Eleanor Louise Travis, of Bedford, NS, died on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at the Victoria General Hospital. She was 72. Eleanor was born in Amherst on January 26, 1944, the youngest child to Helen (Bowser) and Clifford Travis. She grew up on the family farm.

She attended Amherst Regional High School where she excelled in sports and track running events. Eleanor attended the Nova Scotia Teacher's College where she earned her Teaching degree, with additional post-education studies at Saint Mary’s and Mount St. Vincent Universities. Eleanor taught numerous Grade 1 classes throughout the Cumberland Co., Dartmouth, and Halifax Co. School Boards. In particular, Eleanor spent many years at Cavalier Drive Elementary School where she and Clifford the Big Red Dog, welcomed new students each September, teaching children they are all wonderful in their unique way.

Eleanor was an enthusiastic, dedicated, and open-hearted family member, friend, and community member whose spark could ignite any idea into fruition. She approached her volunteering, her sport, and the causes dear to her heart with vitality, gumption, and an unmistakable quick wit. Eleanor was an avid curler at CFB and Mayflower Curling Clubs. She served on the Executive for the Day Ladies Division at Mayflower. Eleanor volunteered at Scott Manor House as weekly coordinator for the tea room, as a member of the Christmas committee, and assisting with the annual book sale. At Glencairn, where she lived, Eleanor served on the Board of Directors, and chaired Hospitality and Garden Committees.

She was sister, auntie, friend, wise consult, passionate advocate, maker of fun, gardener, puzzler, knitter, lemon square expert, chocolate chip cookie bake-off contestant, CBC supporter, and birthday card sender. She took special care to make every person dear to her feel loved and celebrated. Eleanor approached life with a sense of adventure and took every opportunity to travel the globe or cross something off her bucket list, including hot air ballooning for the first time this summer.

Eleanor is survived by her beloved siblings Lorna (Keith) Crowe, Mapleton, Weldon (Nancy) Travis, East Amherst, Carolyn (Arthur) Phinney, Paradise, and Ruth (Robin) Phillips, Valley, her sister-in-law Dorothy Travis, and 18 cherished nieces and nephews, their partners and families. Eleanor was predeceased by her parents Clifford and Helen, and eldest brother Rod.

A visitation will be held at Bedford United Church from 7:00 - 9:00 PM Wednesday, November 16, 2016. A memorial service and reception will be held at Bedford United Church at 2:00 PM Thursday, November 17, 2016. Committal will take place on Saturday, November 19, at 2:30 PM at the Amherst Cemetery, followed by a reception at Trinity St. Stephen’s United Church, Amherst. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Canada or a charity of your choice. Condolences to the family can be sent to ruthrobin@ns.sympatico.ca.

Heartfelt gratitude, appreciation, and thanks goes out to all of Eleanor’s family and friends, and to the staff and volunteers at The Palliative Care Unit, Victoria General Hospital, who gave so much loving care and support to Eleanor during her illness.