Elda Louise Lansfield

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Elda Louise Lansfield announces her passing at home in Ottawa on Sunday, 15th December 2024, peacefully, and with loved ones by her side.

Born in Oshawa, Elda is predeceased by her adored mother Doreen Lansfield (Whitehead), father Charles Lansfield, dear sister Sandra, beloved husband, Dr Douglas Salhani (in 2017) of whom she was fiercely proud, and very recently by her devoted dog, Oliver, who gave her unconditional love, immense joy and loyal companionship throughout his lifetime.

Elda will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her cherished, caring and devoted daughter Kathryn, sister Carol (Paul), brother Brian (Andrée) brothers and sisters-in-law David(Judy), Danny(Pam),Richard(Anne), Dennis, Debbie(Scott), Gloria(Jim), Lisa(Paul) and Nikki, her highly thought of nephews and nieces of whom she was very fond, and her close, trusted friends with whom she had very special relationships, her colleagues and acquaintances.

A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University (Master of Social Work, 1979), York University (Bachelor of Arts, 1977), and Ryerson Polytechnical Institute (Certificate in Social Services, 1973), Elda used her education and career to implement meaningful change and advocacy in social work and mental health. Elda’s professional career began as a social worker in London, Ontario progressing to a more senior role at the Inpatient Crisis Service, Department of Psychiatry at Toronto General Hospital. During this time she also held leadership positions on the boards of Eden Community House and the Council on Suicide Prevention. She was also a member and examiner of the Ontario College of Social Workers. 

In 1991 she joined the Community Care Access Centre at The Ottawa Hospital as Regional Case Manager, providing a wide range of services ranging from counselling, education and support to clients, as well as to community agencies working with the chronically mentally ill. She then took on and gave much of her energy to the highly demanding, responsible and varied role of Community Treatment Order Coordinator for the remainder of her career, which included, amongst other things, consulting with, and developing partnerships and collaborative relationships with hospital professionals, patients and their families. 

In her spare time Elda loved nothing more than “puttering about” in her garden as soon as there were signs of spring and summer. She and Kathryn planted many of the flowering shrubs and plants which continue to reward with spectacular displays every year, as well as provide a lush backdrop for hosting friends and family during many fun and spontaneous summer afternoons and evenings in the garden, swimming in the pool, sipping wine in the gazebo and having long, animated conversations and debates about world issues and “putting the world to rights". Regular visits to restaurants, the movies and local theatre with friends were also pastimes Elda particularly enjoyed and looked forward to, particularly in the winter. Elda enjoyed all sorts of challenges and puzzles and was handy at DIY and house maintenance, skills she made sure she passed onto Kathryn. She would also enjoy annual traditions like making freezer jam, Christmas cookies and her mother’s recipe for stuffing. 

Elda enjoyed and valued her independence greatly, and loved “getting lost” on long car journeys armed with her SLR camera, and a stack of audiobooks, in and around Ontario, to Gravenhurst and to parts of the USA, particularly Florida where she spent time with Brian, Andree and their friends. She was a true geek in many ways, and not only expressed a wish to take flying lessons at some point, but researched the latest in flight simulators, joysticks etc. She particularly enjoyed planning and taking a trip to the UK with Kathryn in 2023 and was very hopeful it would be the start of more future “adventures” together but sadly it was not to be. 

Elda touched the lives of many in her daily interactions over the years. She had a great sense of humour and fun, loved to gently flirt and tease, would enthusiastically listen to and encourage anyone who was thinking about a new hobby, job or venture, but would not hesitate to give her honest opinions where she deemed necessary. Her strength, intelligence, sense of loyalty, optimism and compassion, and wanting to help and support family, friends and neighbours through good times and bad, will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.