Elaine Darrow

Elaine Jo-Anne Darrow (nee Gallagher) passed away suddenly at home on Saturday, May 23, 2020. Predeceased by her loving parents William (2005) and Beryl (2018). Loving sister of Michael, Annette (Frank) Cressy, and Lorraine (Andrew) Smith. Cherished aunt of Shane and Daryn. She will be forever loved by all her extended family and friends.

Elaine was happiest when she was helping others. She was always there to land a hand. No job was too big or too small for Elaine. She also had an amazing knack for knowing just what you needed before you knew it yourself. She would show up with the perfect gift whether there was an occasion or not. It was her giving spirit that drew everyone to Elaine. She would give the same time and attention to someone she just met as she would a member of the family or an old friend. Elaine’s circle was big enough for everyone.

Elaine started her working career in banking as a teller and then was hired at Braun to do inventory control – a post that became available when Annette left the same job at Braun to be a new stay-at-home mom when Shane was born. This was the beginning of a corporate career that morphed into working for Gillette, Alberto and then Hasbro. Thanks to Elaine, her family and friends had great supply of small appliances, skin and hair care products, and most importantly puzzles and games!

Elaine loved to travel – she had the good fortunate to travel for both business and pleasure. She fulfilled her childhood dream of going to England. She went to Hawaii more than once, cruises to the Caribbean, Sudbury to visit her sister Annette and family, and frequently to Boston and Rhode Island.

Elaine also loved to cook. Her fridge was always full and she could pull together a party on a moment’s notice. She loved summer BBQ season and her charcoal chicken was legendary. Elaine enjoyed hosting Christmas dinners at her home in Georgetown. Whatever the occasion, Elaine always made sure everyone had a care package of food to take home with them.

Elaine could spend all summer outside. As a young girl, she learned to waterski at Haliburton Lake. She mastered how to slalom waterski, following in the footsteps of her brother Mike. She loved to tell the story of how she begged her Dad to take her waterskiing one more time at the end of a summer weekend and how her little sister Lorraine didn’t want to be a spotter and fell asleep on the job! Fortunately, Elaine wasn’t stranded in lake for too long. So, the story had a happy ending.

As a young girl, Elaine liked to skate in the winter. She played ringette and probably would have played hockey if there was a girls’ team at the time. Elaine was a Toronto Maple Leafs fan and a seasons ticket holder. She enjoyed helping her friends and family see a game, and frequently donated her tickets to charity.

About three years ago, Elaine brought home Willie, her new puppy. Willie brought a lot of joy to Elaine’s life and she took him everywhere, especially up north.

Elaine was very proud of her two nephews Shane and Daryn. She enjoyed watching them grow up, hearing about their milestones along the way and celebrating together whenever possible.

Elaine loved her Mom and Dad, and always wanted the best for her parents. After her Dad passed away, she worked with her siblings to ensure her Mom could continue to live independently in the family home. Elaine was a strong advocate for her Mom, ensuring she received the best possible care. It was through this experience that Elaine was introduced to Bethell Hospice. Elaine was forever grateful to the hospice for their care and compassion.

Elaine will be greatly missed by her family and her extended circle of friends. The family would like to extend their thanks for all of those who have supported them during this time.

A private family service will take place with a Celebration of Elaine’s life to be held in her honour once family and friends may gather again. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Bethell Hospice.

Please visit our Book of Memories at www.wardfuneralhome.com