Elaine passed away at the age of 66 years on December 11, 2015 with her husband and family by her side at the Regina Pasqua Hospital following a three month battle. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Marcella Payak; father-in-law, Hugh Croal; mother-in-law, Helen Croal and brother-in-law, Bill Doherty. Elaine will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Bruce Croal forever; son, Curtis (Rhonda) and their family, Riley and Darby; daughter, Carla (Mike) Fellner and their family, Daniel (Kassidy Sjostrand), Jacey and Ryder; sister, Rose Marie Doherty of Bassano, AB; brother-in-law, Karon Croal (Doris Bavle) of High River, AB as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Elaine was born on April 27, 1949 in Mount St. Mary’s Hospital in Weyburn. She grew up in the Weyburn Plains District and attended school in the Weyburn Plains District country school until its closing and then later was bussed to Queen Elizabeth School followed by Weyburn Collegiate. She moved to Weyburn and began working at the A&W for the summer months and Malley’s GoldTone Room during the winter. On August 12, 1966 Bruce and Elaine were married and at that time she became a housewife and then mother to Curtis and Carla. They began their family life in Weyburn, then moving to the Ledingham farm in 1972. In 1979 they moved to the Croal family farm; it was here that she instilled in her family her hardworking values. Elaine enjoyed gardening, her cats, curling and cooking. According to her beloved grandchildren she was the best cook in southeast Saskatchewan. She truly loved to cook and insisted on hosting all of the big family gatherings. Elaine was Bruce’s rock, his right hand man, his accountant, bookkeeper and an example to all who knew her. She never had to be asked to help, she was just always there and not once would anyone hear her complain. Her family, especially her five grandchildren, became her life, attending all of their school functions, 4-H events, dance recitals and the odd hockey game. She supported every fund raiser that they showed her. The annual colouring of the Easter eggs, the carving of the pumpkins, new batches of kittens, poached eggs, homemade buns and cinnamon buns, fried chicken, ribs and dumplings will all be missed. The night before her passing, all of the grandchildren visited and held her hand and if someone let go she would wiggle her fingers looking for another hand to hold. She would open her eyes, look around and then just lay back and listen to the conversation. Her final day was surrounded by love and peace. After her passing it started to snow, bringing a white Christmas. Visitation was held Thursday, December 17, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn. The Funeral Service was held on Friday, December 18, at 2:00 p.m. from Grace United Church with Reverend M. Barnabas officiating. Elaine’s active pallbearers were Jeff Claffey, Casey Claffey, Bryan Gee, Les Hunstad, Brian Hunstad and Geoff Carson. Honourary pallbearers were all in attendance. Interment was held at Green Acres Memorial Gardens and lunch followed in the upper hall at Grace United Church. For family and friends so wishing, donations in memory of Elaine may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Cardiac Care Unit at Regina General Hospital. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, 306-842-5432.
