July 12, 1949 – September 17, 2012
Eleanor passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side. She showed grace and dignity while battling cancer for the past six months. Eleanor is survived by her husband Frank Eustache, mother Marion, sisters Lauretta (Ken), Maureen (Jim), brother Carl(Cathy). Children Diahanna (Kevin), Lionel (Jessica); Step Children Cory, Nadine (Hank), Tina, Michelle; Grandchildren Lee, Ryley, Callie, Raymond; Step grandchildren as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. Eleanor was predeceased by her father Mervin and her beloved grandparents Donald and Gladys Van Buskirk.
Eleanor was born in Prince George and raised in Strathnaver and Quesnel. She went to Barriere High School after moving to Little Fort in 1962. Eleanor returned to Quesnel and met and married Donald Backer, July 18, 1970. They had two children together, Diahanna Lee and Lionel. Eleanor and Frank re-united in 1994, they met while living in Little Fort and had dated in high school, they continued their relationship for the next 18 years. Frank lovingly cared for Eleanor during this past year while she courageously struggled through four major operations and numerous trips to the hospital. From this relationship Eleanor had the good fortune to meet and be involved with Frank’s children and step children along with her own children. Eleanor had a terrific sense of humour and would always tell it like it is. While Eleanor lived in Chu Chua she worked in the Simpcw Band Office and in Barriere. While she worked at Re/Max Eleanor got to know lots of folks in the Valley. Eleanor retired last July 2011 so she and Frank could spend time traveling which was a dream of theirs. Unfortunately she got sick in August and just when she thought things were looking better she got cancer and never recovered. Eleanor was loved by everyone who knew her and will be greatly missed.
By request there will be no funeral service, but there will be a gathering to Celebrate Eleanor’s life at the home of her sister in Quesnel, Oct. 13, 2012 at 2 p.m. There will also be a Celebration of Life for Eleanor in Late October, 2012.
Note: Donations in Eleanor’s name may be made to the Chu Chua Fire Department , PO Box 220, Barriere, BC V0E 1E0, or the North Thompson Valley Hospice House Society, PO Box 1, Little Fort, BC, V0E2C0