Elaine Madeline Schneider passed away peacefully on November 3, 2020 at the Extendicare Fairmont Park in Lethbridge, Alberta at 83 years of age.
As the youngest child of William and Jane Grant, she was raised on their farm located near Lomond, Alberta along with her brothers Allan and Derwyn and her sister Audrey (Middleton). All of the Grant children attended the Armada school.
When Elaine left the farm she moved to Vulcan to work at the CIBC as a teller. She met her beloved husband Claire during those years and they were wed in June of 1956. Tragically, Claire died in a small plane crash near Champion, Alberta in July of 1963 leaving Elaine to raise their two sons, David and Gregory.
Elaine worked at Mitchells Pharmacy in Vulcan on either a full or part-time basis for the majority of her adult life. She received her accounting designation from the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada in 1986 while holding the position of Finance Manager at Vulcan County, from which she resigned in 2006 after 25 years of service.
Elaine loved to walk (or run most often), enjoyed cross-country skiing and gardening and occasionally traveled with friends to hike in the mountains. Her religion and faith enriched her life and sustained her in difficult times.
Elaine was predeceased by her brother Derwyn and is survived by sons David (Sharon) and Gregory (Elaine) as well as her granddaughter Kristin (Devery), brother Allan (Sandy) and sister Audrey.
Due to current gathering restrictions, a private family graveside service will be held at a future date to be determined. The family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers at this time.
In lieu of flowers any tributes in Elaine’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta (www.alzheimercalgary.ca). Condolences may be shared at www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca
My family as well as all the families in the Armada district went to the local school from Grades 1-11, although of our class, Betty Kunkel and I started out in the one-room Bernetta School. Elaine was one year younger than the rest, but a top student and an excellent runner. In a competition between schools, we once did well in a 4 person relay race. When Jeanette Kunkel and Elaine obtained jobs with CIBC in Vulcan, I went to the LCI in Lethbridge and sadly did not keep in touch. May you cherish your many memories of happier times. Love, hugs and blessings to all the family. Eileen Boyd Wiedeman
Dear David and Greg and family: so sorry to hear of your loss. Now your Mom is reunited with all those gone before that she loved and knew. . We pray your good memories will be a comfort at this time. I remember celebrating her Birthday with my Mom and what a kind and sweet lady she was. You two have always felt like family to me and I pray you will find comfort and joy in this sorrow. I remember her laugh and smile and know she is very proud of you all. Blessings alway, Janet (Connolly) and Gary
Don and I remember Elaine with love and cherished memories. She was a lover of the old hymns she privately played on her piano. I remember her awe as we sat in St. Giles High Kirk in Edinburgh enjoying the evening concert. That morning she and I had a happy twirl of joy because Don quickly found the old Martyr’s Church on the George IV Bridge. Elaine was an easy traveling companion and loved every part of our historical Great Britain trip. Enjoying the singing and meetings at Sunnyside Camp in Sylvan Lake, and hiking up Gian’ts Head in Summerland are other treasured memories. She was an amazing mother, friend and business person. We miss her. Don & Shirley Schneider
To Elaines Family,
Our sincere sympathy on the loss of Elaine- she will be missed by all who knew her!
Sincerely
Karen and Eldon Maronda & Girls
To the Schneider family and to her many friends. Elaine was always the lady; she was usually the first to flick on the lights at the County Office and many times the last to leave the building. She was never stumped for the right answer in life, nor ever challenged to tackle a problem when it came to the County. She had outstanding manners and political grace in everything we did in the office and her talents taught many including me of the importance of our job, regardless of title in life. She was great person to work with but an even better friend and mentor. Her talents would be hard to match in many fields in municipal governance as well as her smile. May Prayers my friend, Gods Grace and Rest Terry and Betty Penney
I worked with Elaine for many years at the County of Vulcan. We also shared a wonderful friendship. She was always so thoughtful and caring. We enjoyed many hikes together, star gazing, and also a memorable trip to the west coast & Vancouver Island.
My sincere condolences to the family. She will be missed. Norma Benson
My sympathy to all of Elaine’s family on her recent passing! I remember her well from her years spent working at both the Vulcan County and at Mitchell’s. Pleasant and friendly, she was hard working and meticulous! Elaine was a very nice lady who will be well remembered by all who knew her!
To the Schneider family – Elaine is remembered for her thoughtful approach to life and her work. I certainly benefitted from her knowledge of municipal government and her friendship. She, and all of you, will be in our thoughts.
Tom and Judy Roberts
Our sincere condolences .