Elaine Ruth Goranson (née Bodnar) of Victoria, BC passed away on September 21, 2025, at Mount St. Mary Hospital at the age of 86. Elaine was the third of four children born to John and Mary (née Fazekas) Bodnar on September 9, 1939. She grew up on her family’s farm near Stockholm, Saskatchewan, often recalling life without electricity and winter trips by horse and buggy with warmed rocks underfoot on the way to midnight Christmas mass. When Elaine was 9 years old, she was sent to live in the convent attached to St. Elizabeth of Hungary parish in Stockholm where she had the opportunity to attend school. Following high school, Elaine attended Teacher’s College in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan where she met and later married Alan Goranson on August 10, 1968. Together, they raised their two children, Tamara and John, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Elaine’s enduring love for education, her fostering of human dignity, her strong faith, and her steadfast devotion to family made her life a profound testament to God’s grace. After earning her Bachelor of Education degree in 1983 at the University of Saskatchewan, she pioneered creative drama in Saskatoon with Gateway Theatre for Children and Youth. She later completed a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree (magna cum laude) in 1987 and began teaching in the Saskatoon Catholic School Board’s Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Program. Throughout her career, Elaine delighted in creating unique learning experiences for children, reimagining and directing Shakespearean plays, and hosting vibrant medieval fairs. She also celebrated her Hungarian heritage by dedicating countless hours to Saskatoon Folkfest and the Hungarian Pavilion and actively expressed her Roman Catholic faith through the constancy of her prayers for family and friends. After retiring in 2001, Elaine and Alan moved to Victoria, BC, to be closer to their grandchildren. There, Elaine cherished attending daily Mass and poured her resourceful creativity into preparing exquisite meals and festive décor, with Christmas as her crowning annual celebration. At the heart of it all, family remained her foundation, and she took profound joy and pride in their accomplishments.
Elaine was predeceased by her husband, Alan; her parents, John and Mary Bodnar; her sisters, Doreen and Joyce; and her brother, Robert; as well as her parents-in-law, Eric and Semilda Goranson, and her brother-in-law, Dale. She is remembered with love by her daughter, Tamara (Doug Chichak), and son, John (Seoyoung Ryu); her grandchildren Tavania and Taralyn (Tamara and Doug) and Yohan and Jaewon (John and Seoyoung); her sister-in-law, Barbara Yopyk, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were considered family. Her family would like to especially thank Blane Morgan and Victor and Patricia Saavedra for their support; Sharon Johnson, Margaret Wilson, Nancy Anaya, and other caregivers; and all the staff at Mount St. Mary Hospital who helped Elaine navigate the health challenges she experienced in her later years.
Elaine’s legacy is love, woven through the children she inspired as a teacher, the cultures she passionately celebrated, the home she beautified with purple and an ever-abundant supply of roses, and the grandchildren she nourished and cherished. In gathering us together, she would want us to trust in the promise of Christ’s Resurrection and the hope of meeting again to celebrate the joy of our Risen Lord.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Don and Joan Nesdoly
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Neil Spacinsky Dearest Tamara, John and families. Our belated condolences to you on the passing of Elaine.
Beth and I have many fond memories of our many visits with Elaine and Alan in Stockholm, Saskatoon, and Victoria.
We are very grateful for the time we had with Elaine and Alan on our Family Trip to Hungary many years ago.
Neil and Beth Spacinsky (nee Fazekas)
Windsor, Ontario
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Nancy Anaya Dear John,
It was a gift for me to meet your parents. Although I met them both very briefly, they made an impression on me.
I had the joy of listening to Alan sing his last Christmas Mass at OLOR. Then, during a visit at Mount St. Mary I had the opportunity to chat and witness him looking at Elaine with eyes full of love. It was very beautiful.
I met Elaine when she was no longer able to speak with her voice, but her eyes continue to talk. Her gaze was very gentle and she held my hand tenderly while we prayed the holy rosary. I felt a profound intimacy, we were truly united by our faith,
Your eyes and your smile will always remind me of theirs, more so your faith and gentleness speak volumes of the kind of people they were. Glory be to the Lord for their lives and their legacy. May they rest in peace.
With sincere condolences for you, Tamara and all the family, and with joy for the certainty of eternal life, where, for the mercy of God, we will meet again,
Nancy
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Sharon and Rick Murza Tamara, John and families – please accept our sincere condolences. Your Mother was a wonderful person and a good friend. Our three sons, who participated in the ELO program in the Saskatoon Catholic school system, still speak fondly of her and the wonderful experiences she offered for the children. United with your father, may she rest in peace.
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Andrea (Ange) Waters. Our lovely next door neighbours, Elaine and Alan were a joy to know.
Her masterful Christmas decor has been a source of inspiration (and perhaps a few giggles) all these years later. Every time I make a wreath with velvet flowers and sparkling ornaments I think of dear Elaine. I miss the twinkle in Alan’s eye, as well. Such a talented and caring man he was.The food, the music, the purple everything, the costumes, the tea parties, the love they showed us (especially to my daughters), and knowing their family beautiful as well, bring a smile to my face every time I think of them.
Love to the entire family.
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Sharon Johnson Sending lots of love and blessings to you both and your family.
I feel really lucky that I got to help care for Elaine toward the end. I loved spending time with her and keeping her involved in the little things around her. It meant so much to be able to make her last few months as comfortable and happy as possible.
I found out we were both Hungarian, and it was so fun hearing her stories about her travels and all the research she did into her roots. She was such a kind, gentle soul with so much love to give – truly one of a kind. I’m so grateful I got to know her. Her light still shines bright in all of us. With love, Sharon
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Patricia Saavedra Dear Elaine was more than a classy joyful and elegant mother, grandmother, wife, friend and family.
Elaine warmed the place with her smile and interesting conversations. She touched a lot of hearts and minds for sure we will miss her and we extend our most heartfelt condolences and prayers for her family. She is just one step ahead of us.
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Darlene & Leon Bomok When I heard of Elaine’s passing, the psalm that begins with “He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge” came to mind. It ends with my wishes for you, Tamara, John and your families — “His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” As a colleague in the ELO program, I respected and admired Elaine for the creativity she delivered in her lesson planning and which she shared with her cohort. We became friends beyond the staffroom and along with Alan and Leon, we enjoyed much laughter as we picnicked along the South Saskatchewan, gathered mussels at China Beach, cross-country skied at Lake Louise and spent hours at each of our tables, toasting the good times with one or more glasses of wine. And what a table she set! She surrounded herself with beauty and inspired me to do the same, although I can never quite achieve the “Elaine touch.” Know that your mother influenced many people in many different ways. She will be forever in our memories.
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Victor Saavedra Elaine always treated us with much kindness and love, we felt like we were part of her family, which in a way we were as godparents of her granddaughter Taralyn.
Elaine will always be in our prayers, trusting in God’s mercy and remembering all those Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter feasts and time after Sunday Mass.
May the Good Lord give all her loved ones, especially Tamara, John and her grandkids peace and comfort.
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Azucena Saavedra My deepest condolences to Elaine’s family.
Elaine meant so much to me. Your family welcomed mine with open arms when we had no one else nearby, spending Thanksgiving and Christmas at Alan and Elaine’s was something I looked forward to every year. I always felt deeply loved by them, like they were my Canadian grandparents.One Christmas, I was feeling especially down, and I’m not sure if Elaine knew, but she came over and gently kissed me on the head. That small gesture meant the world. Every time I visited her at Mount Saint Mary’s, I gave her the same kiss back.
I’m so grateful for all the holidays we shared with Elaine, Alan, and Tamara and John’s family. Those memories are some of my most treasured. Sending so many hugs to all of you. I miss Elaine and Alan dearly.
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Barb Yopyk My heartfelt condolences to Tamara & family plus John & family. She nurtured & raised a beautiful family.
Elaine rest in peace. Love Barb Yopyk & family
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Josephine D'Aoust My sincere condolences to Tamara, John and families. I was fortunate enough to have met Elaine in 1961 when I was beginning my teaching career. She was a good role model for me as I navigated that first year. I treasure our friendship over these 60+ years! Rest in Peace Elaine!
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Val Taylor Elaine & Alan too, treated me so well when I visited them in Victoria. And documenting their experience in visiting Hungary & gathering information on her Bodnar roots is a real treasure I cherish (she gave me & others a CD
She made). Elaine was a smart, sweet, person with a heavenly soul. RIP Elaine & hugs to her family friends & all who were lucky enough to have known her. First cousin Val (Bodnar side).
Our sincere sympathy to John and Tamara and families. We were long ago neighbours in Saskatoon and so share many memories with our families. Alan and Elaine were an admirable couple in many ways…artistically, musically and this extended into their faith; truly an example for others. May they rest in peace. We are sure they are in a much better place now although they will be missed.