In Loving Memory of Elaine Murray

Obituary

Passed on

Geraldine Elaine Murray

January 10, 1943 – October 22, 2026

Forever known and loved as Elaine

It is with heavy hearts, but a lifetime of cherished memories, that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Elaine Murray on October 22, 2026, at the age of 83.

Elaine was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and cherished great-grandmother. Family was at the heart of her life and she had the wonderful privilege of watching her family grow through four generations.

To those who knew her, she was simply Elaine. Although Geraldine was her given first name, she never cared for it, and even her son Robert didn’t discover until later in life that Geraldine was actually her first name!

Elaine was a woman of strength, determination, laughter and just a little stubbornness. She had a joyful spirit, a gift for conversation, a wonderful sense of humour and an opinion on just about everything. She loved her family, cherished her friendships and made memories wherever life took her.

Her Early Years

Elaine was born on January 10, 1943, to Henrietta and Leland “Bud” Salkeld, whose roots were in Saskatchewan.

Much of Elaine’s childhood was spent on the family farm alongside her two brothers, Robert and Donald, just outside Stonewall, Manitoba. When unforeseen circumstances brought the family briefly to Winnipeg, fate had something special waiting for her.

It was there, while attending school, that she met a young man named Ron Murray.

Neither of them knew then, just how much life they would share together.

Marriage, Family, and Working Years

Elaine and Ron were married in January 1962 in Mount Hope, Ontario.

Their family quickly grew with the arrival of their daughter Delaine in March 1962, their first son Michael in April 1963, and their youngest son Robert in June 1964. Raising three young children in the 1960’s wasn’t always easy. Times were sometimes tough and there were challenges along the way, but Elaine and Ron persevered and worked hard to provide for their family and build a good life together in Winnipeg.

Ron began his career with the Fire Department in 1969 and continued until his retirement in 2001. Elaine devoted her early years to raising their three children and keeping the household running.

Once the children had grown and began lives of their own, Elaine decided it was time to venture into the working world. With her outgoing personality, joyful spirit, warmth and famous gift of gab, she found her place at Beacon Hill Lodge, where she worked for approximately 23 years before retiring.

Anyone who knew Elaine would know that she could strike up a conversation just about anywhere with anyone. And it seems her son Mike inherited a little of that same talent!

Over the years, Elaine and Ron watched their family grow. Their children married and grandchildren Mathew, Amanda, Melanie, and Kyle came along, bringing another generation of love and laughter.

In time, those grandchildren began families of their own, giving Elaine the joy of becoming a great-grandmother and watching the Murray family continue to grow.

Family Roots and Lasting Connections

Family remained an important part of Elaine’s life.

The Salkeld family farm near Stonewall remained an important part of Elaine’s family history. Her brother Robert eventually took over the farm, where their parents, Henrietta and Bud, had spent the remainder of their lives.

Later, Robert’s son Jaret (Kim) purchased the family farm, where they continue to live today. Robert’s daughter Robin (Jim) also built her home on the property, keeping the family’s roots firmly planted on the land where so many family memories began and continue today.

Elaine’s brother Donald is the father of Michelle and Darren, who are also part of the extended family Elaine leaves behind.

Through the difficult times in her life, Elaine could always count on the support of her brothers and many great memories were made with them over the years. Those family bonds remained important to her throughout the years.

Retirement, Texas, and Wonderful Adventures

Following retirement, Elaine and Ron discovered the joys of travelling together.

Eventually, they found their own little piece of paradise in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. For more than 40 years, Texas became their winter home, where they spent approximately six months each year enjoying the sunshine, making friends, and building a wonderful life away from the cold Manitoba winters.

Of course, if the family wanted to see them during those winter months, they knew where they had to go!

Robert and Janet made those trips to Texas a cherished tradition, enjoying more than 30 years of visits, spending a week or two at a time with Elaine and Ron.

Those visits created countless memories, friendships and stories that will be treasured always.

Elaine and Ron enjoyed the good life that they had worked so hard to build and their Texas years became a very special chapter in their lives.

Her Passions and Friendships

Elaine was never one to sit idle.

Elaine was a longtime member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Winnipeg, where she was actively involved and made many lasting friendships. Ron was involved in the Masonic Lodge and later the Khartum Shrine. These organizations were another meaningful part of their lives and the friendships they shared.

She loved sewing, quilting and especially ceramics. A passion she enjoyed for many years. She was very creative and resourceful, always interested in learning something new or finding another project to keep herself busy.

She made friends wherever life took her.

From the years living along the river in Petersfield, to camping adventures at Miller’s Campground near Portage la Prairie, to the warm winters in Texas and finally to her home at Oak Park Estates in Woodlands, Elaine always found people to share a conversation and a laugh with. Wherever Elaine went, friendships followed.

She enjoyed keeping up with everyone, hearing the latest news and sharing a little gossip now and then. And she certainly wasn’t shy about offering her own opinion! Or telling it like it was! You often heard her say ‘You got that?’

One Last Bucket List

After Ron’s passing, Elaine continued to find joy in life and still had a few special wishes on her bucket list.

In early 2025, one of those dreams became a reality when Elaine, Robin, Janet, and Robert travelled to Europe together.

Their adventure included a beautiful river cruise from Basel, Switzerland, to Amsterdam, travelling through picturesque towns and beautiful countryside’s along the Rhine, enjoying an experience that would create memories to last a lifetime.

It was a special journey, not only because of the places they visited, but because they shared he experience together.

Elaine also had another destination on her list: Vancouver, British Columbia.

And so, another trip was planned, another wish was fulfilled and another wonderful memory was made.

Elaine had completed her bucket list.

She had seen the places she wanted to see, enjoyed the company of people she loved, making memories right into her later years.

Always Elaine, Right to the End

Even in her final days, Elaine remained interested in what was happening around her.

She enjoyed her friends, their conversations and knowing all the latest news.

And then there was bingo.

Even on the evening before her passing, Elaine was still asking about bingo and, most importantly, who had won the big jackpot!

That was our mom.

Always curious, always interested, and always wanting to know what was going on. Elaine was also famously careful with her money. Frugal might have been an understatement!

She believed in watching her pennies and never spending more than necessary. And she made her final wishes quite clear to her family:

“When I pass, don’t spend a lot of money on me. Just put me in the ground with Dad.”

And so, in keeping with her wishes, that is exactly what her family intends to do.

Elaine will be laid to rest with her beloved Ron, reunited again, after a lifetime of love, hard work and shared adventures together.

A Life Worth Celebrating

A celebration of Elaine’s life will be held at a later date in 2027, when family and friends will gather, raise a glass, share stories, enjoy a few laughs and remember the wonderful woman who touched so many lives.

Because if there is one thing Elaine would have appreciated, it would be family and friends getting together for a drink, good conversation and perhaps a little gossip.

Elaine is lovingly remembered by her sons Michael (Gwen) and Robert (Janet); grandchildren Mathew, Amanda, Melanie, and Kyle; great-grandchildren; brother Donald; nieces and nephews Robin (Jim), Jaret (Kim), Michelle and Darren; and many extended family and friends.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Ron Murray (2024); her daughter Delaine (2025); her parents Henrietta (2001) and Leland “Bud” Salkeld (1986); and her brother Robert (2022).

She lived through difficult times, celebrated wonderful times, worked hard, travelled far, and made the most of her life. And through it all, she was always Elaine.

Mom, you lived a full life. You worked hard, loved deeply, travelled far, made wonderful friends and gave us memories that will last forever.

Your work here is done. Your bucket list is complete.

Now it’s time to rest with Dad.

We love you, Mom. Until we meet again.

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