Click here to register for the Livestream service
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Elaine Mary Burt passed away peacefully on November 7, 2021, at the age of 65. She was the daughter of the late James Allan Burt and the late Fleurette Regimbald, also predeceased by her sister Linda. She leaves in sorrow her children Richard, Kevin and Michael (Jessica); her grandchildren Juliette, Keira and Sophie; her brothers Jim (Esther-Ann), Andrew (Connie); her oldest and dearest friend and sister Mary Lynn (Eric); as well as many nephews, nieces and friends.
Elaine was never just one thing. She was a driven entrepreneur, a very devoted mother, and a beloved sister. She also had many joys in life that fueled her. She cared deeply for her friends, had a great love of travel, cherished all animals (especially her dogs), and even late in her life, developed a passion for watercolour painting. She was many things to many people, and they loved her for it.
Married in 1979, she would have three children. Never one to slow down, she also started a successful home security business that would last for over 25 years. To her, the equation was simple: work hard, be honest and be generous, then success will follow. True to this sentiment, she would eventually start a second business called Smart Independent Living. This new venture enabled her passion for helping seniors and people with disabilities live at home safely and independently. Later in her life, when a wonderful opportunity presented itself, she found her way to the Eastern Ontario Christian Senior Citizen Coop. As she did everywhere, she fought hard for the residents at the coop and made lifelong friends along the way.
Throughout her career, it was never just her tenacity or capacity for hard work that drove her. In the end, it was always her charm, honesty and compassion that earned her the admiration and respect of her clients and peers. And, even with all of her success, she never lost sight of what was most important, her family.
Ultimately, Elaine was guided by a passion to help others and to be a positive force on her loved ones. She had a vibrant, outrageous sense of humor and was easy to like. Her love for her family and friends permeated every aspect of her life. She was a fierce, independent person who lifted everyone around her. Her presence is irreplaceable. She will be sorely missed.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Perley Health (formerly The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre) for their care and attention to Elaine during her difficult struggle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).
A private memorial will be held by invitation on November 16, 2021 at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services. Family and friends not in attendance are encouraged to register for a live stream that will include several speeches and a short memorial slide show produced by Elaine’s brother, Jim. Click here to register for the Livestream service
In Memory of Elaine, donations to Perley Health would be appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Carol Wilson
Julie McSweeney
Richard, Kevin & Michael,
It’s difficult to share in such few words how much your mom and you boys have meant to myself & to the Mcsweeney clan. We grew up together and have shared such fond childhood memories, your mom, our auntie Elaine & my godmother being at the heart of most of those cherished moments. Your mom was always ready with a craft on hand during a family vacation, or an activity planned to keep us out of trouble. Auntie Elaine was the staple in keeping up with family traditions even as we got older. A Swiss chalet meal finished with a Mr. Big always brought laughter. Your moms love of family, friends and laughter is what I will cherish and remember most about her .
Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Julie
Deborah Moriarty Vlad
My deepest condolences to Kevin, Richard and Mike on the loss of your mother last week.
As you know, Elaine and I were cousins – daughters of sisters Fleurette and Reggie. We grew up together, camped together, ironed each other’s hair on my mom’s ironing board. We drank wine while her dog Quester looked on disdainfully. We went to movies, we skied together, and more.
We married (young), had children (she was godmother to our youngest son Alexander), had dogs, and busy lives. When my family was posted overseas, your mom Elaine would cook dinner or get take-out and bring it over to my mom’s for movie and sleepover nights.
Elaine started the tradition of Spa Weekends with Auntie Fleurette, my mom and myself. She decorated her house like a spa and we all did our nails, facials, had some rum-and-cokes, and did the infamous ‘art projects’. I still have the wonky tiled flower pots. Later, Esther Ann joined the group to add to the fun. Elaine had a particular talent for decorating. Each house she bought she renovated with a very professional eye – she was amazing!
Elaine was a great mother, raising her boys almost single-handedly, while working, all with a great sense of humour and a fantastic laugh.
My mother Reggie was diagnosed with ALS the same week as Elaine was diagnosed with MSA. Mom was 90; Elaine was 62! Despite her fear, her pain and her concern over her future and family, she helped my mom throughout her ordeal. As my mom was succumbing to the disease, Elaine was a comfort. Family was everything to Elaine. Near the end they just talked – mom writing on her iPad, Elaine speaking. It must have been very difficult for her to watch and to say goodbye.
Elaine was quietly strong throughout her life and through her ultimate disease. On my weekly visits with her after she moved into the Perley, she would comment occasionally on various problems – “my hand is worse this week” or “I should diet but I really want those nibs” or “I had some breathing problems yesterday but I’m fine” or we would just talk and laugh. Sometimes I would blow-dry her hair. She had amazingly thick curly hair which she hated as she always wanted it straight. Other times we would play scrabble. We had plans to have dinners together with brother Jim. We would cook, bring it, play scrabble with our Tequila coolers, and then eat together. Unfortunately, time was not on our side.
On the Friday, the day before she died, she told me she felt her health had really slipped during the previous week. But we did not think she was so close to the end of her journey, we made plans.
Elaine, you were always a part of my life and I yours. I will miss you terribly but we will all remember your strength, your laughter, your love for your boys and grand-daughters. I will always remember and miss you.
Deborah Moriarty Vlad (and Mitch and our entire family)
Ottawa
Don and Deryl Moriarty and Family
We are so very sorry for your loss. Elaine was always an enjoyable person to be around. The world has lost a very dear person this time. She will be missed.
Mark, Renee, Harrison, and Olivia
My Aunt Elaine. The memories I have of growing up having you as my aunt are heartwarming. Your smile, vibrant personality, and contagious laughter. Always willing to help out your nephew in any way you could. You will be more than missed. Your memory serves as an inspiration to be the best one can be in any circumstance. To my cousins Richard, Mike, and Kevin. My Father, Jim, and Uncle Andrew. I send condolences from our household to all of yours, and offer strength in any form I can in this hard time.
Anne & Brian Moran
Mike and Jess,
We were very sad to hear about the passing of your mother. Please accept our condolences, to you and your family.
Anne & Brian
Bernard Murphy
Andrew, Jim my condolences on you loss.
Deborah Angelo
I am so sad that this incredible human being is no longer with us. May she rest in peace. I miss my friend, former neighbor and watercolor partner.
Steven, Emily, Joseph and Rebecca Burt
Dear Jim and Andrew and family,
So deeply sad to hear of Elaine’s passing. Our condolences to all of you during this very difficult time. May your fond memories give you solace during your grief.
Mariana Bucur
I have known Elaine for many years. I even worked with her and Richard for few years. We had fun in the office and accomplished great things.
I remember her as being happy and humble and she did have a good soul.
God rest her in peace , I will always keep her in my prayers.
Heartfelt condolences to Elaine’s children and to the entire family.
Mariana Bucur
I am sending my deepest sympathy to Elaine and all her family. You will be missed. Rest in peace Elaine.