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.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
I’m so sorry for the whole Hill Family, whom I knew well in Saskatoon, especially at Balmoral United. I’m glad Elaine and the family chose her final resting place to be in the beautiful city of Saskatoon.
Love to all, Clark
My deepest condolences to the entire family . She was a lovely lady and will sure be missed .
Sincere condolences to Ray from Roy and Jeanne Maroney
May God strengthen you during this difficult time
our deepest sympathy
Deepest condolences. We have the fondest memories of “Briar Rose” and the Hills sailing on Lake Diefenbaker. Such a lovely and fun couple. Love to Ray and family.
Our sincere to Ray and family. Elaine was a wonderful lady. We have many fond memories of time spent at Madge Lake. Verna and Vern
My Condolences to Ray and Family, I have great memories sailing with Ray and Elaine on CYA courses at the coast. Best wishes from your Lake Diefenbaker friends!
Elaine was a very special person. We remember her well from our years at Balmoral United Church in Saskatoon. She liked to remind us that she had known Heather’s parents and always had something nice to say every time we met throughout the years. She will be greatly missed. Condolences to Ray and family. Bruce & Heather
Our sincere condolences to Ray and the rest of Elaine’s family.
Ray and family,
My condolences to you on the passing Elaine.. I remember her from your days at Louise Avenue Church in Saskatoon. I pray God’s comfort for you
Lynn Ross
It is with profound sadness that I read the news of the passing of dear Elaine Hill. My heartfelt condolences to the family. After retirement in 2005, a former colleague Dr. Gerry Zoerb talked me into joining the Golden Key Kiwanis Club in Saskatoon. I was very impressed by the charitable activities of the group and enjoyed the weekly luncheon meetings featuring a guest speaker. However, for me the most rewarding aspect turned out to be the chance to get acquainted with Elaine and Ray Hill. Never met such a wonderful couple before. They were both very kind to me, and their gentle ways provided some wise counsel over the years which turning me into a somewhat better person. Many thanks.
We were all crushed when Ray and Elaine decided to move to West Kelowna to be close to their son. May God bless us all.
Sincerely,
Mel Hosain
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan