Eleanor TOCHER

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TOCHER: Eleanor Anne Tocher (nee Johnson) of Strathclair, MB passed away at the Shoal Lake – Strathclair Health Center on July 31, 2014 at the age of 75 years. Eleanor was born to Oli and Catherine Johnson in Pine Creek, MB on March 22, 1939. She grew up with her many brothers and sisters at the family farm near Amaranth, MB. At the age of 15, Eleanor left home to continue her education in Winnipeg and begin the next chapter of her life. In 1965, Eleanor met Barry Tocher while working at Sherwin Williams, and they started their adventure together by combining their 2 families. In 1966, they purchased a new Ford Falcon and moved to Hudson Hope, BC to raise their family. Barry, Eleanor and kids returned to Manitoba in 1967 to live the good life on the farm they purchased. Eleanor spent countless hours behind the wheel of a tractor, combine or truck on the farm while still managing to run a household full of kids and pets. Eleanor and Barry worked side by side for many years at the Strathclair Auction Mart until their retirement. Mom loved her community and spent many hours visiting friends or volunteering with the Strathclair Drama Club. Most of the last 22 winters were spent travelling throughout the southwest United States and enjoying their sunny home and special friends in Apache Junction, Arizona. Her love to travel, reading, poetry and music was evident in her later years and she was very fortunate and grateful to be able to enjoy these things. Eleanor was very giving and loving and surrounded herself with her family at every opportunity. Her many grandchildren and great grandchildren were treated to many visits and got to know the fun and witty side of grandma. The last chapter of Mom’s life was spent in the care of her husband, many dear friends, and family for which she expressed sincere gratitude. She took advantage of her remaining time to renew acquaintances and left this world with no regrets. Mom was comforted in the knowledge that she would be joining her departed friends, family and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in the Kingdom of Heaven. Eleanor was predeceased by son Gordon Tocher, sister Elaine Johnson and her parents Oli and Catherine Johnson. She is survived by her husband Barry; daughters: Joanne (Jerome) Cohen of Stead MB; sons: Darrell (Diane) Tocher of Brandon, Murray Tocher of McCreary, Casey (Wendy) Tocher of Minnedosa, Dorcie Benn of Salmon Arm, BC, Kim (Gilbert) Bissett of Nampa, AB; 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; brothers: David Johnson of Surrey, BC, John (Lorraine) Johnson of Winnipeg, MB, Ken (Grace) Johnson of Amaranth, MB, Paul (Sharon) Johnson of Langruth, MB; sisters: Trudy (Paul) Johnson of Winnipeg, MB, Christine Mooney of Winnipeg, MB, Rhonda O’Neil of Winnipeg, MB, Sharon (Dale) Cooper of Winnipeg, MB, Liz (Pic) Boiteau of Lac du Bonnet, MB, Linda (Roy) Johnson of Winnipeg, MB; brother-in-law, Colin Tocher of Winnipeg and sisters-in-law, Iris Magura and Katie Tocher of Winnipeg. A private family internment was held Saturday, August 9, 2014 at the Strathclair Cemetery.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 16, 2014