Lenore Wedlake

Eva Lenore Wedlake (1920-2016) at 96 was the epitome of style and grace! She was an inspiration for the entire family. At ten years old she was in the eighth grade. At twelve she started high school and at seventeen tried to enter nursing school, but was told to come back when she was nineteen. To save for nursing school Mom worked for the Bell Telephone Company as a switchboard operator. She told the story of how when WWII broke out the entire switchboard lit up like a Christmas tree.

Born in London, Ontario, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Mary Keast. Mom grew up during the depression but said that she never felt deprived. One of the highlights of her week was attending Sunday school in a horse and buggy. Mom loved the time she spent in her nursing career. Her selfless compassion equipped her well for that profession. Mom was devoted to family and channeled her many talents into ensuring that we all grew up in a warm and loving home. She met her husband, Jack, one evening at a dance and the rest was history. Her talents were many. She was an avid reader and was a stickler for good grammar, ‘only hens lay, people lie!’

She belonged to a book club in Halifax and to the Mayflower quilters group. She loved a good game of bridge, scrabble and the NY Times crossword puzzle. She was once featured on the cover of MacLean’s magazine instructing her Tai Chi class.

Mom is survived by her children Kent (Valerie), Martha, Peter (Susan) Elizabeth (Robert) and John; as well as grandchildren Julie, Marnie, Aimee, Michelle, Lenore, Dale, Sarah, David, Stuart, Amy, Jessica, Josh, Ellie and Karmen. Her great-grandchildren are Alexander, Eleni, Sophie, Glory, Wyatt, Zoe and Nora. She was predeceased by her husband Jack Wedlake.

A private celebration of her life was held by her family. If you would like to make a donation in her name, the family requests that you contribute to Foster Parents Plan or the Canadian Diabetes Association.