Obituary of Elinor Dorothy Callan

Elinor Dorothy Callan (Davidson)
Dec 28 1934 - Feb 12 2024

Loving partner to J Douglas Callan and dedicated mom to Steve (Anita) and Jeff (Lisa Oakes) and doting grandma to Jenna (Mark Isaacs), Jessica (Matthew Chin), Ben, Blake, Will and Kyle Callan and great grandma to Jack, Lennon and Elinor Isaacs.  Elinor was predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Audrey Davidson, and her older brother Keith (Shirley). She will be sadly missed by her younger sister Gwenn (Stewart) Fulford, Marilyn Wright-Davidson, George and Carole Callan, her best friend Eleanor Lyons, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Elinor was born and raised on her parents’ farm overlooking the Rideau River just north of Manotick. She attended public school in Bowesville and completed business studies in Ottawa.  She met Doug at one of her softball games and they tied the knot in 1958. Their marriage took them first to Kemptville and then to Toronto before finally settling at Rideau Ferry which was always considered to be home.   Elinor loved to cook and to host family dinners at the Rideau. She enjoyed x-country skiing, snowmobiling, gardening, curling, playing cards, travelling abroad and spending all summers at Rideau Ferry, many of them with Harry and Marg Callan and her parents , Andy and Audrey Davidson, at the family compound.  If there was a job to be done she was there to help and she would not stop until it was completed. A drinky-boo afterwards was her reward. She never spent a lot on herself but always cared for and spoiled others.  Her sons and their children fondly remember her watching them swim at the lake, bathing them in the washtub before they were able to swim, and treating them for something to eat and drink afterwards.

Elinor eventually succumbed to Alzheimer’s. Doug was able to look after her for the first 4-5 years but the last 7 were in the Lanark Lodge. The team there really cared for her and thought of her as a great resident with a touch of elegance and a twinkle in her eyes. Elinor never complained and was always appreciative of their care.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Elinor, we suggest the Alzheimer’s Society of Lanark Leeds Grenville and/or the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation – Perth Site.

Arrangements are in the care of Blair & Son Funeral Directors, Perth.