With great sadness the family of Elaine Burton (Barisoff) of Fruitvale wishes to announce her passing on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at Columbia View Lodge in Trail, blessed with 56 years of life.
Elaine was born in Nelson, BC on January 25, 1956 to parents Grace and George Barisoff. She was the youngest of four children and enjoyed growing up in Krestova. Elaine married at the young age of 16 and raised her two children in the Thrums and Castlegar areas. She remarried in 1980 and relocated her family to Crescent Valley until the mid 1990’s. Her last 17 years were spent in Robson, Trail and finally Fruitvale since 2009. During the 1980’s and 1990’s Elaine worked in retail management in the clothing and food industries. She had a good business sense and partnered in self-employed businesses for many of those years. Elaine even found time to volunteer as a spokesperson for the BC Schizophrenia Society and the Salvation Army.
Elaine had a passion for nature, natural healing, animals and helping others. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, picking mushrooms, camping, fishing, and nurturing her beautiful vegetable and flower gardens. She bred Cocker Spaniels and treasured them as children, especially after her own children graduated and went their ways. Elaine was extremely creative. She was gifted with beautiful calligraphic penmanship. Her talents were very obvious through cross-stitching, bead working and making jewelry. Elaine loved to sing, play guitar, read, do crossword puzzles and master Sudoko puzzles – even in her last days. Her greatest loves were her children and grandchildren.
Elaine’s heart was very generous and loving. She continually looked out for the best interests of others. Despite her diagnosis and progression of lung cancer in the past 2 years, Elaine met each day with her undeniable faith in God. She continued to see beyond her circumstances, stayed full of joy and remained an overcomer.
She was predeceased by her father George in 1979 and her mother Grace in 2001.
Left to mourn her loss is her son Kris Burton; daughter Deena (Jamie) Beauchamp; grandchildren Evan and Kelly Buday and Brady, Jenna and Abby Beauchamp; sister Katie (George) Koochin; brothers Fred (Diane) Nazar and George (Nettie) Barisoff; many nephews and nieces.
Cremation has taken place under the care of Castlegar Funeral Chapel and a Private Celebration of Life will held in Castlegar at a later date.
Expressions of Sympathy can be emailed to Castlegar Funeral Chapel (fdcfc@shawbiz.ca) or donations in Elaine’s memory may be made to: Memorials Department, BC Lung Association, PO Box 34009, Stn. D, Vancouver
BC V6J 9Z9.