We Remember

HILL, Elaine Patricia (née Schmitt)

September 11, 1932 — February 9, 2024

It is with great love and sadness that we announce the loss of Elaine Patricia Hill, who passed away peacefully on February 9, 2024, at the age of 91.

Elaine Patricia (née Schmitt) Hill, daughter of Cecil and Daisy (née Doak) Schmitt, was born in Saskatoon on September 11, 1932. She attended Victoria School and Nutana Collegiate. After receiving her B.A. at the University of Saskatchewan in 1953, she was employed at the Saskatoon Public Library for two and a half years. In 1954, she married Ray Hill, a theology student at St. Andrew’s College. In 1956, following the birth of their daughter, Catherine, and Ray’s ordination, the family moved to their first pastoral charge at Bredenbury, SK.

In 1959, Ray accepted a call to Wynyard and served that charge for seven years. Elaine enjoyed her role as minister’s wife, involving herself in the women’s groups, leading C.G.I.T. and singing in the church choir. As well her involvement in church activities, Elaine served on the Library Board for several years prior to taking on the position as librarian. In 1966 the family, now increased in size by two sons, Donald and Brian, moved to Saskatoon where Ray was to serve Balmoral United Church. Elaine returned to the U of S to obtain her B.Ed. degree. In the fall of 1968, Elaine assumed the position of Teacher-Librarian at Walter Murray Collegiate for a period of 21 years, retiring in 1989.

In their spare time, Ray and Elaine enjoyed their family and the outdoors. Most of their holidays were spent at their cabin at Madge Lake and more recently Emerald Lake. Their favoured activities included reading, working around the yard, canoeing, sailing, cross
country skiing and hiking.

Following her retirement in 1989 Elaine and Ray did considerable travelling and sailing. They purchased a camper van and a 26’ Macgregor sailboat, which they moored at Elbow Harbour on Lake Diefenbaker. In 1990, they became involved in the Sask. Power and Sail Squadron, studying and teaching boat safety. Also following retirement, Elaine, as a breast cancer survivor, visited others on behalf of Reach to Recovery for about 15 years.

In the summer of 2013, they relocated to West Kelowna, BC to live near the lake and their son, Brian. Their daughter, Catherine, also moved to West Kelowna in 2016.

She is survived by her husband, Ray of West Kelowna; daughter Catherine Hart, of West Kelowna; son Donald (Sheila), of Calgary; grandchildren Kristin (Enrique); great-granddaughter Brithany, of Calgary & Colin, of Calgary; son Brian, of West Kelowna; and granddaughter Cassandra (Fredric), of Victoria. Elaine is predeceased by her grandson, Michael, of Edmonton.

In keeping with Elaine’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. She will be honoured in the hearts of those who had the joy of knowing her. Elaine will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

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