It is with great sadness that we announce the passing on 8 January, 2022, of our beloved Elanore.
Wife and best friend of Cliff for almost 52 years, adored Mother of Rachel and Siobhain (Steve). and adoring Nana to Andrew and Emily Garcia in Miami.
Elanore was born in the City of Cork in Ireland, to the late Eileen (O'Donohue) and James Fitzgerald. In Cork she leaves loving sisters Cornelia (John), Joyce (Joe), brother Harvey (Mary), as well as several nephews and nieces, including Karen (Paul) her much loved goddaughter. Her sister Jeanette predeceased her.
Elanore left Cork for England in her early twenties working as a teacher, there she met Cliff and they married in 1970, and moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, where daughter Rachel was born. Elanore worked in library services at the University of Edinburgh. After almost five wonderful and very happy years in Scotland, the now family of three moved to Ottawa, Canada. Elanore threw herself into the excitement of discovering a new country and a new culture. In 1976 a second daughter, Siobhain, was born. Elanore worked as a teacher, manager of an Aquascutum store, and a stay-home mum.
Elanore was a very attractive, elegant, sparkling and fun loving woman. She was warm and caring, and had great empathy for others. She brought joy and laughter to those who knew her. She will be sorely missed.
It was Elanore's wish that there be no funeral or formal service, of any kind. So half of her ashes will be interred, in a small private ceremony, at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, and half in Cork, Ireland. During the summer a celebration of her life will be held.
As there will be no funeral, we ask that you do not send flowers. Those who wish can make a donation in her memory to either The Ottawa Hospital Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.
The family of Elanore would like to thank the following for the excellent care she received: Our very special thanks to Dr Jennifer Brodeur from Bytown Palliative Medicine, for managing Elanore’s final weeks so carefully and with such compassion, as well as the sympathetic support given to the family; Bayshore Homecare Solutions supplied excellent nursing care, especially Heather Booth, as well as night nurses Aroma, Allison, and Beatrice. Several much appreciated personal support workers were also supplied by Bayshore; from the Ottawa Hospital General Campus, Floor 6 West, we would especially like to thank Dr. Reena Goindi for her considered and compassionate care, as well as the several nurses who looked after Elanore; finally, we must thank Dr. Katherine McFarland who was Elanore’s G.P. for many years, and was instrumental in enabling the services and expertise needed to identify the true nature of her illness. To all, our sincere thanks.
Digital Guestbook
Dianne and Bob Game
Virginia Blanchard
i am proud to say cliff and elanore were neighbors and great friends during the winters in south florida, we always stayed in touch, i will miss her laugh and the way she said my name, i will treasure my memories of her always
Craig Lauber
My deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time.
Georgina Smith
Lyndon and l were so sad to hear the very sad news.
Elanore was such a lovely lady she was great fun to be with. We have lots of fond memories of the Blackburn Arms with Barry McKay which now seems like another life away. We are thinking of you Cliff and all the family.
Love from Georgina and Lyndon Smith.
Anke Adams (Vogel)
Heartfelt condolences to your family. I fondly remember the time spent with your family on the beloved Cape. Elanore was a kind, gentle and genuine soul. I hope you are surrounded by fond memories.
Kim Foster
Dear, Cliff, Siobhain, Steve,Rachel, Andrew and Emily
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free!
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left it all…
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss…
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life’s been full, I’ve savored much:
Good times, good friends, a loved-one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief –
Don’t shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.
Erin go Bragh
Slainte
Kim and david
Al & Linda Desgranges
Cliff and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Elanore had such great spirit and personality.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Cliff and family during this difficult time.
God bless
Kellie Scrim
Sending lots of love to Cliff, Rachel, Siobhan and family. I have fond memories of Elanore growing up and spending many sleepovers on Tauvette….my second home. I also loved that she asked me to call her Elanore instead Mrs.MCcawley. She would laugh and say I’m too elegant and young to be Mrs.MCcawley I was always welcomed with open arms in the home. I remember lots of laughs…and even in our teen years when we were always getting into mischief…Cliff and Elanore were forgiving and tolerated me. I often had one on one chats with Elanore well into my young adult years, and she provided me with fashion tips, advice on my love life…and she became a friend not just the mother of my best friend. Rest In Peace Elanore!. Love you.❤️
Karen Burke
My wonderful Godmother Elanore ... I am heartbroken at the news of Elanore's passing ... she never missed a birthday or Christmas ... I looked forward to her phonecall and wonderful cards ... I will miss her terribly ... may she rest in peace with Nana, Granda and Aunty Jeanette
David Raynor
My condolences to you all. Over the years I spent many hours in local pubs with Elanore. She was personality plus, and her laughter was infectious. I can hear her lovely accent as I write this and have many fond memories of our many conversations together. The nicely written obituary is a lovely tribute to her life. My deepest sympathy Cliff, Rachel, and Siobhain.
She had such a neat life. She was a sweet lady and her laughter will definitely be missed. God bless you all.