Elma Rubright, a long time resident of Salt Spring Island, passed away peacefully at at her home on September 26, 2011. Elma was predeceased by her father Wayne Robert McMeans, her mother Gladys Elma (nee Curd) McMeans and her brothers Robert and David McMeans.
Elma was instrumental in forming the Literacy Council of Salt Spring Island in Ganges. She was considered by many of her friends, neighbors, and colleagues as one of the island’s ‘favorites’. A gifted painter and a behind-the-scenes supporter of the island’s theatre and performing arts, Elma also enjoyed volunteering with Meals on Wheels and the Mary Hawkins Memorial Library in Ganges.
Born in Michigan in the USA, she is survived by a sister, Ina Donnelly of Reading, PA; a brother Allen (& wife Judy) McMeans of Vanzant, MO; her daughters Mrs. Susan McLeland (& Ron) of Houston, TX and Ms. Diana Smith of Frederick, MD; two granddaughters – Mrs. Amy (& David) Drouin of Portland, OR and Mrs. Katie (& Robert) Ayers of Houston, TX; four grandsons – Brian McLeland of Houston, TX; Tim (& wife Sandy) Mente of Rocky Ridge, MD; Josh (& wife Melinda) Mente of Baltimore, MD; and Chris (& wife Barbara) Mente of New Milford, CT and by three great granddaughters : Taylar Beckett, age 21; Madison Mente and Marley Mente, ages 6 & 3; and by a great grandson “C.J” Mente, age 16.
Elma had a keen intellect, great wit, and a terrific sense of humor which she shared with her many, many friends and acquaintances. Elma’s infectious sense of adventure will continue to inspire her family in the years to come. She loved the sea and often said her happiest years were spent on Salt Spring. She will be greatly missed.