ELEANOR MAE TUSTIAN STEELE

ELEANOR MAE TUSTIAN STEELE June 26, 1931 – September 18, 2023 With heavy hearts the family of Eleanor Mae Tustian Steele announces her passing on September 18, 2023 in her 93rd year. She leaves behind her daughter Anne Steele-Giffin, grandchildren Darcey (André), Connor (Courtney) and Stephanie (Logan); great-grandchildren Alex and Owen Giffin-Morin; sisters Pauline Tyres and Doris Aleick; her “summer son” Paul (Donna) and her friend of almost 50 years Kay Nadeau. She was predeceased by husband Douglas, son Michael and granddaughter Skye. Eleanor became a teacher and married Doug soon after graduation in 1952. As a new teacher, her first classroom was in Sudbury, but when Doug’s father’s health failed, they moved back to Meldrum Bay to help run a tourist camp and care for Doug’s father. She became the sole teacher for the one-room schoolhouse in Meldrum Bay and taught eight grades in the same room. After the family moved to Gore Bay, she taught at C.C. McLean Public School until her retirement. When she wasn’t teaching, she helped run their hardware store, which is now Home Hardware. Eleanor loved to travel and she and Doug went on many adventures with friends and family. From Alaska to Arizona, Florida, Ireland, the Bahamas and trips to British Columbia and the Maritimes, Eleanor was always happy to be adventuring with Doug. Eleanor was an avid curler and she and her friends curled until they could curl no more. She was sad the day she hung up her broom for the last time, but she would still attend the bonspiels to cheer on the women who came after. Eleanor was a wonderful cook, baker, and a great hostess. She had a wicked sense of humour and truly enjoyed a good party with good friends. She loved her family, friends and communities of Gore Bay and Meldrum Bay as she and Doug shared their time between them. She will be missed by her family and her friends. Love you Ellie Mae. Family and friends gathered on Saturday, September 23, 2023 for an Eastern Star service at 12:30 pm at Simpson Funeral Home with visitation at 1 pm. Funeral service followed at 1:30 pm with Janice Frame officiating. Donations in Eleanor’s name may be made out to Meldrum Bay United Church, DCIA Meldrum Bay (Hall Fund) and Lyons Memorial United Church (Food Pantry).