Mrs. Myrtle "Elaine" McLean

Myrtle “Elaine” McLean (nee Dodd) passed away peacefully on December 21, 2024. Born in Sister Butte, Saskatchewan on July 5, 1938 she grew up in the Glentworth area of southern Saskatchewan. She is survived by six children, Tim, Lisa, Joe (Marilyn), Wanda Moreau, Tammy Isherwood (Dale), Shawn (Jennifer) and their families. She is also survived by her brother O’Dell Dodd (Doreen), brother-in-law Rae Lloyd, sister-in-law Liz Steen and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by parents Cecil and Marguerite Dodd; siblings Armand Dodd, Lorne Dodd, and Rita Lloyd; husbands Ken McLean and Scott Walker; sister-in-law Dianne Dodd and son-in-law Scott Moreau. Born and raised on a farm and later married to a rancher, Elaine could ride, drive tractor, stack bales, and shoot better than most farmhands. She did all this while raising six kids, keeping house and providing meals during harvest and brandings. After moving to Alberta with her family in 1968, she worked in numerous occupations from bookkeeping to teacher’s assistant. Elaine maintained an open door policy where family was welcome to drop in anytime. There was always room for an extra body or two at the dinner table. She often extended this policy to friends and acquaintances who had nowhere to go for special occasions such as Christmas and Easter. The loves of her life were her grandchildren, great grandchildren, dogs and cats. Her home was always a center of activity, drawing family members together, and a place her grandchildren loved to go. Fresh baking, ice cream treats and pop were frequently on hand. Elaine had boundless energy to play with her grandchildren, teaching them how to use the stairs as a slide, and beating them at various Nintendo games – she was undefeated at Dr. Mario in particular. She was a master gardener, growing huge vegetable gardens out of necessity when her children were young. Later in life, she gardened for pleasure, growing her beautiful roses and a variety of other flowers. Elaine was an accomplished seamstress and knitter. She sewed clothes, quilts and baby blankets. She knitted sweaters, mitts, toques and afghans. Elaine was an avid camper and fisherman. She started out in a tent and progressed to tent trailer, fifth-wheel, and finally an R.V. She often included her family on these outings. A favourite destination was Police Lake Outpost near Waterton. She was an enthusiastic traveler visiting Europe and many destinations in the U.S.A. She took six grandchildren to Disneyland and Arizona and loved to R.V. in Yellowstone and the Dakotas. Elaine was a keen game player. She was an expert at crossword and Sudoku puzzles, doing them in pen rather than pencil. She played Mahjong on the computer and rarely missed an episode of Jeopardy! She enjoyed the social aspect of playing cards. Elaine will be remembered for her quick wit and fiery personality which she maintained even in her last days. The family wishes to thank Dr. Rapske, Dr. Vyse, and the many nurses at High River Hospital who cared for Elaine in her final hours. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.

Tributes

Mrs. Myrtle "Elaine" McLean

July 5, 1938 - December 21, 2024