Memorial Gifts

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mom, Elaine Virtue, who left us on April 30, 2026 at the age of 69.

Elaine was a beloved mother, Oma, sister, auntie and friend, who will be remembered for her kindness, humor, generosity and strength. She touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Christine (Mike); grandsons, Hayden & Tyler; and son, Nick (Nicola). She is also leaving behind her siblings Harold (Sandra), Hilda (Shane), Norman, Jerry, Judy (Jim), Ivan (Elaine), Ernie, Diane; her 2 foster siblings, Emily and Bill (Tammy). Her nieces and nephews meant the world to her; Greg (Yelen), Lindsay (Bradley), Joel (Janelle), Jeremy (Megan), Jesse, Nate (Jocelyn), Dave (Krystle), Matt (Rachel), Sarah (Mitch), Melissa (Armin), Seth (Rene), Caleb (Laura), Jennine (Don), Justin, Ashley (Tyler), Kelsey (Jason), Maya & Midori; and a growing number of great nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her mother, Mary Harder and father, Abe Harder.

Elaine’s early life was one of happiness with her family in Burns Lake. When she was 6 years old, her mother was involved in a car accident, which resulted in her having to stay in hospital in Vancouver for the next 11 years until her passing in 1974. Elaine and her siblings traveled to Vancouver shortly after the accident and went to live with Auntie Helen, who raised them like they were her own until cancer took her in 1976. The kids moved to a group home and eventually Elaine moved out and forged her own path. She moved in with Betty and Murray Virtue, going on to marry their son, Bill and they had 2 children of their own.

In 2010, Elaine became an Oma and she absolutely fell in love with Hayden. In 2013, along came Tyler and her heart swelled 2 sizes bigger.

Elaine moved to Vancouver Island in 2018 to start a new path as a Health Care Aide, to which she poured herself into.

Gastric cancer sadly came knocking in 2021, forcing Elaine to retire and focus on her own health. She beat it and spent the next few years traveling with a dear friend. There were some bumps in the road but she really lived life to the fullest; hiking, kayaking, golfing.

In February 2026, Elaine was away on holiday and developed a bowel obstruction. She had surgery and that is when they found that the gastric cancer had recurred. After recuperating in the Arizona sun for a few weeks, Elaine came home. Numerous hospital visits happened from March until April. She celebrated her 69th birthday enjoying ice cream in the park with her 2 sisters, daughter and grandsons. On April 10th, she was admitted for her final hospital stay. She spent the following 3 weeks having friends and family visit and soaking up all of the love that was poured over her. She made the decision to do things “her way”. She was at peace with what was to come and passed quietly with her children Christine & Nick, her sisters Diane & Judy, and her son-in-law, Mike at her side.

Elaine has gone to be with her “three moms” Mary, Betty and Auntie Helen; her dad, Abe; brother-in-law Sam; sweet little Levi; Timber; Spencer; and her dogs Elli & Zoe.

A celebration of life will be held on August 8, 2026, at 2790 Cameron Taggart Rd, Mill Bay where family and friends are invited to gather and honor Elaine’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BC Cancer Foundation, in Elaine’s memory.

Forever in our hearts, Elaine will be remembered with love.