HAYES CHAMBERLIN, Margaret Elaine

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Elaine Chamberlin, our mother and grandmother, sister and aunt, at the Wales Home in Richmond, Quebec.  

Mom was born in Shawville, QC, the eldest of four children of Clarence and Ada (Greenlay) Hayes. She followed in her mother’s footsteps and, at sixteen, left the family farm to take her teacher training at MacDonald College. A year later she was teaching in a one room school house in Hull, and helping her siblings to attend college. She left Hull and moved to Richmond to teach grade one, and in 1957 married Don Chamberlin. Opposites attract; Mom was quiet, serious and intellectual while Don was the life of the party and loved the outdoors. Together they gave us a balanced childhood filled with travel, camping, books and an appreciation for both hard work and play.  

Mom was strong and independent. She returned to teaching at St. Francis Elementary and at the same time earned her BA from Bishop’s University. She retired just before Dad’s death in 1987. Afterwards she continued to enjoy travelling and involvement in the church, the UCW and the WI.  

Friends and family loved spending time on Mom’s idyllic back porch, surrounded by her beloved, beautiful gardens, playing backgammon, watching birds or discussing books or politics while eating her famous ginger cookies. Her grandson Jeff said there was a little bit of Grandma in every cookie. She lived in the family house for almost sixty years, forming close friendships with neighbours, supporting each other through ice storms, lobster parties and gardening problems.  

She is survived by her children Colleen, of Winnipeg, Jim (Denise) of Wiarton, grandchildren Jeff (Lauren), Alicia (Dennis) and Sandra and her sister Doris (Jack) Falt of Almonte, sister-in-law Eleanor Hayes of Shawville and eight nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Don, sister Madelon Smiley and brother Irwin Hayes.  

Cremation has taken place and interment will take place in May at Ste-Anne's Cemetery. Cass Funeral Home, Richmond, in charge of arrangements.  

We are grateful beyond words for the care and compassion shown to her by everyone at the Wales Home, especially during the past months when visiting was impossible.  

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to The Wales Home Foundation @waleshome.ca.

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May God give you the strength and the courage to overcome these difficult times. May this message bring you the testimony of a profound and sincere sympathy. To help you forget these sad hours, may our thoughts bring you comfort and serenity. Although flowers wither, die and disappear, their precious perfume remains. Like these bright flowers, those we love never die, they remain with us forever imprinted in our memories. There are no words to express how much we are devastated by the loss you live. We just hope that our sympathy will bring you some relief.

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4 messages received

Friends and Family of Margaret Elaine Hayes Chamberlin

We give thanks for Elaine's life. On many occasions over the years we made the trek to Richmond to enjoy time with Elaine and her family. We miss that connection. Particularly now, we miss being able to say goodbye and gather with family to support one another as we grieve her passing.

Jack & Doris Falt, January 9, 2021

Colleen & Jim

My sincere sympathy on the loss of your Mom. I was privileged to work with your Dad only two years before his untimely death. He and your Mom were wonderful people.
Sincerely
Bernice Gillis

Bernice Gillis, January 10, 2021

To Elaine Family !

I was very sad to learn of Elaine's passing. Elaine was a very good friend of mine, and I lived very close to her house. We bought our house in Richmond in 1994 on College Street. So I got to know Elaine a few years later, and we've been very good friends ever since. We saw each other almost every week to share a good cup of tea with her delicious gingerbread cookies in her veranda !
Her garden was almost a masterpiece, and I loved helping her clear it and we often exchanged flowers from our respective gardens. We were passionate about flowers, landscaping.
Elaine was a very cultured woman, we talked about politics, travel, books, cooking, etc. Often, I taught her French and we did little grammar exercices. She dreamed of speaking French fluently.
I have wonderful memories of our freiendship that has lasted through the years ! I will miss her...
Elaine had a very happy life and enjoyed it ! She had her daughter, her son, and grandchildren and goof friends.
My sincere sympathy to all of you!

Marie Racine and Gabriel Caya

Marie Racine, January 14, 2021

The Chamberlain family

So sorry to hear of Mrs. Chamberlain’s passing. My condolences

Gail Lockwood Lotton, Ripley On, March 29, 2022