Mrs. Elaine Astrid Nye (nee Ross) passed away peacefully in her sleep, at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, Unit 32, on Saturday morning, August 3, 2024 at the age of 86 years. Elaine was born in Galt, Ontario, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ernest and Ruth (nee Wendell) Ross of Kitchener (Doon). She was a wonderful wife, and mother, who loved her family dearly.
Elaine was a graduate of Preston High School, Cambridge (Preston), Ontario, and was awarded the Yates Trophy, for the best all-around student in Grade 12. In May 1955, she was sponsored by the Rotarian Club for “An Adventure in Citizenship” in Ottawa. At Stratford Teacher College, she was the first female president of the Student Council. She taught at Lincoln Avenue School and Highland School, Galt. Going overseas, she taught at Hemer DND School, Germany, and also served as Guidance Counselor for girls, from Grade 4 to Grade 13.
She met her husband, George in Germany, and they had a Civil and a Military wedding, complete with a sword party by Officers of the Lord Strathcona’s Regiment and Dental Corps. Returning to Canada, their two sons, Ian and Keith were born in Pembroke, Ontario, where she was a supply teacher. She completed her B.A. courses and graduated from Wilfred Laurier University [formally Waterloo Lutheran University].
Following three years in Kingston, Ontario, her family moved to San Francisco for three years, and then returned to C.F.B Cold Lake, where she taught E.S.L (English as a second language) to Vietnamese Immigrants, with Lakeland College, Extension Staff.
Coming to Red Deer in 1984, in the early years, she was Business Manager for her husband’s practice. She taught Ladies Adult Bible Studies for ten years. In July 2003, she was a teacher in Vacation Bible School for Inuit children at Tuktoyaktuk, NWT, sponsored by “On Eagles Wings.” At Sylvan Lake, Elaine was very active at Camp Kuriakos, (Lutheran Outdoor Ministry). Both of her boys were campers, S.I.T.S [students in training] and Counselors. She served on the Camp Board for ten years and was a Past Chair.
In Red Deer, she supported the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra and wrote a letter to the Board which was instrumental in initiating the idea of a permanent qualified conductor. Maestro Claude LaPalme is now in his 37th year. Elaine served on the Symphony Board for ten years and was a Past Chair.
At Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, she was a laywoman Stephen Minister, and in February 2014, she graduated as a Stephen Leader at Anaheim, California. Elaine served on the Future Planning Committee and was past Chair of the Ladies Aid.
For relaxation, she enjoyed cottage life with her friends and family at the cottage at Half Moon Bay, Sylvan Lake, and entertaining friends at her home in Red Deer.
Wishing to live at home as long possible, she was aided by Nicole Manseau, RN and her very capable home caregivers. The family wishes to acknowledge the medical care provided by Dr. Hovan, and Dr. Singh, of Red Deer, and the Palliative Care provided by Dr. Yam; and the compassion and care of the nurses at the Emergency Room and Palliative Care Unit 32; and Mrs. Bzdel, Palliative Care Social Worker.
If desired, Memorial Donations in Elaine’s honour may be made directly to the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra, Camp Kuriakos, Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, or to the Augustana University for the Elaine A. (Ross) Nye Scholarship for Teachers training leading to a combined degree of BSc/BEd; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Elaine leaves to mourn her loss, her loving husband of fifty-five years, George; her sons, Ian and Keith; her sister, Jane; her brother-in-law, Dan Kyba; Eugene Fournier, and numerous cousins in Ontario. A Funeral Service was held at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 18 Selkirk Blvd., Red Deer, Alberta on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. with The Reverend Scott Brayall Officiating. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

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• Date : 2024-08-15
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