It is with saddened hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Elaine Marie Mair on July 16th, 2013 at the Kelowna Hospital.
Elaine was born in Nelson, BC in 1943 to Ed and Anne Chernoff. She was the elder sibling of Ed Chernoff junior.
Elaine spent her life here in the Kootenays close to her immediate and extended family. During this time she developed lifelong relationships with many people within this community including her husband Don. Aside from being three months shy of celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, Elaine and Don shared an immense bond since they were children. They were married October 19th, 1963. Shortly after, they started a family, having three children.
After committing the early years to her children’s lives, Elaine went back to work at Sears in Castlegar. From there, Elaine worked at the Castlegar Savings Credit Union for many years until she retired at the age of 56.
Her and Don dedicated their lives to truly working together and building a solid future for themselves and their children. In addition to working hard in their chosen careers, in their spare time, they worked endlessly and tirelessly at building, renovating and beautifying several homes over the last four decades. Whatever home they lived in, it was obvious that they worked as a team to custom design it inside and out. Whatever home they lived in, the door was always open to family and friends. As soon as someone walked through that door, Elaine would do whatever it took to make a person feel comfortable and welcome.
After retirement Elaine and Don also took time out to travel. They went to Cuba, Hawaii, Mexico, across Canada, and finally decided to join the Canadian snowbirds in Arizona throughout the majority of the winters. Elaine really enjoyed her time there and looked forward to returning.
Elaine’s dedication to, and unconditional love for her family was immeasurable. Her entire world revolved around her children and grandchildren and she would do absolutely anything for them. The needs of her family were always first and foremost. She was a loving, loyal, and supportive partner to Don as well. She was the hub of the family and she will be so greatly missed.
Left to mourn is her husband Don, sons Brad Mair and Jeff (Chu-Chu Kenchenten), daughter Jennifer Mair (Mike Porter), grandson Neriah Mair, granddaughter Jasper Mair and step grandchildren Hannah and Eddie Porter.
Elaine was predeceased by her parents Ed and Anne Chernoff and younger brother Ed Chernoff.
The family would like to thank the Castlegar emergency first aid responders, the emergency response team at the Trail Regional Hospital for their quick and compassionate care, The Castlegar Funeral Chapel, as well as all the wonderful people who have come by the house with food, support, love and understanding.
A service was held Wednesday, July 24th 2013 at
the New Life Assembly Church.
In lieu of flowers or gifts baskets, donations to the family can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.