Eleanor Doreen Russell

“I, being in the way, He led me….” To me these words from Scripture can be well appropriated to Eleanor. She grasped at every opportunity that came her way to help, guide, teach, mentor and be a friend, I was the benefactor of such opportunities multiple x multiple times. As new comers to Vic Chapel, my husband John and I became frequent guests to the Russell home as well as with an ever increasing circle of new friends. With the arrival of new visitors, many from England and Europe, they would be introduced to Salt Spring Island where we lived, and many an adventure took place there. On one such occasion, with Ruth and Esther Ludwig from Germany, Eleanor suggested we climb a mountain to see the view. We climbed into the old blue pickup truck, the lads in the cab, the 4 gals in the box and headed to Mt.Tuam. We held on as best we could, weakened from laughter, as we were unceremoniously jostled around, navigating acute switchbacks, huge ruts and boulders along this old, abandoned in disrepair logging road. What a beautiful meadow, sunny soft breeze and absolutely stunning views greeted us at the top, where we rejoiced at God’s beauty and bellowed songs of praise! A true mountain experience.
Eleanor loved to visit the sick and shut-ins, and when possible take them out for a treat. This led to the forming of the ELEE club, with Eleanor, Lise, Emma and Edith. Every week we randomly chose a new restaurant for lunch from the Victoria coupon book. At times this took us to precarious places in crowded small cafes with loud music blaring, but Eleanor always led the way never turning back. Who knew what opportunity would present itself? On another occasion we found ourselves at the buffet in the Bengal room at the Empress hotel with posh big chairs and huge round tables. Somehow we had all unknown to each other dressed in navy blue and we indeed looked like a club! One young man there had been scrutinizing us and finally came over and joyously shook our hands saying how delighted he was to meet the “sisters of St Anne”! How truly disappointed and dejected he looked as we informed him we were not,, but sisters indeed we were, sisters in the Lord.
For a while Eleanor with others taught ESL. How many students she touched is unknown but not only did she teach them but they became guests and personal friends included in birthdays, Christmas etc. Some were still keeping in touch today.
When dear John Russell was confined to a home, Eleanor faithfully visited him daily. As was usual she brought the HOT thermos of tea, the white linen napkins and a small lace tablecloth, and tea was served in china cups, whether in a small hospital room, or outside at a picnic table or otherwise, it was properly served! Along with scones or butter tarts.
On my last visit with Eleanor, we went down memory lane, and what struck me again was that at every occasion through the many many years, the theme that enclosed and filled them all was “ rejoice evermore, in everything give thanks, pray without ceasing for this is the Will of God…” 1 Thess. 5:16-18. This was Eleanor, as she sat at her coffee table with the pictures, letters, cards of those who had crossed her path, and her ever increasing prayer list. Thank you dear dear Ronaele. I will see you soon. Ettesil. (Our pet names to each other)

Eleanor was truly a Proverbs 31 woman. Her love for her Lord was evidenced in everything she did. She opened her home and her heart to so many. We will remember her for her prayer support. Her coffee table was full of photos of loved ones she remembered daily. We rejoice that she is finally Home.

Eleanor was a regular member of the seniors that attended the Camp Imadene seniors camps. She was also positive , cheerful, lots of fun and always complimentary to my Wife and I when we ran those camps.

I was in Eleanor’s Sunday School class for girls in their early teens at South Main Gospel Hall. We loved her kind, personal interest in us, taking us out on special outings. Shirley (Van Boeyen) Lee, Langley, B.C.