Obituary of Eleanor Suzanne Coll

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Eleanor Suzanne Coll on April 17, 2020.

Eleanor’s favorite thing to do was dance, she danced many hours right up to the very end. Eleanor enjoyed her life. She was always happy and had a kind word for everyone. She had an infectious smile and warm demeanor. She loved her family most of all and was proud of their many accomplishments.

Eleanor was born in Laurier St Rose, Manitoba on December 4th, 1929. She moved to Fife near Christina Lake when she was 13. Eleanor was one of eight children born to parents Marcel and Solange Pain.

Eleanor married her spouse of 45 years William (Bill) Coll on December 4th, 1947 in Grand Forks, B.C., over the next few years the sounds of their 4 children filled the rooms. In 1953 they moved to Knight Lumber camp in Crowsnest, BC, and grew the family with 3 more wonderful children. In 1959 the family moved from Crowsnest to Elko where they lived for only 2 years before moving to Galloway, B.C., where they lived for 12 years.

The home was the first one on the Rock Creek Road when they purchased their 2 acres and set up home in 1970. Mom worked hard clearing and putting in gardens and caring for a few animals. She was never scared of the work, doing anything from clearing land and gardening to cooking, sewing, canning or anything else it took to make a good home for her family.

Eleanor loved to dance, paint, create stained glass, gardening, bowling, sewing, crocheting, and quilting. Never sitting idle, she would always be doing something constructive. They moved to Cranbrook in 1989 and resided for 30 years.

Eleanor was active in the senior’s community, Salvation Army and churches in the area. When she was not volunteering for a cause, she would be found painting and quilting, they were her favorite pastimes as she got older. After Bill passed in 1993 Eleanor was alone for 9 years.

Eleanor met Keith McFadden who was her companion for 6 years before he also sadly passed. Together they were both highly active in the community and enjoyed dancing and doing arts and crafts together.

Eleanor is survived by her children, Cliff (Sylvie) Coll, Paulett Harris, Ruth (Todd) Bennett, Trudy (Randy) Hill, Noreen (Lorne) Mercereau, Bonny (Glenn) Gipman. 14 grandchildren, Henry (Leah) Coll, Gordon (Marie) Coll, Jim Coll, Crystal (Eric) Hartman, Tamara (Craig Sherret) Andrew, Craig Siep, Bill Townsend, Dwayne (Lori) Townsend, Dana Townsend, Chris (Shauneen) Townsend, Jeffrey (Michele) Anderson, Jennifer (Brian), Blocker,  Susan (Adam) Bell, Curtis (Lindsay Reynolds) Mercereau. 15 great grandchildren, Morgan, Kaila, Amber, Logan, Kessia, Blake, Tia, Piper, Jessie, Calla Rose, Keira, Kael, Elexis, Audrey, and Emmett. 3 great great grandchildren, Emily, Oliver, and John. Siblings, Al (Joan) Pain, Jeane Summers, Nora (Bob) Mooney, and many Niece, Nephews.

Eleanor was predeceased by her spouse of 45 years William {Bill} Coll, Son, Ernest Coll, Grandsons, Bradley Siep and Jeremy Coll, Brothers, Louise Pain, John Pain, Frank Pain, sister, Marie Weston (Pain). companion, Keith MacFadden

Eleanor resided at the Pines in Kimberley, and then the F.W Green Home in Cranbrook from April 2019 until her passing. She was lovingly cared for by the amazing caring staff of both facilities, as well her family physician Dr. Lefebvre of the Green Clinic. We cannot thank them enough for their thoughtfulness, care and understanding of our dear kind mom. They loved her as we do, and as anyone who ever had the opportunity to meet and spend time with her. She will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eleanor’s honour to the Cranbrook Salvation Army or the Cranbrook Seniors Society.

Due to the current COVID19 restrictions a service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com