Obituary of Eleanor Barbara Garvin

April 25, 1932 – Bawlf, Alberta

November 22, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with much sadness that we share the passing of Eleanor Barbara Garvin (nee Roth) on Friday, November 22, 2024, in Calgary, AB, at the age of 92 years.

Eleanor was born on April 25, 1932, the fourth of six children to Madeline (Stordahl) and Roswell Roth. She enjoyed a full and rewarding life. Her roots were proudly Albertan; she loved the blue skies and friendly communities. She was born and raised on a farm near Bawlf, AB.

As a young adult, she moved to Edmonton, AB, where she met and married her husband, Don, of 53 years. With two preschool-aged children, they moved to Medicine Hat, AB, where their third child was born. After settling in Calgary, she focused on her family life, allowing it to nurture her heart and soul. Alongside her family, they had a collection of friends to share many festive celebrations; St. Patrick’s Day being her favourite. She was always game for fun.

At the age of 40, Eleanor proved her strength and fortitude by deciding to further her education and return to school to study nursing. After graduation, she nurtured a long, fulfilling career as a Nurse Aide on the Orthopaedics Unit at the Rockyview Hospital. Nursing was her labour of love, and for her children and grandchildren, an inspiration that fuelled their values.

Even though she loved her home life in Calgary, her zest for adventures pulled her and Don out into the community and beyond. They shared activities such as curling, golfing, and many Shriners events. They loved to travel and explore the world, embarking on adventures to the far reaches of India, Africa, China, Asia, and Europe, but Ireland always remained her favourite.

Eleanor’s greatest joy was her family. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She never passed up an opportunity for a chat or visit. They were the light of her life. Her final chapter included creating many memories with her great friends at Horizon Village. Her door was always open.

Eleanor will be greatly missed by her children, Louise Garvin of Vancouver, BC; Kenneth Garvin (Caroline) of Saanich, BC; Barbara Dimnik (Mark) of Calgary, AB; and her cherished grandchildren, Benjamin Dimnik (Mackenzie), Madeline Smith, Jackson Dimnik, Luka Garvin, Sybella Garvin, and Jonah Dimnik. She is also survived by her sister, Kathleen Tennant. She was predeceased by her loving husband Don, grandson Kyle Dimnik, her parents, and her siblings, Aileen Mickelson, Hazel Scott, Gerald Roth, and Marion Nielson.

A special thank you to Dr. Trinh, Dr. Gimon, Deb and staff on Unit 54 of the Foothills Hospital, and Dr. Sharma and staff at Dulcina Hospice. We are forever grateful for your support and care.

A Private Celebration Eleanor’s Life will be held at a later date.  

Rest In Peace Mom. You are forever and for always in our hearts.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Calgary Cerebral Palsy, 7015 Macleod Trail #121 SW, Calgary, AB, Telephone: (403) 205-4935, www.calgarycp.org, or Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Calgary & Area Chapter, 150, 110 Quarry Park Blvd. S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 3G3 Telephone: (403) 250-7090, www.mssociety.ca.

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

In living memory of Eleanor Garvin, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.