Eloise was born on March 7th, 1931 to parents Mary Ann and Edward Hallet MacInnis. She had 2 brothers, Roderick and Edward Jr., and a sister, Anitra. Eloise was schooled by the Loretto Sisters. She graduated from the University of Toronto in 1956 with a Bachelor of Household Science. That same year, Eloise and John (Jack) Francis Defayette married. They were best friends and business partners for 62 years.
During her university days, Eloise found work in Newfoundland where she toured and gave cooking demonstrations. After graduation and as a young Mother, she shared her passion for cooking by contributing her favourite recipes to the local newspaper, the Clarion. She loved to bake and was famous for her pecan, rhubarb and lemon meringue pies. She also loved to gab and the recipe column evolved into conversations with Eloise. She enjoyed poetry and liked to rhyme.
Eloise was imaginative and creative. She dabbled with all sorts of crafts, macramé, weaving, batik,
candle making, painting, porcelain, clay and crochet. Like her, the crochet was extraordinary. Her creations were amorphous with invented stitches. She was fashionable. Her interest in fabric and textiles lead her to rug making. She experimented with natural dyes to produce magnificent pieces. She taught classes at Nepean’s ‘5 below’ and demonstrated crafting techniques for the public library.
Eloise was an enthusiastic participant when it came to all things “Jack”. Upon his suggestion, she quickly immersed
herself in the travel industry. She looked up fares, routes and regulations in the original OAG and hand wrote airline tickets before the computer age. She then learned GALILEO and SABRE GDS formats. She assisted both corporate and leisure travelers. She ensured vacation dreams never exceeded the traveler’s budget. Eloise successfully managed Nepean Travel and Camosun Travel in Victoria. Eloise was an inspiration to her adult kids, several of whom followed her into the business.
Eloise had exquisite and eclectic taste like a treasured fine bone china tea cup at a rummage sale. She was exotic. She loved music. And was thrilled to join the ‘Friends of Music Society’ at the Eric Martin Theatre. Eloise cherished her many friendships. She was grateful for the entire community at Shannon Oaks who welcomed and appreciated her. She was thankful for the
medical team at the Royal Jubilee Hospital who cared and guided her during her final days.
Eloise passed away peacefully at the Royal Jubilee Hospital on January 19th, 2024.
Eloise is survived by her children, Robert (Shaughnessy), John E. (Cary), Chris (Ann), Mark (Samantha), Mary (John) and Genie,
her many dearly loved grandchildren and their partners and all of her wonderful great-grandchildren who brought her so much joy, and her numerous nieces and nephews.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
28 Responses
Mary,
I never met your mother and only talked to her once on the telephone. But I am old enough to remember her father, a handsome and kind man, who once visited us in Belle Cote, Cape Breton, where his mother, my grandfather’s sister, was born. I also met most of his sisters. In the photo of her, she looks like her aunt Mae, a delightful person. Know that they are all remembered fondly in Cape Breton.
Dan Doucet
I am one of Eloise’s classmates in Mac56. She was a special person and always a lot of fun. When we did food demonstrations hers were the best! Did not know she did so many things after graduation ( besides raising 5 kids) I have lived in Vancouver for many years and when she and Jack moved to Victoria we had some special reunions . Both she and Jack were great hostess/host.my sympathies to all the family . She took special pride in the achievements of her grandchildren. Sincerely Margot Magee
Peace be with you Eloise. Here’s to a life well lived.
Oh, Mary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you journey through this. Never easy (not supposed to be), but in time hopefully your memories from over the years will bring you comfort. Sending hugs and love, Shelley and Serge
Dear Mary,
I am so sorry to hear that your Mom passed away. Although I never met Eloise, I feel I know her through this wonderful obituary that was clearly written with so much love. I know that this will be such a difficult time for you and the family, but know your Mom is with you in your heart wherever you go, and that she is now residing in God’s grace and love.
Praying for strength for all of you in the coming days, weeks and months ahead.
Maureen
My Deepest sympathy to Eloise’s family. I knew her when she lived in Manordale and enjoyed many good conversations with her. Eloise was such a genuine person and so much fun. She was a lady ahead of her time and so talented in so many areas.
Deepest sympathies.
I remember your mom fondly growing up in both Manordale and Barrhaven. She was a great woman.
Sue
Condolences to the Defayette family, from the Gibson family in Victoria. My lasting memory of Eloise is of her and my mom in vibrant & engaging conversation on several occasions only about 6-7 years ago, during visits together in my mother’s home in the Cook St village. I know my mom really enjoyed this time, as she wasn’t getting out as much in those days. I was delighted to see them connect again as their connection went back decades. I was told that Eloise, our neighbour, babysat me as a baby, in those days on Ilkley Crescent in Ottawa. And, that Eloise let my mom borrow her blender so she could try it out first hand. My mom was sold on this essential kitchen gadget heading out to buy one, to apparently make baby food for me, or whoever was the newest Gibson girl at the time. Thanks Eloise! We all will remember you ever so fondly.
Beth Gibson and Emily Gibson – Victoria, BC