Eleanor Fay (Sprague) McGachie

A beautiful and long life.

Born in Belleville, ON to Jay and Mildred Sprague, her loving parents, Eleanor grew up in her beloved Mountain View with her siblings, grandparents, cousins, and those working the bustling family canning business of J.G. Sprague & Sons. Though she ventured to Calgary and far away places over her lifetime, Eleanor always returned to her roots in Prince Edward County.

Eleanor was deeply treasured by her three daughters, Susan (Stewart) Linton, Wendy (Steve) Shaw-Mason and Joanne (Victor) McGachie. Sue’s untimely passing in 2012 was a blow Mom truly never recovered from. ‘Nana’ was never happier than with her adoring grandchildren Kate, Michael (Erin), Adam (Emily) and Kelly (Dana) and step-grandchildren Shauna (Jeremy) and Kyle (Louise); as well as with her great-grandchildren Aiden, Norah, Owen, Theo, Audrey, Edison, Adele, Preston, Finley and Taylor. She is lovingly remembered by her siblings Betty Ellen (Mardy) Eedson, Grant Sprague and predeceased by brother Roger (Dana) Sprague. Her many nieces and nephews were always a source of great pride and joy.

Eleanor was a gifted and hardworking student who excelled in her studies; always vying with her dear cousin, Pauline for top marks. Teaching at Toronto’s Armour Heights Public School and Denlow Public School, Eleanor brought her joy of learning to hundreds of students over many decades.

Mom was kind, graceful and loving. She could also be unflinchingly stubborn, determined and doggedly independent-minded. It turns out that these traits, along with her sense of humour, would be the ones she needed most during these last 7 years of her “long goodbye”. It was an honour and a privilege to witness her enduring strength along this journey.

A special thanks to those tireless healthcare workers and caregivers in Calgary, at United Living Garrison Greens and Amica at Aspen for their loving care, and to those at Southwood Hospice. Because of current circumstances, the family will hold a private celebration of Eleanor’s life at a later time. Please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society in your area.

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