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Light a Candle
On December 16, 2019, Eleanor Anne Whiteside, our beloved friend, sister, mother, and grandmother died peacefully in San Diego, California. Close family and friends were by her side, holding her hands and surrounding her with love as she made her gentle transition. Eleanor’s abundant faith and her appreciation for the life she lived and the people she loved carried her through her final days. Eleanor was born in Loggieville, New Brunswick, Canada on May 8, 1934 to Ellery and Eva Weeks. Loggieville is a picturesque fishing and logging village located at the mouth of the Miramichi River and it was there that her father managed A & R Loggie. Ellery and Eva raised 9 children together with a span of 25 years in age. Eleanor, being born in the middle, shared fond memories with both the older and younger generations. She recalled times sledding and cross country skiing during the winter and biking, swimming, and picnicking by the river during the summer. Eleanor is survived by her two younger sisters, Phyllis Weeks of North Bay, Ontario and Shirley Lingenfelter of Nanaimo, British Columbia. After graduating highschool, Eleanor set her sights on business courses in Chatham, NB where she studied accounting. Her journeys took her oversees to Germany where she lived and worked for several years. Upon returning to Canada, she moved to Edmonton, Alberta and worked as an accountant for a financial consulting company. Through dear friends and colleagues she met the love of her life, Carelton Whiteside, whom she married in August 1969. Shortly after, they were transferred to Anchorage by Carel’s employer, ATCO Structures, for the development of work camps and housing for the Alaskan pipeline. It was here in Anchorage that they started their family with the birth of their son Scott Carelton in April 1971. As Eleanor embraced motherhood, she also developed her greatest passion as she honed her culinary and entertaining talents. When French diplomats visited to learn about the Alaskan pipeline, she was honored to be selected as a local host. To their surprise she prepared a menu of French cuisine, which was written up in the Anchorage Times. In December 1973, their daughter Hillary Anne was born. Soon after, they would be transferred again…..and yet again. Together as a family, they lived in Calgary, Alberta; Houston and Waco, Texas; Littleton, Colorado; and Riverside, California. No matter where they landed, they quickly adapted, welcomed change, jumped into new experiences and made lifelong friends. The only constant they took with them was their strength as a family, the greatest gift of all. Carel and Eleanor raised both of their children with great fortitude and as a united team. As her husband Carel traveled frequently for work, she took great pride in shaping and supporting their experiences. Whether it was carting them around to their various sporting events, joining class field trips, or orchestrating neighborhood activities, she was always there for them. She taught them to have gratitude for their blessings, to take responsibility for their actions, to garner their educational opportunities, to have a strong conviction in their beliefs and above all to have deep respect for self and others. Eleanor was a protective, loving and supportive mother. When it was time to retire, Carel and Eleanor settled in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee to enjoy a life they had always dreamed of. What wonderful times they had together playing bridge, going to local plays, dancing in the kitchen and of course hosting gatherings with friends. They were members of the Community Church, a place they felt they truly belonged. After Carel died in December 2008, Eleanor chose to stay in Fairfield Glade as it was the place she felt most at home. Her friends from church, from bridge groups and from Ladies Club rallied around her to support and encourage her. In January of 2016, she made a decision to join her daughter, Hillary and son in law, Kyle Coulter in San Diego. In April of 2018, Eleanor found her final and most prized role in life as “Grammy Bear” to Remington (Remy) Scott, named in honor of Carel and Eleanor’s son Scott, who died at the age of 21 in September 1992. Remy brought so much joy to Eleanor’s spirit as she described him as “the most precious”. Though Eleanor’s health was challenged in recent years, she continued to create and experience beautiful memories and forged unbreakable love with her family. She will be remembered, loved and honored for her grace, her beauty, her strength and her kind and generous spirit. A Celebration of Life will be held in Fairfield Glade, TN in the springtime with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Scott C. Whiteside Scholarship at Fort Lewis College in honor of Eleanor’s beloved son. Fort Lewis College Foundation 1000 Rim Drive Durango, CO 81301
