Eleanor Patricia (Kwasney) Staszewski

Eleanor Patricia Staszewski was, at her core, always a teacher.

Her HomeEc, OutdoorEd, and Career and Life Management classrooms are remembered by many as the places where they learned how to sew an apron, cook a meal, build a lean-to, or sneak chocolate chips from the pantry without detection. And it didn’t dissipate in her later years where she was still instructing others to color inside the lines, sign their artwork, or learn how to wrap her funeral shroud.

She masterfully juggled her teaching career with the demands of being a farm wife, mother, sister, and friend. Elly was always in motion with restless energy. Alongside her husband Fred, she worked tirelessly to transform pieces of their land into park-like settings with pine trees and perennials. She also channeled some of that abundant energy into Communities in Bloom, Quilting for Humanity, and two self-published novels.

She is survived by her daughter Sonia and son-in-law Gerald Acheson of Parkland County; her son Boyd in the USA; and her grandchildren Zach and Zophia Staszewski in Michigan, USA. She is also survived by her sisters Theresa Bowzaylo and Linda Lagace; her brothers Raymond Kwasny and Allan Kwasny; and many dear friends and extended family.

Eleanor was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Fred, as well as her brothers Bill, Larry, and Ron, and sisters Betty Pacholok, and Julia Bettcher. 

The family extends deep gratitude to the staff at Athabasca Extendicare whose care, patience, and saintly understanding brought safety, comfort, and dignity to mom in her final years. 

A private Bahá’í interment will take place at Athabasca Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Eleanor’s memory may be made to Athabasca’s Quilting for Humanity or the dementia unit at Athabasca Extendicare.

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