|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
STEGEN, Elinor Royce (née CORNWELL) - We are very blessed to have had Elinor as a Mom, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Following in her own Mother’s footsteps, one of her missions in life was to ensure the well- being and happiness of her children, grand-children, family members and close friends.
Mom was born in St. Catherine’s, Ontario, and truly as her own individual as her two older siblings were a set of twins, as well as her two younger siblings. Growing up in such a large family, influenced by the great depression and the war meant she learned to stretch a dollar and not to waste. Something that she carried with her through life and one of the life lessons she taught her children and grandchildren.
After graduating from nursing in St. Catherine’s, Ontario, she enlisted as an Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. There, she met her husband James (Jim) Stegen (Dad). When they married, she gave up her Navy Commission so Dad could pursue his dream to become a naval pilot. Mom continued to work in Naval hospitals as a civilian nurse but when Dad’s time away from home became more extensive, she decided to give up nursing so she could provide some stability to the life of their three children. Being a naval wife was not easy, especially when Dad was on tour, and Mom had to handle the household on her own. There were challenging times… it is hard to imagine how she kept sane, when she had to organize a move from Halifax to Victoria with three children all under the age of ten (without Dad’s help as he was at sea for six months). This included trying to finding a place to live when we arrived in Victoria, all without the ability or ease of the internet. We can recall only once, when she became overwhelmed with the military life…the day we were notified that we were moving yet again…for the fourth year in a row! Mom refused to get out of her pajamas that day!
Mom’s dedication to family continued when the grandchildren were born. She provided home care when complications arose with her children or grand-children, no questions asked and with her nursing background and dedication to family she sure shone. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, there was always a small treat (usually a toy saved from a cereal box) waiting in the “kids’ bedroom” whenever the grandchildren visited. It was always a scramble for the kids to get up the stairs and see what special treat was waiting.
Homemade meals were one of her domains, frozen/pre-made meals were a rarity in her house. She was known for her special occasion feasts and table decorations and home-made cookies.
Mom’s care and love was sewn, cross-stitched, knitted, and crocheted into the numerous items she made for her children, grandchildren, friends and extended family. In addition, she was known for her hand- made Barbie doll clothes she made for numerous charities to sell at their teas and craft shows.
As her health declined and she was unable to continue with her crafts her dedication and interest in her family remained strong. She always had an interest in what everyone was doing and where they were going, had a wry comment, life lesson to share or a good-natured lecture about the virtues and benefits of proper appearances and attire.
In Mom and Dad’s final years, the staff at Shannex, Baker Drive provided a level of care and comfort that they both deserved. Her family wishes to thank the staff (too numerous to mention) for their dedication and hard work in providing such great care to Mom & Dad during those years. Although Mom is gone, her lessons will continue to influence her families’ lives and her handmade crafts will remain cherished heirlooms for years to come. (Source: Dartmouth Funeral Home Ltd)
|
