We Remember

DURST, Helen “Elaine”

August 30, 1932 — August 24, 2025

It is with great love and sadness that we announce the loss of Helen “Elaine” Durst, who passed away on August 24, 2025 at the age of 93.

Elaine is survived by her daughter Lorraine (Dana) Graff; grandchildren Mason (Morgan) Graff, Jenna (Stephen) Rizzuto, Robyn (Garnet) Harris, and Brandon Durst; great-grandchildren Hudson and Emma; brother Harold (Bev) Churchill; and many special friends who will all miss her dearly.

She now goes to join those who passed before her, including her husband of 69 years, Ralph; son Randy; and many loving family members.

Elaine was a woman of strong character and many interests. She had a love for writing and became an author, always carrying with her the dream of one day being a journalist. Over the years she worked in city planning and later took on a role that suited her well as head librarian at Lakeshore Assisted Living. She valued hard work, but also the community and friendships she built along the way.

At home and in her daily life, Elaine found joy in the things she loved most. She spent many hours in her garden, caring for both flowers and vegetables, and she never lost her appreciation for music, especially classical pieces and the familiar sounds of the 1950s. Competitive by nature, she rarely turned down a game of crib and was well known for her winning streak at Lakeshore bingo.

Elaine met her soulmate, Ralph, at a dance, and within seven months they were married, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love and loyalty. She will be missed deeply by all who knew her.

Family and friends will each honour Elaine in their own ways. No formal service will be held.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

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