It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of Eleanor Raynor. She is ready to join her husband of nearly 60 years in eternal life. They were happily married and were there for each other through the ups and downs. When Bill had a heart attack, Eleanor would travel to Toronto every day to be by his side. When she developed dementia, he would visit her daily at RVH, even though she didn’t always remember him. Their love always kept them together.
Bill and Eleanor had two sons, John and David (Kelly) and two grandsons, Andrew (Heather) and Ryan (Maria). Eleanor loved family and enjoyed cooking and baking for them. Her specialty was short bread. She was involved in the church, belonged to a choir, enjoyed gardening and did a lot of reading and writing. In fact, she wrote this poem many years ago:
Go gently into life
Hear the cooling of the dove
In the early morning, for it
Is the voice of God
Go gently into life
Hear the wind in the trees
The silence of the forest
Enjoy each beautiful day,
And don’t worry about tomorrow
Enjoy a summer sunset
And go gently into life
Eleanor spent the last years of her life in long term care. There were so many programs I think she would have loved to do like planting herbs and sing-a-longs songs, but unfortunately her disease progressed, and she was no longer able to do the things she enjoyed. She did however enjoy the meals and I am certain she felt the love from the staff. Sometimes I would hear them call her “mom” which made me feel like she was part of their family too. A big thank you for putting her bunny in her arms so she always had something to hug.
We will miss you Mom, your kindness your laughter and your goofiness. Go be with Dad. Hear the cooing of the dove in the early morning for it is the voice of God. Go gently into eternal life.
Private family celebration of life will occur at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie. Online condolences and memories may be left at www.steckleygooderham.com