ERNST, Elaine Letoile

It is with great sadness that the family of Elaine Letoile Ernst, 86, of Garden Lots, announces her passing on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater surrounded by her family. Born in Rose Bay, Elaine was the daughter of the late John (Roy) and Letoile (Lohnes) Deal.

Elaine attended the Rose Bay School and graduated from the Lunenburg Academy. She went on to Nova Scotia Normal College to take her teachers’ degree, graduating in the class of 1953. Proud of her profession, she taught all of her working life in Rose Bay, Dartmouth and for the majority of her career at Centre Consolidated School, retiring in 1988.

Elaine was a faithful member of Central United Church where she was past president of the UCW, an Elder and supported the life and work of the church in any way she could. Over the years along with her husband Leon, she enjoyed square dancing, travelling and playing 45s with their friends. She was also an active and proud member of the Retired Teachers Association.

Elaine was happiest when she was creating and entertaining. She loved to host weekly card parties, and the Craft Group was one of her favourite weekly get togethers, creating a variety of crafts with a great group of ladies. In her early years you could find Elaine tole painting. Leon was kept busy in his workshop creating the wooden pieces for her to paint. Many of the completed works can still be seen in the homes of friends and family. In later years she developed a love of acrylic painting and looked forward to her weekly painting lessons.

The joy of her life was her family, both the boys and her six grandchildren. She was a faithful audience member at piano and voice recitals, music festival, and she never missed a school concert or play that the children were participating in. She made many memories taking part in family adventures including trips to PEI, warm southern destinations, and the Rockies.

Elaine was proud to be a cancer survivor and could annually be found participating in the Relay for Life in Bridgewater wearing her yellow t-shirt.

Elaine is survived by her sons, David (Evelyn), Heckman's Island; Jamie (Dawn), Lunenburg; grandchildren, Meghan, John, Hannah, Rebecca, Ben, and Ella, sister-in-law, Barbara Deal, Lunenburg.

Besides her parents, Elaine is predeceased by her husband, Leon and a brother, Arnold.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Highway 3, Lunenburg. A service to celebrate the life of Elaine will be held 2 p.m. Monday, August 1, 2022, at Central United Church, Lunenburg, officiating. Interment will be in Harbour View Cemetery, Rose Bay.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lunenburg County VON Day Program, Central United Church or to the Canadian Cancer Society. www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca