With great sadness the family and friends announce that Elaine Beatrice Anne MacMillan passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Tuesday July 16, 2024 at the Sturgeon Community Hospital in St. Albert.
Many friends and family visited her over the six weeks she was there and she thoroughly enjoyed each visit. Her phone was her lifeline for all the loved ones far away, and she spoke to them often, some many times a day. Elaine was incredibly loved by so many and she will be deeply missed. A kind hearted, giving and highly educated soul that spent her career as a social worker. Once retiring took up the challenge to get her masters in Theology. She had an extensive volunteer history.
She is now in Heaven sharing love with those lost before her. She is spending time now with her husband, Jeff MacMillan; her mother, Celina Ruddy; her father, Michael Ruddy; her brothers: Teddy and Patty Ruddy; her sister, Patsy Ruddy; her niece, Wendy Savoy; and many other friends, and family members.
Elaine was born in Thunder Bay on February 14, 1949. She pursued a career in social services after graduating from Hamarskjold High school in 1967, a BA, psychology degree from Lakehead University in 1975, and an honors bachelor of social work in 1982. While a young social worker, the same year she moved across the country to Edmonton Alberta, met up with her friend and continued her work with the province of Alberta. She met the love of her life Jeff in Edmonton and went on to marry him on June 1, 1991. They spent a wonderful life together until his passing on January 16, 2006. Elaine was a strong advocate for many and this included her family, her friends and her work. On February 26, 2010 she celebrated her retirement party. Wanting more, she then pursued more study and she earned a Master Degree in Theological Studies from The Newman Theological College in Edmonton.
Elaine will be lovingly remembered by her family. Her son, Darren MacMillan; her three grandsons: Kaiel, Alexander, and Ethan MacMillan; their mother, Heather MacMillan; her sisters-in-law: Doris, Lunn and Carol, her sister: Marie Halvorsen, her brother: Jerry (Sherry) Ruddy, her sister-in-law: Lorraine Ruddy, her nieces; and nephews; Shawn Ruddy, Lori Neri, Michelle Grace, Raymond Halvorsen, Kelly Ruddy, Kerri Marshall, and Meghan Churchill. Also, all the great nieces, nephews, her 2nd cousin Carissa Penner- Perrier, and her god son Simon. Elaine will be loving remembered by so many friends from the AA community, her schools, the social work community, and the St. Albert Catholic Church.
A special thank you to the incredible staff from the Sturgeon Hospital, Unit 18 and the Ironwood Retirement Community staff and residents. Your care and kindness is so appreciated.
The funeral will take place on Thursday July 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Albert Catholic Church. If you are up to it, wear a splash of pink. Following the service, there will be a reception held at St. Albert Funeral Home.
If you wish, in lieu of flowers you may make a donation to the Alberta SPCA, The St. Albert Catholic Church, the AA fellowship (for members only) or the Newman Theological College.
To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
St. Albert Chapel
(780) 458-2222
