Date of Birth: February 4, 1926
Date of Death: November 5, 2022
On Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, our precious mother, Eleanor Helen Yelle, passed away peacefully with family at her side, at the age of 96 years. She was the last remaining survivor of her family’s generation.
Eleanor’s greatest love and passion was her family, and we are grateful for the years of memories she has helped create with all of us. All six of her children were very proud to call her Mom.
Eleanor will be deeply missed by her loving children: Jim (Judy), Ruth (Tom), Judi (Peter), Karen (Viktor) and Alan; 12 grandchildren, Kristin, Daina, Victoria, Leah, Jeff, Joe, Jillian, Jennifer, Morgan, Julie, Sarah and David; and 24 great-grandchildren. Eleanor is also survived by sisters-in-law, Yvette, Frances and Ann; brother-in-law, George; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Eleanor was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Hector; her son David; her parents ,Howard and Mary Pankoski; brothers, Elben, Morley, Clemens and Victor; sisters, Jean (in infancy) and Eveline; sisters-in-law, Wilma and Natasha and brother-in-law Danny.
Born on the family farm near Fenwood, Eleanor lived her entire life in Saskatchewan. After graduating from Sacred Heart Academy in Yorkton, Eleanor attended Normal School in Regina and attained a teaching degree. She taught Grades 1 – 12 in one-room schoolhouses in various rural locations. While teaching, Eleanor met her husband, Hector. They were married in 1951 and built their first home in Yorkton, where they started their family. Eleanor supported Hector and the growing family as he accepted transfers throughout the province. From Yorkton, the journey took them to Estevan, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, back to Yorkton, Regina and Estevan again, where Hector took an early retirement in 1990. Their move to Katepwa Lake provided a wonderful lifestyle and comfortable home base. Katepwa became the summertime destination for all of her loved ones over the years. Mom always welcomed visitors and was an ever-gracious hostess. She was forever cheerful, energetic and blessed with good health.
Initially, retirement was also spent wintering in Corpus Christie, Texas, followed by other trips to Europe, South America, Alaska and to her favourite destination, Hawaii, where she celebrated her 91st birthday. Life was good!
In 2016 Eleanor moved to Regina and was proud to be able to live independently. She continued to bake and cook, participated in exercise classes, sang in the choir and attended many events and activities. She was a woman of many talents, always willing to lend a hand. Eleanor was an intelligent and well-read woman, always up to date on the latest local and world news, and health and wellness remedies. She was a history buff and avid gardener. Eleanor had a wonderful fashion sense. She loved to shop and her wardrobe was second to none, except maybe the Queen’s, whom she greatly admired – who was surprisingly born and passed in the same years.
Eleanor was a devout Catholic who instilled in us all the importance of family, generosity and being kind to those around us. Eleanor had many roles in life from wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, to daughter, sister, aunt and friend. What a remarkable life. Even though we will miss her, she will forever be in our hearts. Thank you, Mom … until we meet again.
A celebration of Eleanor’s life will be held in summer 2023 and will be announced to family and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider facilitating an act of kindness in Eleanor’s name.
Family and friends are invited to view the online obituary and tributes page at www.reginafuneralhome.ca
Arrangements entrusted to Regina Funeral Home and Cemetery (306) 789-8850.
