Obituary for Elizabeth Carol Donaldson (Anderson)
With sadness, the family announces the passing of Elizabeth Carol Donaldson (Anderson) of Queen Street Manor, Emo Ontario on Sunday April 24 at Fort Frances Ontario.
Elizabeth was born May 18 1935 at the home of her parents Axel and Ivah (Strachan) Anderson in the community of Box Alder, south of Devlin Ontario.
Her father died when she was young leaving her mother to raise 4 children on a small farm. Elizabeth always spoke of farm life as happy even though they had no electricity, phone or indoor plumbing. A strong work ethic was instilled in Elizabeth from a young age. She attended Box Alder School and then Fort Frances High School. She knew from age 12 that she wanted to be a teacher and decided on training at North Bay Teachers College and then taught students in Atikokan and Burriss School. While teaching at Burriss School, she met Gale Donaldson.They were married in 1956 and they lived on the Donaldson farm in Burriss. The next 15 years were spent raising 8 children, farming and being involved in many community activities.
She returned to Burriss School, working in various educational roles before retiring as a speech therapist.
Retirement brought many new projects on the farm in Burriss and time to pursue her many interests. She always loved writing and researching local history and genealogy.
Her talents were evident and she was invited to become editor of a local history book titled Connections, for the Municipality of LaVallee for their 2004 Centennial. This evolved into a passion and huge undertaking of time, research and learning computer skills. One book was not enough and she continued to work on a second volume Further Connections, published in 2008. She was awarded LaVallee Senior of the Year for volunteer work for the community. She continued to write and her book of memoirs and poetry , Stitches in Time was published in 2012. She also wrote several articles for the Fort Frances Times newspaper until 2022.
67 years of her life were spent on farms, but she enjoyed the move to Emo in 2002. She enjoyed daily walks by the river, continuing to garden and researching genealogy. She was always busy but loved family gatherings and visits from her extended family and wide circle of friends.
She got her first computer and spent many hours writing, printing, scanning and transitioning to online Scrabble where she could play multiple, simultaneous games. Under her guidance, the garden continues to thrive.
She is survived by 7 children Emily (Tom) Mosbeck, Ross (Denise), Lee (Leanne), Jerry (Nancy), Guy (Kelly), Brian and RobRoy (Heather) 15 grandchildren Scott (Michelle), Jay (Janene), Eric (Hope), Nathalie (Matt), Logan (Whitney), David, Nicholas, Julianna (Drake), Teddy, Jason (Anne), Justin, Mallory (Bob), Emily (Alex), Mira, Rowan and 12 great-grandchildren.
Sister Marion Poutanen Sisters-in-law Crete McLeod, Sheila Manty, Inez Anderson and Janet Anderson. Numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by husband Gale, son Mark, parents Axel and Ivah, father and mother in law Jasper and Doris Donaldson, brothers Alan and Eric, brothers-in-law Lyle Donaldson, Lawrence McLeod, Glen Manty and Ralph Poutanen.
Elizabeth was a devoted mother and grandmother and was incredibly proud of her family's accomplishments.
She was a friend, teacher and mentor to many and a source for many genealogical and local history inquiries.
A service will be held 11am Saturday April 30 at Northridge Funeral Home followed by a gathering at the Emo Legion. Interment will be at Burriss Cemetery at a later date.
In memory, donations may be made to Emo Hospital Auxiliary or a charity of your choice.
Elizabeth was born May 18 1935 at the home of her parents Axel and Ivah (Strachan) Anderson in the community of Box Alder, south of Devlin Ontario.
Her father died when she was young leaving her mother to raise 4 children on a small farm. Elizabeth always spoke of farm life as happy even though they had no electricity, phone or indoor plumbing. A strong work ethic was instilled in Elizabeth from a young age. She attended Box Alder School and then Fort Frances High School. She knew from age 12 that she wanted to be a teacher and decided on training at North Bay Teachers College and then taught students in Atikokan and Burriss School. While teaching at Burriss School, she met Gale Donaldson.They were married in 1956 and they lived on the Donaldson farm in Burriss. The next 15 years were spent raising 8 children, farming and being involved in many community activities.
She returned to Burriss School, working in various educational roles before retiring as a speech therapist.
Retirement brought many new projects on the farm in Burriss and time to pursue her many interests. She always loved writing and researching local history and genealogy.
Her talents were evident and she was invited to become editor of a local history book titled Connections, for the Municipality of LaVallee for their 2004 Centennial. This evolved into a passion and huge undertaking of time, research and learning computer skills. One book was not enough and she continued to work on a second volume Further Connections, published in 2008. She was awarded LaVallee Senior of the Year for volunteer work for the community. She continued to write and her book of memoirs and poetry , Stitches in Time was published in 2012. She also wrote several articles for the Fort Frances Times newspaper until 2022.
67 years of her life were spent on farms, but she enjoyed the move to Emo in 2002. She enjoyed daily walks by the river, continuing to garden and researching genealogy. She was always busy but loved family gatherings and visits from her extended family and wide circle of friends.
She got her first computer and spent many hours writing, printing, scanning and transitioning to online Scrabble where she could play multiple, simultaneous games. Under her guidance, the garden continues to thrive.
She is survived by 7 children Emily (Tom) Mosbeck, Ross (Denise), Lee (Leanne), Jerry (Nancy), Guy (Kelly), Brian and RobRoy (Heather) 15 grandchildren Scott (Michelle), Jay (Janene), Eric (Hope), Nathalie (Matt), Logan (Whitney), David, Nicholas, Julianna (Drake), Teddy, Jason (Anne), Justin, Mallory (Bob), Emily (Alex), Mira, Rowan and 12 great-grandchildren.
Sister Marion Poutanen Sisters-in-law Crete McLeod, Sheila Manty, Inez Anderson and Janet Anderson. Numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by husband Gale, son Mark, parents Axel and Ivah, father and mother in law Jasper and Doris Donaldson, brothers Alan and Eric, brothers-in-law Lyle Donaldson, Lawrence McLeod, Glen Manty and Ralph Poutanen.
Elizabeth was a devoted mother and grandmother and was incredibly proud of her family's accomplishments.
She was a friend, teacher and mentor to many and a source for many genealogical and local history inquiries.
A service will be held 11am Saturday April 30 at Northridge Funeral Home followed by a gathering at the Emo Legion. Interment will be at Burriss Cemetery at a later date.
In memory, donations may be made to Emo Hospital Auxiliary or a charity of your choice.