Obituary of Elaine Ethel Donaldson

Elaine Ethel Donaldson (nee Tebb) August 18, 1926 - January 19, 2012 The youngest of seven girls, Elaine was the lucky 13th child born to Art and Jennie Tebb of Gerald, SK. Elaine completed her 8th grade and then her grade 12 by correspondence. She helped her parents farm until she married Joseph Emil Sparrowhawk on November 8, 1944. Together they had three boys: Ronald, Reginald and Daryl. After Joes death in 1959 due to a form of ALS, Elaine obtained her Journeymans and supported her young family through hairdressing. She rented her farmland to neighbour Donald Douglas Donaldson, and a courtship ensued. They married on July 11, 1962 and had three children: Brian, Marilyn and Robert Wayne. Elaine is survived by her children Ron (Linda), Reg (Margaret), Daryl (Leyra), Marilyn (Mike) and Wayne (Tracy), and her daughter-in-law, Rose. Elaine always loved little ones, and was proud of her large family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to being widowed at 33 when Joe died, Elaine weathered more than her fair share of loss, and was predeceased by her son Brian, grandson Brent, daughter-in-law Linda Park, husband Donnie, and all but one of her siblings. Despite these losses, Elaine had an indomitable spirit. The Regina Lutheran Home became her home in 2009. There she was known for her feisty nature, her sense of humour and ongoing battle of wits with Timmy, the resident cat. We owe a huge debt of thanks to the staff for their tender loving care. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Regina Lutheran Home, 1925 5th Avenue North, Regina, SK, S4R 7W1 or the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, 301-2550-12th Avenue, Regina, SK, S4P 3X1. A celebration of Elaines life will be held at Rocanville United Church on Friday, January 27, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. Interment to follow at Webster Cemetery. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com