It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the death of our mother, Elaine Marie Strandlund, nee Reeve on Thursday, November 26, 2020 in Pinawa, Manitoba at the age of 82. Elaine was born in Broadview, Saskatchewan on October 19, 1938 to Reginald and Edith (Deacon) Reeve.
Elaine grew up on a farm near Oakshela, Saskatchewan. In grade 9 she moved to Grenfell, Saskatchewan to live with her Grandma Reeve, then to Regina, Saskatchewan where she lived with her best friend from high school and trained as an X-ray and Lab Technician. This field would become her vocation until her retirement.
Elaine found her first job in Île-à-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan, then worked in Baldur, Manitoba, making lifelong friends each place she went. On February 22, 1964 she married Roy Strandlund and moved to the family farm near Broadview, Saskatchewan.
Their family grew with the arrival of first-born Susan in December 1964, Cameron a year and a half later, and Leslie two years after that. While lovingly mothering her children, working as a lab technician, and farming with Roy all other hours of the week, Elaine still found time to overcook poultry and beef, make Thanksgiving meatloaf, and ensure each of her children were entirely self-sufficient.
In 2007 she moved to Pinawa, Manitoba where her youngest daughter lives.
She joined in the Pinawa community with quilting club, knitting club, Book club, and Pinawa Lutheran church. Elaine enjoyed having her cottage at Crooked lake, so she could keep in touch with her Broadview friends.
Known for her acerbic wit and forthright honesty, Elaine was an entertaining conversationalist and enjoyed deprecating herself and those around her. Friends and family were very important to her, and she was always the first to offer a helping hand. She felt blessed to work many years alongside close family friend and neighbour Corinne Markwart (Johnson). She was steadfastly supportive of her mother and “the old people” (Roy’s Aunts and Uncles), and kept in touch will all Roy’s and her relatives.
Elaine, never one to shy away from hard work, forever had a project on the go, whether farming, helping someone paint a room or four, refinishing a floor, digging a utility trench to a garage at 64 (calling her son to report progress every 100 shovelfuls) or crafting (painting, ceramics, knitting, crocheting, and quilting).
Elaine is predeceased by her husband, Roy Strandlund, her parents, Edith and Reg, her brothers Murray, Lyndon, and Donald. She leaves to mourn: Her children: Susan Wonko (Strandlund) (Neil, Connor, and Mark), Cameron Strandlund (Nicole, Jared, and Sean), and Leslie Strandlund (Blair Skinner, Brett, Jeffrey, Mats, and Blaze), and her brother Robert Reeve.
“Granny” enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Whether it was making teepees or cookies, reading books, pulling a sled, playing cribbage, or chasing them with a flyswatter when she thought they needed it. She was blessed to hold her new great grandchild, Carla Wonko (Connor and Becca Wonko)
Due to the ongoing global pandemic, there will not be a service until it is safe to do so.
Eventually, she will be interred with her husband at the Percival Cemetery near Percival, Saskatchewan.
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Cheryl Ryan
Deepest sympathy Leslie and family. Elaine was a great lady!
Leslie
Thank you Cheryl! It was great for us both to have you as our neighbour! I hope you are doing well!
Leslie
Gaylene (Pearson)Ottenbreit
Our deepest sympathy to all Elaine’s family. I spent many years working in the Broadview Hosp where Elaine held down the lab.
She would update me of my heritage with stories and showing me old pictures of our family. Thank You Elaine, I know how very much you will be missed.
Gene and Gaylene Ottenbreit
Bev Galbraith
Our deepest sympathy! From Arnold and Bev Galbraith
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Strandlund family. In Sympathy RoseAnne and Ed Weger nee Velestuk.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Strandlund family. In Sympathy RoseAnne and Ed Weger nee Velestuk.
Sandy Charbonneau
Elaine was a beautiful lady! Always there to lend a helping hand. I will always remember the Christmas get togethers at your Mom and Dad’s house! It was such an exciting time for the kids. And so much good food! I remember one night playing crib against Keith and Colleen and your Mom and I lost 10 games and won 1!!!!!!
My deepest sympathy to Susan, Cameron, and Leslie and families.
Sandy Charbonneau
Sandra Stevenson
To the family-So Sorry for your loss of a great lady.
Winona and David Urschel
I am extending my deepest sympathy. I enjoyed the time that I spent with Elaine doing ceramics in the late 80’s and early 90’s. She always had something to say that made me laugh.
Dave & Linda Bettschen
We were so sorry to hear about Elaine’s passing. She was always so much fun to be around. The picture of her knitting is so fitting, she spent many, many coffee breaks at the hospital making sweaters, mitts and socks. Our sincere condolences to all her family.
Irene de Laforest
Deepest sympathy to all of Elaine’s family. I am so happy I was able to get to know and work many years with Elaine at the Broadview Union Hospital. She was a wonderful person and coworker. Thinking of you all.
Elaine
Our deepest sympathy to Susan, Cameron and Leslie and to all of your families.
Edwin & Elaine Wyatt
Doris Hiscock
Sincere sympthy to Elaine’s family. She was a vital loving person, full of energy, and creative ideas.
I knew, admired and loved her while she lived and worked in Baldur.
Would stop in Broadview from time to time, when driving past, and she always made us welcome.
She will be missed.
Ivale Mitchell
I had the honor of having Elaine sit in my stylist chair the last 8 years. I loved her sense of humor and to hear her stories . I always looked forward to seeing her.
Barb Lambert
Sincere condolences to Leslie, Blair, Matts and extended family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Holly & Dennis Parcey
We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss Elaine’s witty responses to our backyard shenanigans.
Sylvie Labossière
My condolences to Elaine’s family. I will really miss seeing Elaine at Quilting as well as at the knitting sessions at the library. I loved her sense of humour, her wit, and her zest for life. I also really enjoyed seeing all the beautiful quilts she made.
Dee and Chuck Handford
Our condolences Leslie, Blair, Matt’s and family. So sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. She was a lovely person.
Bev Dougall
I am so sorry for your loss. Elaine was a lovely lady and I enjoyed knowing her. She will be greatly missed. Bev Dougall
Dawn Borgford
So sorry to hear of Elaines passing.Kevin and I will always remember the times visiting on Labour day in Broadview, Sask.
Nathalie Slavik
So sorry for your loss. Jozef, Nathalie and family
Sharon and Clarence Newman
Our deepest condolences to Leslie Blair and family .
Sharon and Clarence Newman
Gary Hanna
Sincere condolences to Leslie Blair & Matt’s on the loss Elaine. When I was six I was hospitalized with Asthma attack in Baldur Mb. In 1969 and 2 x a year until I was 16. I had to have chest x rays blood tests galore. Elaine was the lab & xray tech during the early days. Sick kids never forget the kindness of Hospital staff. God Bless Elaine!
Sharon Kuzyk
My sincere condolences to Leslie and family. I will miss visiting with your mom at church. She was a very gracious lady. Sharon Kuzyk
Catherine and Greg Gowryluk
We are so sorry to hear this news. Condolences to Leslie & Blair and all the family.
Carole & Kirk Edwards
Our deepest condolences Leslie, Blair and family, on the loss of your beautiful Mom. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Gayle Blair
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of such a wonderful lady. I especially enjoyed Elaine’s great sense of humour. Deepest sympathy to Leslie and family.
Susan B
A woman who loved and cared deeply and worked hard to live her best life – my condolences to her family.
Nicole Reeve
Auntie Elaine was a special lady and I always enjoyed her stories! I have a few special family heirlooms from her that I will forever keep. I will always remember the time when I was doing my teaching internship in Broadview, living with grandma and grandpa Reeve and Auntie Elaine had come for a visit. Needless to say, the conversations between grandpa (her brother Donald) and her left me with a sore stomach from laughing and possibly a few questions! Those two had quite the dynamic! Thinking of you all!
Suski Family
So very sorry for your loss Leslie,Blair and family.
Ray and Carol Wazney
Leslie, Blair and family – we are so sorry for your loss. Sincere condolences to all of you, and may your memories bring you peace and comfort.
Dennis & Shirley Cann
Leslie, Blair and Mats. We were very sorry to read of the death of Elaine. We send our deepest condolences. She lived a very full and active life!
Darleen Garratt
Sincere condolences to all of Elaine’s family. I enjoyed working at Broadview hospital with Elaine.
Brenda (Reitenbach) Kissmann
My sincere condolences to her family. I remember her as a very gentle soul & sweet lady, with a ready smile all the time. RIP Elaine.
Lynne Rodrigues
Susan, Cameron, Leslie and families. Deepest sympathies on the passing of your Mom. I have fond memories of being out in Grenfell and the family reunions.
Lynne (Kathy Reeve’s daughter)
Lori Hutchison Hunter
During my young years Aunty Elaine was like my second Mom. We spent a lot of time together and over the years we were in and out of touch but each time we connected it was like no time had passed. She could be counted on to catch you up on the news in short order and always kindly asked about everyone and everything important in your life. At Crooked Lake we have memories of time spent at Grenfell Beach and Greenspot. She always had a project on the go, people to visit and time to sit and enjoy a conversation. She provided encouragement and well wishes to everyone and was delighted to meet my first grandson. She was very proud of each of her children and grandchildren and shared all their accomplishments. I will miss her Facebook and private messages. I’m pretty sure heaven is a bit noisier now that Aunty Elaine and my mom are reunited!
My condolences to Susan, Cam and Leslie and your families. May your memories sustain you through the sadness.
– Lori Hutchison Hunter and family
Val Biden
I was so sorry to hear about your mom passing. What a wonderful lady. She will be so missed.
I think of her as part of my church family growing up. Then in later years she was a great friend to my mother in law, Joan Biden at Crooked Lake.
She had a spark in her and was always so interesting to listen to.
Thinking of you all.
Val and Steven Biden