Eleanor Jeannette McTaggart (BSN ’48)

Eleanor McTaggart, born to Dr. John Harold and Jeannette White, on March 27, 1925, passed away peacefully in West Vancouver on February 27, 2021 at the age of 95. Predeceased by sisters, Grace Neilsen and Ruth Heading, she is lovingly remembered by her husband, Donald (Ted) McTaggart; son, Ross (Sara); daughters, Mary (Jan) and Heather (Terry); grandchildren, Genevieve (Matt), Alexandra (Tomas), James, and Michael; and great-grandchildren, Claire, Liam, and Benjamin. Eleanor will also be remembered by several nephews and nieces.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Eleanor attended General Gordon Elementary School and graduated from Lord Byng Secondary in 1943. She later graduated from the Vancouver General Hospital School of Nursing in 1947, with a BScN from UBC in 1948.

She married Ted in 1949 and settled in West Vancouver where they lived most of their 72 years together. While raising her family, Eleanor remained active in community causes and events. She was actively involved with St. Christopher’s Church Bell Ringers group, she volunteered her time to Parent/Teacher Associations, was a Girl Guide leader for years, and frequently canvassed for the Red Cross Organization. She also dedicated many years of volunteer service to the VGH School of Nursing Alumni Association.

A few of Eleanor’s fond recollections of early days in Vancouver include hopping the streetcar from her home in Kitsilano to downtown, travelling by the West Van Ferry, having tea with summertime neighbours Captain Kettle and his wife at their cottage in Caulfeild, rowing a dinghy with Ted from Kitsilano to West Bay, and watching the construction of the Lions Gate Bridge.

Eleanor had diverse interests. In her youth, she played piano. She loved listening to classical music and she enjoyed reading, knitting, curling, swimming in the ocean and travelling. She was well-liked by many people, and throughout the years she enjoyed a wonderful circle of very dear friends. Eleanor was an exceptional woman. She lived her life with integrity, humility and grace. Her proudest and most important accomplishment in life was her family and her family will miss her deeply.

A family gathering in her honour will take place in the near future. In honour of Eleanor, please consider making a contribution to the VGH School of Nursing Alumni or a charity of your choice.