Obituary of Winifred Harbin

Winifred “Elaine” Harbin (nee Ilsley) Elaine was born on Sherborne Farm at Lashburn, Sk on April 3, 1914. She defied the odds at 3 pounds, 3 ounces and became a very robust and healthy young girl. She grew up on the farm helping both her parents with all farm chores. She started her schooling at Wirral School, continuing on at Tyrone School and finishing her education in Lashburn. Elaine was a talented pianist and in her teenage years she would play at functions, including ones in the Tangle flags district northeast of Hillmond. This is where she met her future husband, Alan Harbin. They were married in Lashburn on Sept 5, 1942. Elaine and Alan raised their 7 children on Sherborne Farm southwest of Lashburn. In the winter of 1975 they retired to a new home in Lashburn where they enjoyed many years entertaining family, friends and neighbors. Alan and Elaine traveled to many a destination and through many, many scrapbooks she documented those trips. Elaine was an avid gardener and loved her flowers - pansies being her favourites! She loved all “her kids” and endeavored to make each their own quilt or afghan - she was still crocheting up until a month before her passing. She loved nothing better than a game of Scrabble and was a cagey Kaiser player. She was an active community member and volunteered for many activities. She was a tremendous cook, seamstress, musician and caregiver. Elaine passed away May 29, 2011 with family by her side. She was predeceased by her parents, her baby daughter and her husband, Alan. The service to celebrate Elaine’s life was conducted at the Lashburn Community Hall on June 2 by her family, followed by a private interment at the Lashburn Cemetery. She was a quiet and kind lady who touched many with her love and will be forever fondly remembered and sadly missed. Toot toot Mom and Grandma. Card of Thanks The family of Elaine Harbin wishes to thank the many relatives and friends who stopped by, phoned, e-mailed, texted, left food, flowers and condolences. A special thank-you to the staff at Jubilee home where Mom resided for the last several years, and to Dr. Kerlis – your kindnesses will not be forgotten. The family would also like to thank Lorna Chappell for the beautiful piano solo “The Robin’s Return” which was one of Mom’s favorite piano pieces to play, and to the Tyrone and Lashburn friends and neighbors for putting on the great lunch at the funeral. Finally, our family cannot express enough our gratitude for the compassion and professionalism extended to us by Dave McCaw and his staff. Marilyn & Jim Highton Alfred Harbin Joan & Ron Bexfield Brian & Colleen Harbin Walt & Carol Harbin Glenn & LeeAnne Harbin Evelyn & Glenn Klassen and families Donations in memory of Elaine may be made to the charity of the donors choice.