Obituary of Elaine Florence Hagarty

Elaine Hagarty was an extraordinary woman.  

Elaine died Wednesday, July 8^th, three weeks short of her 100^th birthday, leaving six children, seventeen grandchildren, six great-grandchildren (one on the way) and a legacy of service to the City of London, and surrounding community.  

Elaine was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital, the daughter of Ernest and Florence Popkin (Shipman) and the younger sister of Ruth Blishen.  Ernest was the President of George White and Sons, a London manufacturer of heavy farm equipment, and she grew up on Waterloo Street, with treasured memories of the Thames River, the beauty of the nearby Seminary, and the green and golden seasons of North London.  Remarkably, considering her longevity, her childhood was marked by illness, and she was seldom out of the company of her parents, their friends, and, indeed, their conversation.  Not surprisingly, she developed a precocious nature, and an inquiring disposition that never, truly left.  Always curious, quoting poetry (often with sister Ruth) and seeking just a bit more explanation, she graduated from Central Secondary, and went on to complete a degree in Art and Archeology at the University of Toronto.  There, she reacquainted herself with Londoner Ted Hagarty, a young Architecture student recently returned from service overseas, who would later become her companion in life.  They shared a passion for music, history, travel, architecture, and adventure, cultivating many dear friends and vivid memories along the way.  Family was everything, and summers were spent at Egerton Beach in Bayfield with winters at Devil’s Glen Ski Club in Collingwood. Ted enjoyed a successful architectural practice in Southwestern Ontario, passing away in 2012, not long after celebrating their 60^th wedding anniversary.

Elaine began her community service in volunteer roles, notably the May Court Club of London, the London and Regional Art Gallery (she served as President in 1969) the YMCA (a lifelong practitioner, she was one of the first Yoga instructors in the city) and the Liberal Party of Canada.  Always active in local politics, confident in her convictions and on her feet, she was soon nominated for City Council and was elected alderman in 1972 and 1976 representing Ward 2, then North London.  Elaine chaired many lively committees, including the thorny “committee of adjustment” and was privileged to officially meet the Queen in 1973.  She became the London representative for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, travelling across Canada on behalf of the city, eventually bringing their annual convention to the Forest City.

After a heartbreakingly close, but unsuccessful run for Board of Control, she left politics and served as a board member for The Guaranty Trust Company of Canada, The Children’s Aid Society of London, and on the Board of governors of Fanshawe College, among others. She was later recognized by Fanshawe College and the University of Toronto for her contributions in advancing the role of women in the community.  Elaine attended St. Paul's Cathedral, just as her father and mother did, and took great comfort in the fellowship found there, and serving on the finance committee.

“Lannie” also had long career as a touring consultant with The Ontario Arts Council, helping local Canadian artists to find an audience and advising communities on sponsoring and nurturing local artists.  This was a role she was ideally suited to, but one that often took her to distant places in inclement weather.  She had stories...

More than anything else, she was a devoted and loving mother to her children, and a doting (and well-organized) Nana to her seventeen grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.  She was involved in every child’s life, never missed a birthday, and could navigate FaceTime effortlessly.  Even at ninety-nine years of age, she would be sure to call, just to be absolutely certain that you made it home, and, if you had time, to perhaps ask you about something she noticed in the most recent financial statement of her condominium corporation.

So lucky to have had her as long as we did...

Missed tremendously already by Anne Elaine (David Brennan, Christopher, Michael); Patricia Mary (James Lenahan, James (Audrey), Katie Lenahan (Chris Morgan), Maura Dolphin (Will); John Ernest (Gaylene Herle, Sarah, Matthew (Kirsten); Michael Edward (Moe Smith, Jon, Meg (Matt Quinn), Jeff, Jed, Cal (Taylor King); Timothy Henry (Rhonda Miller, Alex, Jack, Ethan), and Christopher William (Doris Sbrizzi, Laura, Nicole).  Also missed by her great grandchildren, Jamie, Henry, Ellie, Therese, Mary, and Teddy.

Thanks to the entire nursing staff at University Hospital (Ethan, you were so kind and helpful) and a tremendous thank you to Dr. Geukers, Dr. Milne and Dr. Keller, for their skills, and great compassion.   Great thanks are also due to Dr. Mcpherson for her gentle, patient care of Elaine over the past several years.   

We are so very grateful for the friendship and care of Gina Lupson, who was a graceful companion, and facilitator for Elaine in her final years. Finally, thanks to Pat Henderson for the friendship she shared with Elaine, and the encouragement, prayers and support given to our family throughout these past days.

A private ceremony will be held by the family later this summer, and she will be interred at Woodland Cemetery, beside Ted.