Obituary of Eleanor Marion Drover
Eleanor passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 16, as the warm spring sunshine stretched across the earth. It was the kind of day she loved most; the sort of day that brought lightness to her step and called her outdoors to tend to the flowers and gardens she lovingly cared for throughout her life, in the many places she called home.
Born on a beautiful farm outside of Stratford, Eleanor grew up alongside her parents, her brother, and a close-knit community of relatives proud of their Scottish heritage. From an early age, her intelligence, determination, and deep love of music were unmistakable. She began piano lessons as a young girl as soon as she was old enough to drive herself into Stratford for lessons — a passion that would shape the course of her life. Her studies eventually took her to Toronto and later to New York City, where she pursued music, social work, and theology.
While in New York, Eleanor married Glenn Drover, and together they built a beautiful life that carried them across the world — living in England, then Halifax — while raising their four children, Sarah, Christopher, Rachel, and Gregory along the way. Music remained at the centre of Eleanor’s life and work. A gifted pianist, organist, and dedicated teacher, she shared her talents in countless places including England, Halifax, Montreal, Germany, Vancouver, Hong Kong, and eventually Perth. Throughout her lifetime, she taught thousands of students, mentoring and encouraging others with patience, passion, and unwavering dedication. The next generation came along, and she was the proud grandmother of Emma, Tim, Evan, Grace, Alice, Willow, Cooper, Daxter, Gregory Jr and Lauren.
Faith and church community were pillars of Eleanor’s life. She spoke often and passionately about the people she met through her faith, and the care and compassion she carried for those around her was evident in all she did.
Friends are invited to visit with the family at the Blair & Son Funeral Home, 15 Gore St. W. Perth on Wednesday May 27, 2026 from 9:00am to 10:30am. A funeral mass will be held immediately following at the St James the Apostle Church, 12 Harvey St, Perth, at 11:00am. For those wishing to attend, a reception will take place in the church hall following the mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to a charity of your choice in memory of Eleanor.
In her happiest place, Eleanor is imagined seated once more at the piano, playing effortlessly- perhaps a beloved hymn or one of the great classical pieces she cherished so deeply. Maybe pausing only briefly for a bowl of chocolate ice cream, or to gently encourage and mentor someone discovering their own talents. Though the music has now quieted on Eleanor’s earthly journey, her family finds comfort in knowing that she continued to find beauty and joy in song right through to her final days.
