Eleanor Ruth Bracewell

In Loving Memory

Eleanor Ruth Bracewell

October 14, 1928- March 27, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and great- grandmother, Eleanor Bracewell. Eleanor was born on October 14, 1928, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and died peacefully on March 27, 2025, in Surrey, BC., at the age of 96. Eleanor is preceded in death by her husband Richard Grant Bracewell, her children Steven Bruce Bracewell (Valerie) and Linda Louise (Bracewell) Solomon (Nancy), her parents Harold and Ruth (Murray) Bowes, her brothers, Jim Bowes (Fran), Bill Bowes (Margaret-living), Dave Bowes (Mary) and Howie Bowes (Marilyn).

She leaves behind her daughters Donna (David) and Maureen (Jean-Luc), her sister Anne (Claire), ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A loving wife, mother, and sister, Eleanor married the love of her life, Grant Bracewell, in 1953. They were married for 68 years, until his passing in 2021. Together they raised a family of 4 children.

Eleanor was proud of her career as a dietician, graduating from UBC in 1951, in an era when it was still unusual for a woman to earn a university degree and pursue a profession. She worked at Royal Jubilee and Vancouver General Hospitals before moving to Bella Coola with Grant in 1955. It was there, raising two young children, that she had her first experience as a minister’s wife. She was active in the United Church, singing in the choir, serving on the UCW and leading youth groups including CGIT, throughout her life.

Eleanor returned to work part-time as a dietician in Vancouver in 1967, and when the family moved to Toronto, in 1968, with 4 children, she began a full-time position at North York General Hospital. Later she moved to Scarborough Grace Hospital, as the Director of Nutrition and Food Services. She retired in 1993 after a total of 32 years in the profession.

After retirement and a move back to the west coast, Eleanor loved travelling with Grant in their camper van, and was an accomplished knitter and quilter. She continued her commitment to serving the church and both she and Grant were active in Crescent United Church into their early 90s. She and Grant had an expansive view of what constitutes family and Eleanor loved, and was fiercely proud of, our large lovingly blended-extended family, enjoying big family gatherings right through this past Christmas.

On Saturday, May 10 at 1 PM, the family will hold a celebration of life at Peninsula United Church, 2756 127th Street, Surrey B.C., followed by a memorial tea at the church.

(If you plan on attending the service make sure you put the above address into your maps search to avoid ending up at the affiliate church across town)

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to a charity of your choice or to the Peninsula United Church Memorial Fund (604-531-2979).