Obituaries

May 30, 1949 - May 11, 2023

A Celebration of Life for Elaine will be held at The Cathedral of St Michael and All Angels, 608 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna BC, Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 1:30 PM PDT

Barbara "Elaine" Hughes-Games died tragically on May 11, 2023, while hiking, after slipping on a rock and falling into Powers Creek during spring run-off. Elaine had a large circle of family and friends. All are devastated by her loss.

Elaine was born May 30, 1949, in Kelowna to Violet and Arthur Hughes-Games. She was predeceased by her husband Daryl Wells in May 2008. She leaves to mourn her sister Gwen Steele of Kelowna, and brothers Steve (Joany) and Geoff (Sue) of Abbotsford. She was very close to her nieces and nephews: Fiona Steele (Jessica) and children Vivi and Georgia; Dan Hughes-Games; Shawna Soukoroff; Josh Hughes-Games; Duncan Steele (Tara) and children Aiden and Leo; Colleen (Devin) Hughes-Games. She also leaves many cousins, the Wells family who she remained close with, and many cherished friends.

Elaine lived most of her life in Kelowna, graduating in 1967 from KSS. She obtained a diploma in Art & Merchandising from Vancouver City College. Next, she completed a three-year diploma at the Kootenay School of Art, majoring in ceramics and painting.

She was a very successful professional potter for over 40 years. As well as being very artistic, Elaine had great organizational skills and business sense. She was president of the Okanagan Potters Guild for many years and annually convened their Christmas Show at Mission Hall. Many people will remember her from her years selling at the farmer’s market.

She was a dedicated volunteer at the Kelowna Community Theatre, volunteering over a thousand hours! She was very active and loved hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing locally, especially at Telemark.

Elaine was a passionate gardener and supplied many people with plants and garden advice, carrying on in the Hughes-Games family tradition.

Elaine was a deeply caring person, tending to friends and relatives when ill or recovering. As a real social connector and key communicator, Elaine kept her many family members connected with her and each other, as well as her many circles of friends.

Elaine loved to travel. In 1977, her first solo trip abroad to Japan focused on arts and crafts. She spent time traveling in the UK, and Australia, taking a Caribbean cruise and later a trip to the Maritimes with Daryl, and more recently trips to New Zealand, Hawaii, Mexico, and China with friends or family.

Elaine is dearly missed and left this life much too soon. She left an unforgettable mark and countless memories. Elaine generously donated to dozens of charities and non-profits. Donations may be made in her name to any organization of your choice.

Condolences, photos, or memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

• Jun 06, 2023
  Elaine was the CEO of our pottery world! Here in the Okanagan and beyond. Her dedication and passion for pottery and the arts was enormous. If there was a creative event happening Elaine was either part of the organizing committee or there to support the individual artist and community. When moving to the Okanagan in 1985, Elaine quickly became a great resource and good friend and helped initiate the self guided tour of “9 potters of the Okanagan’. I always admired her ability to expand and pursue new directions in ceramics, seeking inspiration and guidance regionally and internationally. Thankfully we have a thriving thornless blackberry in our garden courtesy of Elaine. She will be deeply missed and always remembered fondly. Love and condolences to the family and community of friends she leaves behind. - Peter Flanagan
• Jun 01, 2023
  Dear Gwen,
  
  My heart goes out to you for the unexpected loss of your sister !
  
  I still enjoy some of her beautiful pottery, what a talented warm family you are !
  
  Hugs, Bitten Tisdale - Bitten tisdale
• May 31, 2023
  I was sad to learn of Elaine’s passing. I met Elaine at KCT volunteering & she was a very faithful volunteer. Her pottery was lovely & I treasure the pieces I have.My condolences to Elaine’s Family.May the memories you have of Elaine help you through this difficult time. Take Care. - Donna Fletcher
• May 30, 2023
  My sincere condolences go out to all of you with the huge loss of your sweet
  
  amazing Elaine. She leaves a wonderful legacy behind with her kindness,generosity,
  
  non- judgement,inclusiveness of everyone, endless volunteering,artistic talent with her potttery over 40 yrs,her gardening ( flowers,veggies and herbs),sewing,knitting
  
  all her homemade bread and preserves of all kinds.I could go on! She was the eternal optimist always.She seriously focused on everything she tackled.I was felt
  
  exhausted after she'd tell me what she did in a day! A life lived to the fullest, no
  
  question.She was very physically active with long walks,hiking,X country skiing and
  
  snow- shoeing.Being out in the wilderness brought her such joy.She was in her
  
  glory.
  
  Elaine and I have been friends since we were 12 yrs old in grade 7 at the old KSS.
  
  We've been through many good times,lots of laughs and some not so good times
  
  over the years.I feel honored and privileged to have known her and had such a close
  
  bond all those years.I will miss her more than words can say.She definitely was a treasure to me and all who knew her.
  
  Rest easy Elaine.......til we meet again.
  
  - Caroline Nobbs ( nee Johnson)
• May 28, 2023
  Dear Gwen and Family,
  
  Over the years I came to know Elaine through mutual friends and volunteering. It is with great sadness that I extend my sincere condolences. Remember all the treasured memories you shared as a family growing up. - Jan Derriksan
• May 28, 2023
  Dear Gwen and family
  
  It is with great condolences to you all after hearing of Elaine’s passing. It is so very sad and shocking. She was admired by so many, and I know how kind, helpful, smart, artistic, the list can go on and on. Our hearts go out to you in this very difficult time.
  
  Rob and Jen McDougall
• May 28, 2023
  I was so sorry to hear of Elaine tragic passing. I remember her from our days at KSS. She and I were sewing partners in Home Ec one year. Over the years I would see her often at pottery events. I love the pieces of her work I have, especially her blue dragonfly ones. She will be missed by her family and her community. - Judy (Farris) Johnson
• May 28, 2023
  Dear Geoff & family,
  
  I'm so sorry to hear of Elaine's sudden passing. She will be well remembered for her wonderful pottery & devotion to sustainable gardening. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
  
  Joan Lailey (former St Mike's youth group) - Joan Lailey
• May 28, 2023
  Dear Gwen - you and your family are in my prayers and holding you in my heart. Sensing into your loss leaves me without words. I will get my feet and hands into the soil. So much love to you Gwen - Kirsten Vinge
• May 27, 2023
  To Gwen and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We remember your sister fondly from the farmers market and the garden. She will be missed.
  
  Suzanne and Ken Rieger - Ken and Suzanne Rieger
• May 27, 2023
  Dear Gwen and Family, There are no words to accurately describe how sad I am feeling for you and all of Elaine's close friends and family members. after learning of the tragic circumstances of your dear Sister's untimely death. I remember first seeing her gorgeous pottery on display in your framing shop 'Rainbow's End" so many years ago. I had heard her name out in the "Art Circles", but it was only then that I learned that she was your sister, and then in subsequent years, meeting her out at Mission Hall pottery exhibits and at various other locations. What a huge loss for all of you and the whole community. Sending healing thoughts your way. Please reach out if and when you feel you can, A friend always, - Joanne Beaulieu
• May 27, 2023
  My heartfelt condolences to the Hughes-Games family.I went to school with Elaine and I remember her as very caring ,loving person. Elaine will be sorely missed.
  
  Bonnie Williams( Middleton)
• May 26, 2023
  Our thoughts and prayers are with you Domenic and Lina Rampone - Domenic Rampone
• May 26, 2023
  Gwen, Steve And Geoff...sincerest condolences to you all on the loss of Elaine. So many memories of our families getting together. Much love to you all.
  
  Carol Burns (nee Dickins) - Carol Burns
• May 26, 2023
  My sweet cousin . I will miss you dearly . But you left us lots of great laughs & memories which we will never forget. I am happy I got to know you and I am happy you were one of my cousins. We will meet again . Love cousin Taylor & Ellen, Clayton & Dakota xox
• May 26, 2023
  Dear Gwen, Steve and Geoff... I am heartbroken to hear of Elaine's tragic passing. Art and Vitie were a mainstay of my life when I was in the St Michael's choir, and now Elaine is one more angel to remember. My sincere condolences to all of you, and keeping all of you in my heart. Maureen Sawisky (now in Red Deer, Alberta) - Maureen Sawisky
• May 26, 2023
  Hello Gwen and Family,
  
  My heart is around you all as you experience this tragic loss of a special soul.
  
  We were all shocked by this accident, and our thoughts & love are with you.
  
  Elaine certainly left a ripple of goodness in the way she lived life. She touched so many!
  
  Biggest Hugs
  
  Corinne Crockett - Corinne Crockett

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