Obituary of Eleanor Solana-Martin

April 3, 1938 – Winnipeg, Manitoba

July 17, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Eleanor Solana-Martin, beloved wife of Antonio Solana-Martin, of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the age of 86 years at the Foothills County Hospice.

Eleanor was born on April 3, 1938, in Winnipeg, MB. Her passion for teaching was evident from a young age, when family visits with her younger cousins turned into strict school sessions. She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts in 1959 and a Certificate in Education in 1961. Teaching was her true calling, and she proudly dedicated 35 years to inspiring her students and helping them reach their full potential. Her students excelled because they liked and respected her. She improved their lives and positively impacted their futures.

During a time when most children did not move away from their hometowns or their families, Eleanor's adventurous spirit led her to teach in various locations, including Winnipeg, Gimli, Toronto, Calgary, and the Grand Prairie Correctional Facility. In the late 1960s, she moved to Calgary, where she was introduced to the love of her life, Antonio, by lifelong friends Carol and Roger Pilkington. They married in 1967 and her parents warmly welcomed Antonio into the family. He was an intellectual and passionate Spaniard pursuing his Master's degree at the University of Calgary.

Eleanor cherished her travels to Europe, Spain, Morocco, Portugal, Cuba, Russia, and across Canada. Her vivacious personality and optimistic outlook on life made her a beloved figure to all who knew her. She was an enthusiastic hostess, a descriptive storyteller, and connected with people through her love of cooking, gardening, and arts and culture.

Eleanor was an honourable role model for her daughter, Carmen. Her strong sense of self, honesty, and selflessness provided Carmen with great strength. Having lost her husband so young, Eleanor and Carmen grew very close, sharing a love of culture, art, and literature.

Eleanor never remarried, and it gives her family and friends comfort that her final resting place will be with her beloved husband, Antonio. They shared a happy marriage that only grew stronger with the birth of their daughter. Eleanor will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Eleanor is survived by her daughter Carmen, and grandson Drew of Okotoks, AB. Her only grandson, Drew, was the apple of her eye, and she took great joy in teaching him how to cook, bake, garden, read, and write.

Eleanor is also survived by her brother William (Toni) of Winnipeg, MB, nephew Michael of Calgary, and his children, Vivian and Jack. She is also survived by her nephews, Jesus Manuel, Carlos, Jose Angel, and Antonio, of Spain.

Eleanor was predeceased by her loving husband Antonio, mother Pauline, father Alexander, sisters-in-law, Vivian and Carmen; brother-in-law Jesus, niece Encarnita, and nephew Jesus.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Foothills Country Hospice Society, P.O. Box 274, Okotoks, AB, T1S 1S1, Telephone: (403) 995-4673, www.countryhospice.org.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Eleanor’s family here.

In living memory of Eleanor Solana-Martin, 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.