Passed away peacefully in Orillia on February 10, 2024 at the age of 90. Predeceased by her beloved husband Lawrence and her parents Harold and Evelyn Campkin. Eleanor was born in Orillia at the end of the Great Depression and was very proud to have lived her entire life in the Orillia community. She attended Central Public School followed by the Orillia Collegiate Institute where she was Head Girl. It was during those years that she caught the eye of Lawrence who would take her flying from the float plane base at the Orillia waterfront. They married in 1955, built their first home in Forest Home, and went on to have three children. Eleanor also obtained her Private Pilot License and through the years they flew together from the East coast of Canada to the Bahamas.
Eleanor enjoyed a long and varied career. As a young teenager, she scooped ice cream at French’s Stand in Couchiching Beach Park. During high school she worked in the dining room at Bayview Wildwood Inn. She worked as a kindergarten teacher in Orillia following her training at Brown School in Toronto. She assisted Lawrence with the family logging and development business. Finally, she partnered with son David to purchase Evans Travel where she spent 20 years organizing numerous travel adventures for their clients. Many will remember travelling on her countless dinner and theatre bus trips to Toronto, Stratford and other regional theatrical productions. A testament to her love of the stage.
Eleanor was an active volunteer within the community supporting the Women’s Institute, the Orillia Concert Association, the Orillia Business Women’s Association, and Hospice Orillia. She was a frequent participant in the local Daffodil Fashion Show in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. Together with Lawrence they hosted many international students through their involvement with the Orillia Rotary Club.
As a devoted mother and grandmother, Eleanor was always quick to offer her support and lend a helping hand. She loved to host large family gatherings. Her grandchildren will forever remember their annual week at “Grandma’s Summer Camp” which always included hot dogs and ice cream at French’s Stand, go-karting, and a visit to Santa’s Village. Each member of our family felt loved and cherished and blessed to have had her in our lives. We will forever miss her countless hugs.
Eleanor will be forever remembered by her three children, Stephen (Lidia), David (Carrie), and Pamela (John Parker); grandchildren Tiffany (Peter Hartman), Kris and Matthew Shaw; Maggie (Jason Kerr) and Mitchell (Erin) Shaw; Michael and Andrew Parker; David and Paulina Kozera; and great grandchildren Peyton Hopkins; Aunika and Aurora Kerr; Hannah and Quinn Shaw; and Henry Shaw Hartman.
She is predeceased by her dear sister and best friend Marilyn (Drummond McKerrow); brother-in-law Martin Shaw and sister-in-law June Phelps (Bill). She is survived by brother-in-law Gerald Shaw (Barbara) and sister-in-law Antoinette Shaw. She will be lovingly remembered by cousin Wendy Beardall (Chris Norton).
A special thank you to her many caregivers, especially Grace and Ninette, for their kindness and support during her final years as she battled dementia.
Visitation will be held at the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St. North Orillia on Thursday, February 15 from 6 to 7:30 pm and from 12:15 on Friday, February 16 until time of service in the Chapel at 1 pm.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Campaign. Messages of condolence are welcome at www.mundellfuneralhome.com.