Elliott, Gale

In loving memory of Gale Elliott (nee Thomas) who passed away May 10th in Sudbury with her family by her side, aged 81. Beloved wife of Dr. John Elliott (deceased). Gale was born to Ruth (Hamor), of Philadelphia and Joe Thomas (of Yorkshire) in Montreal. Loving mother of four sons; Gregory, Mark, Steven (Sandra Bond) and Christian (Linda Ecclestone). Special Nan to Liam, Alexandra, Quinn, William, and Elizabeth. She leaves behind brother Duncan (Anne) of North Vancouver, David (Donna) of North Carolina, and dear sister, Bonnie (Bob) of Whitby. Sister-in-law to Dorothy and Helen (predeceased) of Aylmer, Quebec. Gale will be missed by many nieces and nephews. Gale received her BSC in Nutrition from MacDonald College, McGill University. She interned in Dietetics at The Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal. Her food management training was with Stouffer Foods in Cleveland. She worked and taught at Michigan State University. In 1970, John got a position at Laurentian University, so they moved their young family to Sudbury where Gale became an active member of the community. She taught one of the earliest classes on microwave cooking at Cambrian College, where she once cooked an entire turkey in the microwave! Gale and John both enjoyed good food, they helped create an International Cooking Club welcoming friends and colleagues that lasted many years. Her passion for cooking healthy international food was passed to her sons. While raising four boys, she started work as a Nutritionist at the Sudbury District Health Unit. For 23 years, Gale focused on community nutrition, in particular food security (especially for the under-privileged) and health promotion. Gale was both passionate and compassionate about community . She was a hardworking and enthusiastic grassroots community builder. She chaired the Co-operative Preschool Council which set up 17 licensed nursery schools in 18 months. She served on numerous boards including Meals on Wheels, Inner-city Home, Canadian Mental Health Association, Social Planning Council, Heart Health Focus Project, and Ontario Public Health Associations. As well, Gale was a founding member of St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish at the University of Sudbury. She left her community a better place. Gale accomplished all of this while managing a bi-polar disorder - always a champion for destigmatizing mental illness. She was a true role model. Gale was a kind and gentle woman especially with her grandkids. She only giggled when they got up to mischief. Her warm and caring personality was infectious. Dippy eggs and Waffle-ofagus (waffles with ice cream, whip cream and berries) will be remembered with joy. The family will continue to celebrate life to the fullest at her place of heart - “Gale’s Point” at the camp on Manitoulin. A special thanks to Dr. Tom and Sarah Crichton.  The family would also like to thank the amazing staff at St. Joseph’s Villa for their love, kindness, and compassion - it will not be forgotten. A celebration of life will be held once restrictions are lifted. Donations made directly to the Blue Door Cafe (bluedoorsoup.ca), or to the St. Joseph’s Villa Capital Campaign (http://www.sjsudbury.com/index.php/caring-beyond/).