Sorrowfully, we announce the sudden passing of Elaine Maybelle Doris Jones (nee Sutton) at her home on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011.
She was born May 2, 1931 in Barwick, Ont. but lived her entire life in Fort Frances, Ont.
Blessed with a strong work ethic and a natural gift for business, Elaine began her career as a very young woman. She served as assistant manager at the Fort Frances branch of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, and her achievements as one of the first women in the Canadian financial sector were widely-recognized.
She and Vernon Jones shared a life-long partnership. Together they established Rainy Lake Airways and later built a Holiday Inn hotel in International Falls, Mn.
Elaine was the eldest of 10 children born to Lawrence and Gladys Sutton.
She was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Jerry, Bobby, Ronnie, and Billy; and sisters, Lauris Ann and Jeannie.
She will forever be remembered by her beloved daughter, Linda (Don) Leier; grandchildren, Sarah and William Andrusco, Jennefer Andrusco-Daon, and Amanda and Alexandra Leier; and great-grandchildren, Ben and Ariel Andrusco-Daon and Olivia Stasiuk.
She also is survived by her loving siblings, Arthur (Linda), Barbara (Terry) Ogden, and Jackie (Raymond) Catton; along with many nieces and nephews and countless friends and family who were blessed to know her.
Elaine loved spending time with her family and friends, and always welcomed newcomers to the community. She enjoyed playing cards, travelling, and entertaining, and loved the Royal Family, Patsy Cline, Elvis, Freddy Fender, and all things pink.
Those who knew Elaine experienced her generosity and thoughtfulness first-hand; many of them called her an angel. She always knew how to have a good time, as those who attended her famous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations can attest.
Elaine took pride in her strength and independence, and maintained those qualities to the end.
The family invites you to join them in a celebration of her life on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com