Elaine Norma Woods

November 28, 1940 - November 18, 2024

In Loving Memory ~

Elaine Norma Woods, 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Salmon Arm, BC, on November 18, 2024. She had been recovering after major cancer surgery in 2021, but lost her battle with a Parkinson's variant (PSP) this year.

She was born on November 28, 1940 to Andrew and Norma Hutson in Vancouver, BC. Her mother died when Elaine was 3, and her father remarried a year later. Elaine had loving relationship with her father, but a challenging one with her stepmother.

Eager to spread her wings, after graduation Elaine took a one-year crash course in education at UBC, and started teaching grade 7 in Kamloops at age 19. At age 21, she embarked on an adventure of a lifetime, moving to a Canadian Air Force base in Germany to teach the officers' children. During her 2 years in Europe, on breaks from teaching she visited 29 different countries with her friends from the base.

A few years after returning to Kamloops, she was introduced by her friends Eileen & Bill to a young lad named Gordon on a blind date. Sparks ensued and Elaine & Gordon were married a year later on August 20, 1966. Three years later Craig was born, followed 18 months later by Jeff.

While in Kamloops, Elaine taught English to new Canadians - a job she loved - and she & Gordon enjoyed many fun gatherings with friends Eileen, Bill, Gail and Jim.

The family moved to Salmon Arm in 1978, and set out to build their dream home on a 5 acre property. Elaine loved gardening; her vegetable garden and flower gardens grew in size and number every year. She was a devoted mother and wife, and gave an incredible amount of love and energy to her 'three boys'. She was appreciated as a caring and curious Aunty by numerous nieces and nephews, and developed many close friends in the community.

She taught at elementary schools in Salmon Arm, Grindrod and Enderby until her retirement in 1996. After retirement, she and Gordon enjoyed many RV trips to Arizona with their friends Dave & Aileen, volunteered at the Enderby food bank for many years, and relished time with their grandsons, Ethan and Wil.

Elaine is survived by her husband Gordon, sons Craig & Jeff, grandsons Ethan & Wil, and sister Susan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Patricia & Barbara, and brother David.

A celebration of life will be held in Salmon Arm at the First Community Church on Saturday November 30 starting at 1:30pm, followed by a reception. Donations in her name can be made to your local food bank or JoeAnna's House in Kelowna.

The family would like to thank all of Elaine's friends, extended family, and caregivers for your support over the past 3 years as she navigated her health challenges. Gordon, Craig and Jeff are very grateful.

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.bowersfuneralservice.com