Hanly, Elizabeth –
Elizabeth Frances Emily Hanly (née Richardson), aged 79 years passed away peacefully on November 24, 2016 at the Etobicoke General Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.
Elizabeth was born in Tuberose, Saskatchewan on July 20, 1937 to her loving parents Cecil Richardson and Helen Richardson (née Welsh).
Elizabeth grew up in Saskatchewan and began her university studies at Regina College and subsequently the University of Saskatchewan where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English Literature. It was during her university studies that she met Ken Hanly whom she eventually married in 1958. Elizabeth and Ken lived briefly in Eugene, Oregon but she spent the majority of her time after their marriage as a loving, devoted mother and homemaker in Brandon, Manitoba where Ken had accepted a teaching position at Brandon University. In 1997, Elizabeth and Ken separated and Elizabeth moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to be closer to her mother Helen who was ill. Elizabeth and Ken had seven children together: David (Daisy), Sean, Diane (Martin), Adrienne, Sylvester, Jason and Damon. In 2001, Diane (Martin) Gordon gave birth to Elizabeth’s first and only grandchild, Harrison Gordon.
Elizabeth had several good friends over her lifetime including Chris Stonehouse, Irene Bauman, Julian Isitt, Alice and Len Evans, James and Cathy McAllister, Adele and Phil Gosselin, and Errol and Marjorie Black.
Elizabeth was passionate about learning and loved reading both for pleasure and knowledge. She always had shelves full of books and when she moved back to Saskatoon in 1997 it was common that she would make a trip to the city library every week to get several books on loan. She had a strong passion for writing and enjoyed reviewing (and critiquing) her children’s English writing assignments. She also wrote poetry and often mentioned that she would like to do more writing if she had time and was very fond of a former professor who had been her mentor and had suggested she consider completing her Master of Arts in literature.
She was a kind, generous and nurturing person who always put her children first. Her nurturing nature extended to animals and she cared for many pets over the years including gerbils, hamsters, a rat, guinea pigs, rabbits, and fish. However, the main family pets were a dog named Silver and three cats, Tiger, Muffet and Fatboy. She also was a “surrogate” mother to several strays or her children’s pets.
She was very fond of nature and would love to sit outside or go for a short walk. She particularly liked watching animals and birds going about their daily routines and had made note of some “regulars” in her neighbourhood which included pigeons, a gopher, a rabbit and squirrels.
Elizabeth was predeceased by her older sister Vivian (Jack) Squires and her younger brother Philip (Ida May) Richardson and is survived by her younger sister Rosemary (Chris) Weisgerber. In addition to her ex-husband and brother-in law, seven children, one grandchild and her sister, Elizabeth is survived by several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Special thanks for the outstanding care provided by Dr. Struzik, family Dr., Dr. Baguio, Dr. Rana, Dr. Taremi and the Cancer Centre Team at Stronach Regional Cancer Centre, Dr. Maida, Palliative Dr. and the CCAC home care team, Monsignor Gregory Ace, Deacon Gary Thibodeau, Mrs. Peggy Hunter and the prayer team at St. Padre Pio, Kleinburg and everyone who prayed for Elizabeth. We are forever grateful.
“God is Love”
To Elizabeth’s entire family, you have my deepest sympathy. Elizabeth was one of the best people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. I only wish I’d had more time to communicate with her. She was always kind and loving to me, whether or not I thought I deserved it. She will always be on my mind.
Thank you to all for your kind words and your support during this difficult time for family and friends of my mom, Elizabeth. It brings some comfort to read these words. Thank-you all very much.
Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts. They bring comfort to our family in this difficult time
Elizabeth was among the most soulful people I have known. Non-judgmental by nature, very intelligent and acutely aware, she picked her ground carefully and carefully shared her extraordinarily insightful views. Her deep love for those around her was inspirational. She is one of those whose passing just seems so wrong.
Liz I will miss our literary conversations on facebook…fly high and be happy
My condolence to all the family. Your mother was a beautiful lady.
She will be with you always, memories never die. Rest in peace Elizabeth.
Adrienne and family.I am sorry for the loss of your mom.She was a beautiful soul! May her memory live on in each one of you..My condolences to all of Elizabeth’s family and friends at this time.RIP Beautiful…
Diane,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Krish
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Ginny & Gunter Haffki and Carol-Ann Gillis
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss… praying for you and your family. Simmin