April 19, 1930 - June 30, 2022
Eleanor died peacefully on June 30, 2022 at hospice in Chilliwack BC.
Predeceased by her husband of 65 years, P. Norman Sprout (2015), daughter Janet May Sprout (2010), mother Margaret May Learned Kravik (1949), and gramma Eleanor May Cady Learned (1964). Survived by her son Brian (Virginia Stanton) in Kelowna BC and daughter Sharon (Dave Woodske) in Chilliwack. Gramma to Jennifer (Uri) in Brooklyn NY; Nelson (Shelley) in Winnipeg MB; Sarah (Josh) and Brett in Chilliwack; and GG to Brianna Mae in Chilliwack and Teo in Brooklyn.
Eleanor May Harman was born in Calgary AB on April 19, 1930. Known as "Tod/Toddy" to her family when she was young, Eleanor was raised in Calgary, Vancouver, and Headquarters BC where she met Norman in high school. Eleanor completed her schooling in 11 years and then went to Victoria's 'Normal School' for training to become an elementary teacher. She taught school in Courtenay for two years, 1948 - 1950; and Kelowna 1962.
Eleanor & Norman were married in August 1950 and had 3 children in Kelowna. Eleanor was a stay-at-home mom who volunteered as a Brownie leader and at a local long-term care facility, among other organizations. She also participated in many activities such as badminton, bridge, Scottish Country dancing, and book clubs in Kelowna, Victoria, and finally in Chilliwack. Both Eleanor and Norm often commented they had a great life together. In retirement, they travelled extensively in Europe and throughout North America.
Eleanor was extremely intelligent, creative, social, and had high standards. She was a fantastic pie maker - fresh apple pie was her specialty. For many decades, Eleanor enjoyed solving crossword puzzles in the daily newspapers. She loved to read (finishing several books each week) and listen to Harry Belafonte. She was physically active throughout her life. In Eleanor's final years, she continued exercising with daily long walks, always recognizable wearing her yellow jacket. Despite her sometimes blunt demeanour, Eleanor had a soft and caring heart & loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she made significant contributions to her community as a philanthropist. She will be missed.
Her family would like to thank Barb Kobes who gave much support to Eleanor in her last year allowing Eleanor to remain in her own house until her final week.
Her ashes will be interred with Norman in the Courtenay Civic Cemetery.
``If there is another world she lives in bliss.
If there is none, she made the best of this. ``
- Robert Burns