Eleanor (Alexander) Gortmaker

GORTMAKER, Eleanor (nee Alexander)

After a fulsome 93 years, Eleanor Gortmaker passed away peacefully at Huntsville Hospital, early on Sunday, February 20, 2022.   Mom to Gail, Kent and Paul, and sister to Bryan and Lenora (predeceased by Gordon).

Eleanor met life with a sense of adventure, a ready smile and always a kind word. From her early beginnings near Shawville (Pontiac County), Quebec, Eleanor Alexander pursued a teaching career at schools in Quebec and Ontario before transitioning into being at home with her family after her June 1956  marriage to Al Gortmaker (deceased 2006).

Caring for her family was paramount for Eleanor, whether it was reading, sewing, baking or cooking, and she encouraged all three children to pursue their educational careers. Eleanor was also fortunate to enjoy trips to Toronto and Stratford theatre productions with the Centennial Seniors, and enjoy weekly lunch outings with the Muskoka Seniors, making many friends along the way.

Eleanor was fortunate to be able to spend the past few years safe at home, surrounded by family and engaging with friends. She will be missed by her children — Gail (Ken, deceased 2009), Kent (Cathie), and Paul; her siblings, Bryan (Gracey), and Lenora, as well as Gordon’s wife Nancy and their respective families; and her special friends Roz, Sandy and Mardi.

A private celebration of life will occur later in the spring/summer.