Obituary of Elaine Turner

Elaine was born on April 11, 1931 in Sillikers, New Brunswick. She passed away on May 14, 2008 in Dawson Creek, B.C. at the age of 77 years. A Memorial Service was held on May 23, 2008 at 2:00 pm from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Bev Dunsmore officiated; interment will be at a later date. Elaine was the oldest of 7 children and was the caregiver to her siblings, her mother and her aunt, so it was only natural that she became a nurse. Elaines' training took her to Montreal, the beginning of her gypsy travels. She graduated at the top of her glass, which made the hometown newspaper. Her dad carried that article in his wallet forever. Elaine married Wyn Mersereau in the early 1950s' and continued her nursing career in obstetrics, working at the base hospital in Clinton, Ontario. While in Clinton she had her sons, Guyon in 1954 Kimberly in 1956, and daughter Janis in 1959, shortly after the family moved to Nova Scotia. In 1962 Elaine Divorced Wyn and married Sidney Turner, also an airman in the RCAF. They moved west to Cold Lake, Alberta where she had 2 more children, son Christopher in 1963 and daughter Elizabeth in 1964. The next leg of Elaine's journey was Bagotville, Quebec, where the family live from 1966 to 1972, followed by a return to Greenwood, Nova Scotia. In 1974, Kim was diagnosed with cancer, thus causing another cross-country jaunt, this time to Edmonton, Alberta. Contrary to her gypsy nature, Elaine put down roots in Edmonton. In 1986, she returned full-time to her nursing career. In typical style, she returned to school to upgrade her qualifications, regaining her Nursing Degree with honours. Elaine changed specialties, going from obstetrics to care of the elderly, a subject near and dear to her heart. She wrote several papers on this subject, which were implemented in Alberta as province-wide policy, and she fought tirelessly for the dignity and rights of all elders. Elaine continued to work until late 1992 when Kim was once again diagnosed with cancer. She took a leave from work to look after Kim at home until his passing in May 1993. Elaine returned to work only to be interrupted by a heart condition. Contrary to the doctor's prognosis and being stubborn as only Elaine could be, she used her healing skills and knowledge herbs to regain her strength, enabling her to live on her own. On Mother's Day 1994 Elaine joined her son Chris and his family in Dawson Creek, B.C. Though still not able to return to work full time, Elaine could never stand just doing nothing. To "keep her hand in", she contributed her time, energy and expertise to several senior's advocacy groups. After trying several places on for size, Elaine bought her very first home in 2001, at the ripe old age of 70. She lived there happily until her passing. Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium.