RATCHFORD, Eleanor Mae
North Sydney
After a brief battle with cancer Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Mae Ratchford, age 82, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2017, in the exceptional comfort and care of the Northside Community Guest Home, where she resided these past three months.
Prior to this, Ellie resided at 312 Esplanade in Sydney and proudly on Bell Street, Glace Bay, where she transformed the ‘chip ladies’ house into the ‘flower ladies’ sanctuary.
Ellie was well known in Glace Bay for her berms of flowers, bed upon bed of all manner of color, her yard without a lawn. This creativity extended to her interior design, watercolors and decorating flair. As a child she was asked to be the face of Gerber baby food…this extended later into her life where she enjoyed further acclaim for her personal style.
Ellie was born in Saint John, NB, on May 8, 1934, the daughter of the late Karl and Helena Langille, both of Truro. She joined the Canadian Air Force in May 1952 at age 18, where she was a W.A.C./Rank of Leading Air Woman. Here she eventually married a RCAF airman in 1954, both of them living and travelling Europe for over a decade. It was also here that she developed her culinary, artistic and linguistic skills further. An avid reader Ellie was well spoken, oftentimes out spoken, on a broad range of subjects. As entertaining as Ellie was contrary, she forged her own path in the early seventies until her retirement some twenty years ago, choosing Glace Bay to be close to her sons Paul and Jason.
Ellie leaves behind her two sons, Paul Ratchford (Anne) and Jason Ratchford (Michele); her grandchildren, Jordan, Russell and Lily, all of whom reside locally.
She was predeceased by her parents, Karl Langille and Helena; her sister, Anne Cummings (Bob), Summerside; her brother, Sonny Langille (Betty), Truro; her dear friends and kindred spirits, Bonnie and Ethel. Kind words were always extended to her friend Billy at the Truro Air Force Club, where she was a member and volunteer.
As per Ellie’s request and orders, cremation has taken place with no visitation or funeral service. A repatriation of her ashes in Truro, alongside her parents will take place at a later date. Arrangements are under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.
Memorial donations may be made to the Feral Cat Society, Clifford Street Youth Centre, or a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com.