Eleanor Grace Lawrence

Eleanor Grace Lawrence (nee Hatcher) passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the age of 100. Eleanor was born in Vancouver, BC at Grace Hospital on May 6, 1924, to Wilfred Kingsley Hatcher and Mary (nee Ferguson) Hatcher.  She was the oldest child of three, eventually outliving her siblings, Robert (Bob), and Margaret.

Eleanor graduated from the Royal Columbian Hospital as a Registered Nurse in 1946 and married Geoffrey McKenzie (Chum) Lawrence in Ft. St. John, BC on April 5, 1947. Geoff  would pass away on August 17, 1999.

Eleanor had a busy life raising 5 children and progressing in a career as an R.N., In 1960 the whole family relocated to Richmond, BC so that Geoff could attend UBC for an Elementary Teaching Certificate and where in 1966 Eleanor would also earn a Public Health Nurses’ (PHN) certification. After which, she worked as a PHN in Richmond, BC while Geoff taught in White Rock, until they returned to the North Peace in 1976. Geoff taught and farmed, and Eleanor was a PHN in Fort St. John, and then the Manager of the Peace River Health Unit in 1983 until 1989, when she retired.

Over the next decade she and Geoff greatly enjoyed travelling throughout BC and the Prairies in their 5^th Wheel, until 1998 when they settled in Salmon Arm, where Eleanor resided until her death.

She was very active in the SA First United Church and enjoyed going to lunch with friends. She especially loved walking along the Lake Trail, listening to the birds’ songs and viewing the flowers in the park. She sewed the families’ clothes, knitted and crocheted beautifully, making many items for the hospital, and donated generously to various charities locally and beyond.

Her middle son, Geoffrey James (Jim) passed away in 2012. She is lovingly remembered by Robert, Stephanie, Wilma and Paul along with 11 Grandchildren and 17 Great-Grandchildren.

Having lived such a long life many of her extended family and friends have gone on before her, yet she is fondly remembered by her numerous remaining friends. She spent the last few years in the safe haven of Ackerview Guest House under the amazing and loving care of Ria and her assistants, for which we are truly grateful. To quote Ria, Eleanor was an intelligent, polite, honest, down-to-earth, respectful and witty lady. We were blessed to have been a part of her long life.

Upon Eleanor’s request, there will be no service or memorial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Salmon Arm, BC. A Celebration of Life will be held for the family early next summer.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-546-7237

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: