Obituary of Elaine Helen Low
The family of Elaine Low, beloved wife of the late Don Low, sadly announce her passing on March 26, 2026. Elaine was 96 years of age.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. from Westview United Church.
CLICK HERE to access the Live-Stream any time after 10:45am on Saturday.
Memorials may be made to Westview United Church or to the Eastern Star.
Interment will follow in the Yorkton City Cemetery.
Elaine Helen Low (Thorpe) passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. She was 96 years of age. Elaine was born on November 18, 1929 in Foxwarren, Manitoba, a daughter of Alvin and Isabella (nee Simmie) Thorpe. She was the second oldest of four children. Elaine grew up in Foxwarren where she attended school until Grade 12. While attending school she was active in sports, music and band. During this time she also taught Sunday School and piano lessons. In 1947, she attended Normal School in Winnipeg and upon graduation she began her teaching career. Her first teaching job was in Winnipeg where she taught grade 2 and had a class of 52 students.
Her love and commitment to her family brought her back to Foxwarren where she was united with the love of her life, Donald Baird Low. On August 25, 1951 Don and Elaine were united in marriage in the Foxwarren United Church. They were the first couple to be married in this church. Together, they were blessed with four children. Their love for each other was the foundation of a beautiful family life. Don and Elaine moved to Bredenbury, Saskatchewan in 1952. Together they built a warm and loving home, where family and friends were always welcome. During this time Elaine taught in Bredenbury and later in Saltcoats school. While raising a family, Elaine continued her post secondary education, receiving her Bachelor of Education degree in 1980 and her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1985, both from the University of Saskatchewan and both earned with Distinction.
In 1972 the family moved to Yorkton. Their home on Logan Crescent continued to be a welcoming home for friends and family to gather for generations to come. Elaine transferred to Yorkdale school in 1974 and taught there until her retirement in 1989. During that time she made friends with colleagues that lasted a lifetime and connections with students that will be remembered forever.
Once the children were raised, her time and efforts went into various organizations such as CFUW, the Royal Purple, the Order of the Eastern Star, and other volunteer positions. She served as the Worthy Grand Matron from 2001-2002, a position she was very proud to hold.
Family and community were central to Elaine’s life. She cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, family, and close friends. Elaine was an enthusiastic supporter of her husband’s, children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s activities, whether it was sports, music, or other events. Her love for her family was evident in everything she did.
Elaine had a passion for curling, bowling, golfing, and playing the piano. Her and Don spent most summer days golfing at Deer Park, followed by a dip in their pool afterwards. They spent winters golfing at courses around the world, but the Clear Lake golf course was always their favourite. She spent countless hours helping students and grandchildren prepare for piano exams, festivals and recitals.
Elaine and Don enjoyed travelling, whether it be with their children and grandchildren, her brothers and their wives, or with close friends. They especially loved vacationing in Clear Lake, St Augustine, Hawaii, and Europe.
Left to honour Elaine’s life are her children: Barb and Doug Tomte (Spruce Grove); David Low (Calgary); Pat and Eric Holtkamp (Yorkton). Elaine will be missed by her grandchildren: Holly Tomte, Chad (Samantha) Tomte; Meghan Tailor, Rebecca Low (Mel), Jessie Low (Chris); Karlie (Mitch) Hnidey, Laura Holtkamp, and Haley (Brenden) Poncelet; and her great-grandchildren: Logan McCann, Audrey Low, Quintyn Tomte, Hudson Hnidey, Harper Hnidey, and Lennon Poncelet. She is also survived by her brothers: Don (Jean) Thorpe, Murray (Carol) Thorpe, and nieces and nephews.
Elaine was predeceased by her beloved husband Don in 2016, their son Ross, her brother Calvin and sister-in-law Elsie.
Elaine lived a life full of love, laughter, and meaningful relationships. She was a woman of great character and integrity and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her family is grateful for the many blessings she and Don gave them and the memories they created.
Elaine always carried this poem in the front of her daybook every fall when she began teaching a new group of students. This is very fitting to share as we reflect on her life.
My Life shall touch some hundred lives
Before this year is done,
Leave countless marks for good or ill
‘Ere sets the evening sun.
So, this, the thought I always wish
The prayer I always pray,
Lord, let my life bless other lives
It touches by the way.
