Barbara Elaine Spratt

BARBARA ELAINE SPRATT (nee Linttell) passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at the age of 91. Elaine had a razor sharp memory and charmed us with her witty stories. She had crystal blue eyes that helped light up our world.

Elaine was the beloved mother of Richard (Diane), Chris (Maureen), Jill (Tyler Stewart), Nancy Spratt and mother-in-law to Dale Dean, predeceased by her husband Donald (1999) and daughter Jenn (2019). She was adored by 13 grandkids and 16 great grandkids who all affectionately knew her as GG. Born August 9,1932 Elaine was the eldest child of Stuart and Olive Linttell and older sister to Margaret (Bob Robertson), Janet (Jack Houlahan), Graham (Krystine) and Jeffery.

Elaine spent her formative years in Ottawa on Piccadilly Avenue, in the home built by her parents. During those early years, Elaine could be found with her sisters skiing at Camp Fortune and water skiing at the Ottawa Water Ski Club. As a teen, Elaine attended Nepean High School where she was part of the co-ed cheer squad and played basketball, just like many of her great grandkids do today. During the Second World War she handed out war ration coupons at her father's grocery store (W. J. Linttell and Sons). She modelled for a department store and worked in a top secret job on Canada’s supersonic jet called the Avro Arrow. Around this time, Elaine met Donald Ernest Spratt of Toronto and after a short courtship, they married in a candlelight ceremony in Ottawa.

Over the years Don and Elaine raised their five children in multiple cities across Canada including Ottawa, North Bay, Dartmouth, Moncton, London and Kingston. Despite multiple moves, summers were always spent at the family cottage in MacLaren’s Landing on the Ottawa River. In 1974, the Spratts settled at Maple Crest Farm near Fitzroy Harbour, where Don was a farmer and realtor and Elaine became a successful interior decorator. Starting work at Sears followed by Morgan's Grant in Kanata she eventually opened Elaine’s Decor in Arnprior. Later, during her retirement Elaine loved to travel and explore the world which took her across Canada and to Florida, Alaska, Mexico, Europe, Japan, Indonesia and safari in Africa. She told us that her favorite place was the beach at MacLaren’s Landing with family and friends.

She loved to read and paint. Her home was decorated with many colourful works of art inspired by her travels, especially to Africa, nature and family. Elaine was also an avid knitter, creating much coveted Christmas stockings, scarves and sweaters for family members. These skills would continue with the Hera Mission of Canada that improves the lives of Kenyan women and children. Elaine would be celebrated as Dani (Grandma) Elaine for the thousands of dolls that she knit over ten years for the children of the village of Asembo in Kenya. Her commitment to others continued with volunteering at Queensway Carleton Hospital.

Elaine Spratt lived a full life with a big family and close friendships especially at the Unitarian House in Ottawa, her home for the last 10 years. In true giving fashion Elaine donated her body in support of medical education and research. Her family will remember her as a remarkably brave woman who was always ready for a new adventure. She lived a long and exemplary life and exited the world on her own terms.

Bravo Mom! We raise a glass to you, single malt of course, your favourite. You have filled our hearts with love and memories which live on with your family and friends.

Special thanks to Morgan Mulligan and Bayshore Home Care for their compassionate care.

A celebration of Elaine’s life will be held in the summer of 2024.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Hera Mission of Canada (https://www.heramission.org/) or The University of Ottawa Heart Institute (https://foundation.ottawaheart.ca/give/).