ROBERTS – Elinor Verna (Selig), 88, of Long Cove, Port Medway, Queens County, passed away suddenly at her daughter Susan’s home on December 26, 2020 Boxing Day.
Born in Port Medway, Elinor was a daughter of the late Aubrey and Jennie (Hubley) Selig.
Elinor’s curiosity, imagination and hard work is what drove her through life. At the age of five, Elinor walked the rocky shoreline to Long Cove looking for pirate’s treasure and never stopped looking for that treasure to wash ashore.
By the time she was eight, Elinor was inside every house in Port Medway. “Can I sing or tap dance for you?” At the age of nine, Elinor stowed away on a ship leaving the wharf in Port Medway. It was quite awhile and the ship quite a ways offshore before she was noticed by the captain. At the age of 14, Elinor’s curiosity took her away from Queens County, all over Nova Scotia, then to Montreal where she married and had her oldest children, Nancy, Gordon and Susan. Onto Toronto, then back to Nova Scotia, first Halifax, then home to Port Medway where she had her youngest children Butchie and Sheena.
Elinor was on the move again travelling to New York, Alaska, BC and finally home to Port Medway to roost for the last 35 years of her life. Elinor gave three of her children and her nephew the gift of introducing them to the Alaskan lifestyle. The last 35 years of her life was all about Long Cove. Her Dis & Dat shop and keeping the roads clean and beautifying the road with flower gardens along the way. The last 25 years was dominated by genealogy and the history of Port Medway. She opened her own museum in Long Cove. Many have witnessed her imagination there. She was mother to the seagulls, raccoons, and mostly her porcupines that followed her everywhere. She harvested, canned, baked and cooked meals and delivered to the needy and sick in Queens County. Many more stories can be found in her two books she wrote. You all knew her in the way she influenced your life which is too long to write about here.
Elinor said Christmas this year was her happiest. She was able to do her thing in Long Cove her special way until she left Christmas Eve. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews that have fond memories of being with her when they were young in Long Cove.
Elinor is survived by her children Nancy Griffin of Port Medway; Gordon (Leona) Lecouffe of Duncan, BC; Susan (George) Chouinard of Port Medway, Richard “Butchie” Carpan of Milton and Sheena Masson of Port Medway. Her grandchildren Brice and Aaron Rogers; Todd and Nancy Dawn Lecouffe. Great grandchildren Dakota, Shania and Desiree Rogers, Logan Sinclair. Great great grandchildren Liam and Kamden.
Besides her parents, Elinor was predeceased by her husband Dale; her sisters Joyce Hughes and Kathleen Nickerson and her brother Clarence Selig.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool. A celebration of Elinor’s life will be held Saturday, August 28th at 2:00 p.m. in the Old Meeting House (Old Methodist Church), Long Cove Road, Port Medway. Following the service Elinor’s cremated remains will be spread in Long Cove. A reception will follow at Nancy’s home, 199 Long Cove Road. No flowers. Donations may be made to the Food Bank or Hope for Wildlife.
Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com
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Brenda and Ira Huskins
Nancy, Susan and family. Sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom, wish I would have known her personally, sounds as if she was a great woman.
Melanie
So sorry for your loss, sending hugs and prayers
Melanie & Peter Selig
Doug Winters
Dear Susan, Nancy and families,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your mom.
Sincerely,
Dot and Doug
Peter Whynot
she will be greatly missed, she was a character for sure.
Rodney Clattenburg
My deepest condolences
Arthur and Marion Clattenburg
Deepest sympathies to Elinor’s family. She will definitely be missed but never forgotten! Everyone has a story. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barb and Lorne Redmond
So very sorry to hear of Elinor’s passing. What a colourful life, well lived! Condolences to all of Elinor’s children and extended family.
Fay Moreau
Nancy, Susan, Butch and Families. I am going to miss Elinor so much, especially when me and Richard would come down to long cove and partied with her and everyone then spend the night in the cabins.
I am going to miss her saying is that you Fay when I said hi to her. My condolences to you all.She will always be in my heart.
Tim McDonald
I am so sad that Elinor has passed away. We had so many interesting and often funny conversations about her life and all of the experiences she had along the way. She certainly lived it to the fullest. Elinor was a kind, funny, witty, interesting and generous person and I am so thankful I got to know her and became her friend. She was one of a kind and I know she will be sadly missed by many. Long Cove will never be the same. My sincere condolences to Nancy, Susan, Sheena, Gordon, Butch and family.
Laurie and janet clattenburg
Very sorry for your loss
Fred and Connie Hynick
Nancy,Susan,Sheena and families….Our sincere condolences on the loss of your mom.We hope happy memories will help you through this sad time
Beverley & Betty-Jean Colp
We send our deepest sympathy to the family of Elinor. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. Let happy memories help you get through your sad loss.
Anna Mueller & Markus J. Heinis
“May tender memories soften your grief,
May fond recollection bring you relief,
And may you find comfort and peace in the thought
Of the joy that knowing your loved one brought …
For time and space can never divide
Or keep your loved one from your side.
When memory paints in colors true,
the happy hours that belonged to you.”
(Helen Steiner Rice)
With deepest sympathy to Elinor’s family.
Diana Croft
Light a candle…her light will always shine in our lives. Sincere sympathy Nancy and family.
Christopher Clarke
Elinor was such an interesting person. Though I didn’t see her often, my day was always brightened when I did. My sympathies to her family. Our community has lost one of its characters
Darlen and Ross Roy
R.I.P. ELINOR….YOU WILL BE SADLY MISSED AND ALWAYS REMEMBERED
Stephen Munroe
Sorry for your loss! My condolences from my family to yours!
queenie irwin
So sad to hear of Elinor’s passing. Drives to Long Cove will never be the same. Blessings to you all.
David Whynot
My Sincere Condolence on the loss of your mother i hope the happy memories will help you through this sad and difficult time Rest easy Elinor
Susan Linda Levy
Good Mothers hold a special place in their hearts for their children and most children hold a special place in their hearts for their Mothers. My sincere condolences to all of the family
Rick Baker
To the family:
Sorry to hear of Elinor ‘s passing. Please accept our condolences during this most difficult time.
Rick and Jo-Ann
Sue Morton
Sending sincere condolences to the entire family. Elinor’s love of place, both nature and people, was a great inspiration and will not be forgotten.
Pamela Mutsaers
Dear Nancy, Susan and family,
This is an end of an era. So many memories of waiting on Elinor. Going to her store in Long Cove. My children picked up many treasures there. I am very sorry for your and our loss and happy to have known her.
Phyllis C Tutty
To Elinor’s family
So sorry to hear of Elinor’s passing. She was one of a kind and lived her life to
the fullest. Please except my sincere condolences.
Lin Conrad
Nancy,
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Lin
Philip Slayton
Elinor was part of the warp and woof of Port Medway life. It will be the poorer for her passage.
– Cynthia & Philip Slayton
Anna-Stell Vaughn
Jordan and I send our sympathy to all of Elinor’s family.
Members & Adherents of the Milton Baptist Church
Dear Nancy, Susan and family, On behalf of the Milton Baptist Church, it saddened us very much to hear about the sudden loss of your Mom. We always looked forward to seeing her at our annual yard sale and the interesting stories she would tell us while searching through our book table. She was a wealth of historical knowledge. Our prayers are extended to you all. May God be with you in your time of sorrow and in the coming days. Love and sincere condolences to you.
Margaret & Roger Sarty
Dear Nancy, Susan and the rest of the family; Roger and I send our sincere condolences to you all. At least once a year we made the trip down Long Cove to visit with Elinor. Last time the mosquitos were so bad I couldn’t get out of the car, but Roger hugged Elinor and went inside to sit down and chat with her. He returned with a jar of Rhubarb and a lot of bites! She will be missed by so many people. She was a wonderful person and said things as she saw them. She told us many stories of her travels, especially to Alaska. R.I.P Elinor
Barbara Burns
To theFamily,
Shocked and saddened to hear this. Thinking of you and sending my heartfelt sympathy to all her family.
Shirley & Paul Neals
so sorry to hear of Elinor’s passing.
She was a unique person with a personality that you couldn’t help but warm to. Elinor, rest easy now.. you have earned it!
NAncy and Manson White
Nancy and Family,
Sorry to hear of your mom passing. Certainly lived life to the fullest. Many memories.
Billand Anna Cox
Susan, Nancy and Butch and families
You and we have lost a distinct person who made her life and others very interesting. We extend our sympathies
to you all.
Sylvia Wheadon
Sorry for your loss.My sympathy to all the family.
Cathie Pearl-Wentzell
To Elinor’s Family
Words cannot describe the joy and wonder Elinor brought to so many lives. We often visit Long Cove and were always delighted when Elinor was ‘at home.’ A life well lived and one that will not be easily forgotten.
May Elinor’s spirit and spunk live on in each of you.
Molly Titus
The last time I saw Elinor was on a boat trip from Port Mouton to Port Medway this past summer. It was a bit of an effort for her getting onto and out of the Cape Islander, but she wouldn’t have missed it for anything. That’s the way I’ll always remember her – ready for adventure even if it meant some challenges.
She’ll be missed.
Molly Titus
David and Helen Whynacht.
So very sorry to hear of Elinor’s passing. Our condolences to the family……
Lorraine MacGowan
To Elinor’s family I send my condolences. She was such a fun loving and interesting character. I loved her books and enjoyed visiting with her on occasion at the end of my favourite “thinking” road. I last saw her this past summer on her stoop and stopped for a little chat as so many people did. You must have the best memories!!! May they carry you through this time of transition as Elinor moves on to her next adventure.
Howard Selig and Wendy Rodda
Our deepest sympathy from your valley family. Elinor was a true gem. We loved her stories and will carry her memory forever.
peter&Joanie Davies
Nancy and family,
Sending our sincere condolences
John & Nancy LEEFE
Eleanor’s life was a joyous adventure that encompassed places far and near and scooped up friends from all walks of life. Every encounter with Eleanor no matter how brief, was a story in its own right. She saw the best in everyone, she loved her family and her community, a love that was reciprocated by all she encountered. Eleanor will be long remembered by all who tread life’s path with her. Our thoughts and prayers are with Eleanor’s family as we celebrate a life well lived.
Lana Grezaud - Bowers
Sue and Nancy,
I know how close you were to your mom, my condolences……cherish your memories, Elinor left a deep impression with those who had the pleasure of meeting her, she will be missed by many. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Lana
Mary Sedran (Hatt)
Dear Nancy,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother.
Sheila & Larry Lowe
So sorry to hear of your mom,a passing. She had great knowledge of the community and loved to talk about it.
Reg and Glenda
Condolences to Elinors family. So glad she got to spend her last days in the place that she loved. Long cove will never be the same. Her stories will live on forever.
Patti and Reid Emenau
Susan and Elinor’s family,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your mom. We always enjoyed the stories of family life that you shared of your mom. Keep your cherished memories close. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Vivienne Selig
Elinor you were an inspiration to many of us. Whether we were Seligs or not you gave so much between those Christmas’s in summer or the geanology you showed to us. We shall miss you so much. God bless the family, with much love David and Vivienne Selig.
Valerie and Mervin Weagle
Our deepest sympathy to Nancy, Susan and the rest of the family. Elinor was a huge part of Port Medway, she will be missed.
Teresa Smiley
My sincere condolences to Nancy, Gordon, Susan, Butchie, Sheena and families. Elinor will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all that had the privilege to have known her. I loved swapping our stories of the far north. She, along with my Mom, called me a free spirited gypsy. Elinor would smile and tell me she wished she was still young and able to go on those adventures with me. We’d laugh and say “What fun we would have!” Fly with the angels, my friend.
Until we meet again.
Teresa Smiley
Joyce Bolivar
Nancy and family thinking of you with the loss of your mom.
Joyce Hawkes
My condolences to all Elinor’s family. She was an amazing lady. She touched the hearts and minds of all who knew her. Thinking of you all. Treasure the memories.
Joy dexter
Sheena, we’re thinking of you now, glad you got so much time with Elinor. She gave us a nice tour of the bus on one of our many visits to Long Cove.
GARY and LAURA SELIG
Our condolences to the family. Elinor was an inspiration. Even though we’re family I only got to know her in later life at the family get together at my brother Howard’s in Middleton. Appreciated her knowledge of our family. She will be missed.
Marg and Bernie Swain
Nancy, Susan, Sheena and family, our sincere condolences. We got to know your mom and you when she came up here to Mill Village many years ago now and welcomed us to the area. Over the years we have heard so many grand stories and Long Cove will never be the same. She certainly echoes “I did it my way”….RIP Elinor
Hannah McKinnon
Nancy and family,
Elinor was a fascinating woman. I enjoyed listening to her talk about her travels, and visiting her museum at Long Cove. I am so sorry for your loss.
Nettie and Jack Wilson
So very sorry to hear of Elinor passing.our condolences to all the family .
Jordan and Bella Oickle
To all of Elinor’s family
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. R.I.P. Elinor
Barbara Macdonald
Nancy, Susan, and all the family: My most sincere condolence in the loss of your mother. Barb
Kurt and Anne Sarty
To Elinor’s Family,
So sorry for your loss. Keep the memories of her zest for life and adventure close to your heart.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Wendy Michener
Elinor had an infectious joy of life that she shared with all who met her.
She will be missed, Long Cove Rd has lost its spark.
Our condolences to the family and friends.
T & W Michener
Dan Sinclair
My condolences to all of Elinor’s family at this sad time. Elinor was truly an institution in Port Medway. All you had to do was mention “Dis and Dat” and that conjured fond memories of Elinor and her zest for living. We all owe her a debt of gratitude for brightening our lives each time we drove along Long Cove road and past Elinor’s ‘tree memories’.
She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
Arnold and Alice KNICKLE
SINCERE CONDOLENCE
Buddy and Sally Selig
We were so shocked to hear of your mother’s passing. she will always be remembered in our hearts our sympathies go out to all of her family
vina moses
So sorry to hear this news. Condolences to her family and friends. A real loss to not only our County but the world at large with her personality and knowledge.
James A. Hubley
I first meet Elinor a number of years ago, when I was doing Hubley researh. She was most helpful with info of her mother’s side of the family. She was still living on her own in the little cottage on the shore. We spent a great day together telling stories of our families. My sister Paulette passed away last year from CF at age 68. Like Elinor she loved animals and for some reason the animals trusted them and had no fear in their present. I will miss Elinor, but not forget her, and will love her always for the free spirit she was…
Marion Davis
Nancy, Susan and family Gary and me send condolences on the loss of your mother.
Linda Wentzell
Dear Nancy & family,
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear mother. She will certainly be missed in the community. She had a very interesting life. You will have so many fond memories to reflect upon.
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Linda Wentzell
Bob and Brenda Lohnes
To all of Elinor’s family: Our sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. Her memory will always be a great part of Long Cove which will never be the same without her there. Her great life stories will keep you busy remembering and laughing in the coming days and help you through this sad time.
Diane munro
Dear nancy. Sending my sincere condolences to yo u on the passing of your mom. Take care of yourself during this time. Sincerely. Diane munro
Frank S Wagner
My old friend, we swapped lots of stories over the years. I’m sure we’ll sit on the Boulder again in the near future and just listen to natures sounds. Port will not be the same again. Time for you to rest from your many travels and you will be dearly missed.
Your old story teller and listener , Frankie
Lesley Hepditch
So sad to lose an Icon of Port Medway and Long Cove. Condolences to her family who will be deeply feeling her loss.
Lesley (Stevens) Hepditch.
MURRAY RING and ELOISE RING
Nancy, Susan, Sheena and families.
Our sincere condolences in the lose of your mother. Long Cove won’t be the same.
Her legacy will be part of Port Medway and Long Cove’s history for many years to come.
Barbara Evans
Dear Susan, Nancy, and Sheena,
Please know that you are in our thoughts.
Barb and Joan Evans
Larry & Grace Stevens
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of your dear Mom. Our deepest condolences to all the family.
Linda. Lucier
Dear Nancy and family;I can’t imagine Long cove without Elinor. What a gem she was. She will never be replaced . We all have so many memories with her. Remembered forever. Take care Sincerely ; Linda ❤️
Butch and Loretta Cook
Nancy and Susan – So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a very caring, loving person and , obviously, passed these traits on to her family. Thinking of you in your loss.
Holly Smith
Sincere condolences to the family of Elinor. She was a remarkable woman who embraced life. May all your wonderful memories bring you comfort now, and in the days ahead.Holly
David Whynot
Wonderful tribute to a wonderful lady she will be missed R I P Elinor
Dorothy and George Baker
Nancy Sedan and Sheena
I am so sorry to hear that your mother passed away. She is a very important part of my memories of all our years in Nova Scotia. It is so hard to think of my visiting Nova Scotia and not being able to visit with her. Eleanor was so unique and always true to herself. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Murray Kirkpatrick
Sheena and Nancy and family, Richard and I send our sincere condolences to you and the rest of the family. Elinor was an institution on long cove road. We certainly enjoyed our visits at the dis and dat shop and our talks about Port history with Elinor. She is certainly a memorable individual and we remember her fondly.
Donald Allan
Sincere condolences to Nancy, Sheena and family.
Long Cove Road will just not be the same without Elinor!
Donald and Victoria
Eileen Dagley White.
To the family of Elinor, I am so very sorry for your loss and the loss of a part of Port Medway. Long Cove and Port itself has lost the part of what the real place was like.Rest easy Elinor you deserve it.
Ken Mosher
Nancy,Susan,Sheena & family so sorry to hear of your moms passing .Our deepest condolences go out to you all at this very sad time. Ken & Shirley
Jane Fairburn
Dear Nancy, Susan, Sheena and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of Elinor. Her impact on the life and times of Port Medway is indelible and her kindly and generous spirit will live on. We are all richer for having known her. Mark Rodger, Jane Fairburn, Callum, Kathleen and Lachlan Rodger.
Kathy L Parnell
Heartfelt Condolences from Doug & Judy Parnell & family of Charleston, NS. Elinor will be missed. “We loved to take a drive to Long Cove to enjoy the Teddy Bear Tree & all her gardens along the way. We were surprised to hear about the porcupines & racoons, because we had never seen them before. She made us feel like family.”
Gretchen & Jack Stephenson
Dear family,
We so enjoyed the video of Eleanor‘s life, a woman so full of passion, excitement, and curiosity, that it was contagious when you were around her to celebrate life. She was fearless, strong, , and so tender and caring to all ,connecting with all of gods creatures.
It was an honor to have her in our lives .we enjoyed many good times over on the south shore of Nova Scotia in the Port Maitland and Beaver River area, but met her renting out the bus and enjoying a Long Cove ,and all her adventures.
As you should do with a good friend, you share them ,and we shared her with Bobby Benson of the Churchhill mansion celebrating many good times together. We still talk about her often, but will not forget her spirit that will remain with us forever
We are seasonal residents of hawaii and look forward to the relaxing of the Covid rules to allow us to return home to Beaver River. With most sincere sympathy to you all at the surprise passing of her life. Sending aloha, Gretchen and Jack Stephenson Boston Massachusetts , Beaver River ,Nova Scotia
Scott & Vicki Conrad
What a gift to have met and known Elinor,
We will remember her as an adventurer, risk taker, tell it like it is kinda gal, a lover of life, family, and all living creatures. Most of all, Elinor had deep wisdom to share and was so true to herself
Nancy, Susan, Sheena, Butchie & family, we send you our sympathy, know you have many colourful memories of your mom to cherish
Linda Williams
Dear Susan ,Georgie and families,So sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. She would always come into the Evans
Village Shoppe Store with a story to tell with her trusty sidekick Jenny Whynot. They were quite the dynamic duo…the two of them….they would fight for the spotlight I used to think, but the two were both stars leaving a big.huge impression on me….Jenny telling us to take our time but to hurry getting her order ready and Elinor talking about her travels and adventures…such a distinct voice Elinor had and you could not help but visualize all she was telling you about. Ted and Freeman would get both of those girls going and fired up usually ending in lots of chuckles to end their visits to the store.
Elinor definitely lived life the way she wanted to and she loved meeting people from all walks of life.Definitely a colorful soul. May it help to know that she and Jenny will forever be in my heart as two cool ladies I will always remember and
never forget them both and save a special place in my heart for the two of them. May it help to know that others share in your loss Susan and are praying for comfort to you in this sad time. A mom can never be replaced so keep her in your heart and treasure all the times you spent together over the years…..So nice that she slowed down enough to stay close to your home.Love and prayers to you all .Linda and Stephen and family.
Randi Dickie
Dear Family
Elinor is unforgettable . About 4 months ago, I saw her on one of our visits to Long Cove . We had a wonderful chat and she always remained so interesting and enjoyable to meet .
With sincere sympathy and thinking of each of you
Randi
Lynn Farrell
Elinor was one of a kind and Port Medway won’t be the same without her. She always had a smile and was particularly kind to my friends from away who were lucky enough to have met Elinor. RIP.
Don Hannah
I am so sorry to hear of Elinor’s passing. We’ve loved visiting her in Long Cove over the years, at the Dis and Dat Shop and at her museum, and will miss her, her bargains, her plants, and her sparkle. My condolences to her family.
Jame Beaumont
Condolences to all of Elinor’s family, we shall miss her welcome on arrival at Long Cove. Our friends and visitors who came with us were always welcomed too and still ask after her. Long Cove and Port Medway will not be the same with out her.
Julien S
So sorry to hear about this. I just finished Elinor’s book from a few years back and she sounded like an amazing woman.