdale, Chilliwack Society for Community Living, Special Olympics, and the YMCA of Chilliwack.

She is survived by her son Larry Isaac of Chilliwack, Laureen Duerksen (John MacPherson) of Chilliwack, grandson Andrew Duerksen, granddaughter Christina Duerksen of Chilliwack, brother Stan Merson (Lorna) of Vancouver, nephew Brian Merson (Abby, Alex and Katlyn) of Boston MA, nephew Keith (Kristi) Merson of Cool, California, and aunt Eleanor Morrison of Kelowna.

She was predeceased by her husband Howard Isaac in January 2002, her mother, Laura Merson in 2003 and her father, George Merson in 1979.

Eleanor moved to Vancouver with her parents as an infant from California. She grew up and remained in the Greater Vancouver area were she went to public school and on to Normal School to become a school teacher.

She met Howard Isaac, married and gave birth to son Larry. The young family moved to Chilliwack in 1958 to their home on McNaught and remained there until the death of both parents, adding a daughter Laureen to the family in 1961.

Eleanor taught in many capacities for School District #33, but may be best known for her long length of service at Vedder Elementary, more than 20 years. She was an avid participant in the teachers bowling league and was one of the first teachers in the area to bring French and computer instruction to the classroom. Eleanor retired from teaching in 1992 but was not ready to retire from life.

She was an active member of the Sunshine Drive Ladies Auxiliary, which provided support and service for the then Sunshine Drive Center in Sardis. Now Chilliwack Society for Community Living, Eleanor remained active in the service of this organization until the end. She was an active and enthusiastic supporter of Special Olympics and attended many meets and "Olympic" events through BC and Canada in support of her son.

Eleanor was involved with the Cloverdale and Chilliwack branches of the Ruth Rebecca's Service organization and held many offices during her years.

Eleanor along with her son Larry were avid supporters of the Chilliwack Chiefs Hockey Organization and were season ticket holders for many years. She also supported the Chilliwack Huskers Football Club, Chilliwack Minor Soccer and Cheam Figure Skating as a dutiful parent and grandparent of participants.

She was more recently a member of the Chilliwack Branch of the Retired Teachers Association. Mom regularly attended the YMCA Aqua Fit classes and enjoyed the camaraderie she found there.

Eleanor loved her garden and watching the constant flow of "air traffic" to her bird feeder, as well as some ground traffic in the form of three resident squirrels.

A Memorial Service and tea for Eleanor will be held on Sunday June 13/04 from 2-4 pm at the I.O.O.F Hall on Reece Ave.

The family would like to thank Drs. R. Dalton for her compassion and home visits, P. Weatherston for his attention and L. Laughland for taking her as a client at such a late time in her life. Many thanks to the nurses of Home Nursing Care and Case management at Home Health for your kindness and support; the nurses on the Palliative Unit at CGH and the nurses and staff of Emerg. where Mom spent her last hours. As well, a personal thank you to the Nurses and staff on Maternity for your kind sympathetic caring of her daughter while a medical patient on your unit during this time. Thank you too to all our friends and family for all the love and support during the very difficult time.

If friends so desire donations may be made to BC Special Olympic - Chilliwack Branch, Chilliwack Society for Community Living, Heart and Stroke foundation, the Cancer Society or any charity of your choice.



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