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June 13, 1946 to January 6, 2017

We are so deeply saddened to announce the passing of Elaine Langlois. Elaine was born in Alert Bay on June 13th, 1946. She was the eldest of three daughters and grew up in a logging camp run by her father and uncles. She often reminisced about her childhood memories and compiled these stories in addition to family poems and pictures with plans for a published book.

Elaine was a strong-willed, free spirit who always cared about the well-being of others and standing up for what was right. She attended many protests in the 1960’s and lived for a time on a commune just outside of Keremeos. She met her husband Georges in Abbottsford and they moved to Nelson in 1975. No matter where she travelled she would always return home declaring she was a “Kootenay girl” She had a passion for politics and an ongoing energy whenever campaigns were happening. There are many political events she planned and attended and frequently recruited her more than willing daughters to be involved with phone calling and stuffing envelopes. She was campaign manager for a few candidates throughout the years and even ran in two elections for city council. She had an incredible memory for dates and facts and spent much time immersed in genealogy creating a detailed family tree going back many generations. Her other loves included reading her weekly tome, books, seeing friends and family, cooking, baking, music, birds of any kind, volunteering and connecting to Indigenous culture.

Elaine is survived by her daughters Zoe (Lloyd) and Eva Hernandez (Richard), grandsons Devan, Steven, Ryan and Nathan, sister Kathy, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, three great-great nieces, a great-great nephew and many cousins. She was predeceased by her husband Georges, her sister Judy Walden and her parents Herb and Caroline Walden. Thank you to the KLDH emergency ward staff, especially Anna and Nicola, the 3rd floor staff and to Dr. Vance for their gentle, thoughtful care.

A celebration for everyone who knew Elaine is being held in the Hume Room at the Hume Hotel on January 14th 2017 from 12-2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Nelson and District Women’s Centre.

“When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight” ~Kahlil Gibran



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