Laura Eleanor “Elly” Wells

Passed away, October 9th, 2009, after a battle with cancer. Eleanor is survived by her partner, Peter Motyka; elder sister Kay Reston; nieces, Laura, Jean, Robin and Kathy Reston; nephew Ian Reston and their children as well as cousins in her extended family. She will be missed by her many friends and relatives in Victoria and Edmonton, Alberta. Born in Moose Jaw, Sask., August 12, 1926, Eleanor moved to Victoria with her parents and older sister while still a toddler. In her mid-20s, Eleanor landed a position with Trans Canada Airline. She transferred to the Edmonton office then joined the fledgling Pacific Western Airline. Some years later, she returned to TCA, which became Air Canada, where she worked until her retirement in 1988. During the years in Edmonton, Eleanor made many good friends. Although Eleanor had no children of her own, she was close to her sister’s children. She was also very fond of the children of her cousins. Eleanor and Peter moved to Victoria following their retirements. They joined a tight knit neighbourhood where Eleanor was an integral part of the social activities there. When she fell ill, her many neighbours pitched in to help her stay in her home. She was an avid supporter of local artisans and crafters and attended most of the craft fairs in the region. She also loved her garden patch, supplying the neighbourhood with rhubarb and tomatoes, as well as the occasional pie for the particularly blessed.

A tea for family and friends to celebrate the life of Eleanor will be held at the home of Kay Reston, 790 Court Place, on Sunday, October 18th, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BC Cancer Agency, 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8R 6V5, or Victoria Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation, Stadacona Centre, 1510 Fort Street, Victoria, BC, V8S 5J2. The family wishes to thank the caregivers from the Home and Community Care services who assisted in making Eleanor’s last several months at home as comfortable as possible and the staff of the Victoria Hospice for their gentle care during her stay.