Obituary of Eleanor V. Seaman

March 8, 1927 - Regina, Saskatchewan

December 6, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Eleanor Victoria Seaman (nee Lee), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at the age of 95 years, after living a long and full life.

Eleanor was born on March 8, 1927 to Catherine Eliza Getty and Victor Edward Lee in Regina, Saskatchewan and had one younger brother Garth. Eleanor went to the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon and majored in Home Economics. While attending university Eleanor met the love of her life, Donald Roy Seaman. They met during Frosh week when Don asked Eleanor to shine his shoes, but it turns out that he had already spotted her at a dance earlier that week. This was the beginning of a romance that led to a marriage that lasted over 72 years, their love and respect for each other was an example for all who knew them, especially our family. 

Don moved to Quebec to work as an engineer. Shortly after graduating, Eleanor followed Don to Quebec to finish her internship as a dietician at the Montreal General Hospital. Don and Eleanor were married on November 4, 1950 in Regina. In 1956, they moved to Calgary. Eleanor and Don went on to have five children, Victoria Tirmizi (Navid), Donna Kanovsky (Michael), Laurie Ircandia, (John), Marilou Seaman, and Erin Seaman. Eleanor and Don had many interests in common that brought them much pleasure which included their love for golf, bridge and their wide circle of friends. Most of all Don and Eleanor have made their family a priority by gathering the family for vacations and travel. They were the center and driving force behind the life of their extended family.

As a mother, Eleanor excelled. She made it her priority to create a loving home with home cooked meals, clean laundry, and predictable routines. Eleanor had fifteen grandchildren and they remember her warm spirit, gentle manner, and love for family. Her door was always open, and the grandchildren loved playing cards and board games with her. One of the favourite past times for many grandchildren was a trip to the shopping mall with Grammy where everyone was spoiled. Her family keeps growing and she now has thirteen great-grandchildren with one more on the way.

Eleanor embraced wholeheartedly her role in life as a wife and a mother and never wished for any other role. Behind the scenes she was a passionate lifelong learner. She had a bookcase that went floor to ceiling with books stacked two deep. She developed a passion for astrology and nutrition, with many other interests including numerology, alternative medicine, Feng Shui and the use of the pendulum for divination. She used this knowledge to help others as her greatest passion was helping people. Eleanor made many meaningful friendships throughout her life. Some of her friendships lasted from grade school. Later in life Eleanor and her friends became a part of many bridge clubs. These bridge clubs became a source of many friendships that would become one of Eleanor’s greatest support systems. Eleanor had a delightful sense of humor, and she was at her funniest while poking fun at herself. Many a time she would have the family laughing until they bent over, hearing her laugh at something she had done.

Eleanor was predeceased by her daughters, Laurie Ircandia and Erin, and her brother Garth Lee. She is survived by Victoria Tirmizi, (Navid), Donna Kanovsky, (Michael), Marilou Seaman; son-in-law, John Ircandia; grandchildren, Sean Orman, (Angie), Riley Orman, Cayley Orman (Mike Meyer), Salman Tirmizi, Samir Tirmizi, Zain Tirmizi, Mia Tirmizi, Kyle Kanovsky (Nicole), Chad Kanovsky (Ali Robertson), Jessica Lessard (Kevin), Leah Hamel (Alan Mill), Carley Hamel (Martin Guiffre), Neil Hamel, Vincent Ircandia (Amelia), and Matthew Ircandia (Meagan); and her great-grandchildren, Bella, Charlise, Lochlan, Gianna, Dallas, Weston, Rosie, Araya, Blake, Jude, Luca, Eleanora, and Gio.

Thank you to all of mom’s loving caregivers that have treated our mother like she was their own; Leslie, Joan, Yolly, Racquel and Cher. These women are like angels to our family, and we are so very grateful for their care and love. We also would like to thank Dr. Susan Lea-Makenny and her staff and the nursing staff from Garrison Green Seniors community. They all were such a great support and comfort for us. 

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, December 12, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. Reception to follow. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Eleanor's service streamed live below on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed at www.MHFH.com.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, the family requests donations be made to The Children’s Cottage, 845 McDougall Road N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 5A5, Tel: (403) 283-4274, www.childrenscottage.ab.ca an organization the Seaman family felt strongly about.
 

In living memory of Eleanor Seaman, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

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