Date of death: May 22, 2020
Elaine “Peppi” Paula Gordon passed away peacefully in her home in Burlington Ontario, on Friday May 22nd 2020, surrounded by her family.
Born in Toronto Ontario to Frank and Eva Gordon (both deceased), she was the youngest of four children. She is survived by her loving brothers Alan (Carol) and Manny (Chris) Gordon, and predeceased by her sister Fern Gordon. She is also predeceased by her mother and father in law, Joseph and Jean Connolly.
She is mourned by many who love her dearly, including her devoted husband Stuart Connolly, her children Katie (Michael), Joseph (Taflyn), Ben, and Adam (Arina), brother in law John (Kim), sister in law Jennifer (Ken), longtime caregiver and friend, Rati Ramratan, and numerous other family, friends and colleagues.
Elaine was born into a traditional Jewish family in Toronto, attended Hebrew Day school and then Forest Hill Collegiate High School in Toronto. She went to University of Toronto to study physical education but was then convinced to try medicine, entering McMaster University Medical school in 1973 where she found her true professional calling.
She met her future husband Stuart while doing internal medicine training at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. After a year long romance, they set off to Stanford University for post-doctoral training in cardiology where she spent two years doing research and echocardiography. Returning home she married Stuart in Erica Fischer’s backyard and started having children. They moved to a home in north Burlington (where they would live for 36 years together) and Elaine joined Stuart on cardiology faculty at McMaster University in Hamilton in 1985.
Elaine leaves a lasting legacy among the medical community at Hamilton Health Sciences; she taught hundreds of medical students and residents. Among other things, she passed on the importance of careful physical examination to her trainees. Her greatest professional legacy is the Congenital Heart Disease program at McMaster which she founded and developed from modest beginnings. Along the way she delivered exceptional care to thousands of young adults born with congenital cardiac abnormalities. Her devotion, thoroughness and meticulous focus on patient care were a source of inspiration to her colleagues and trainees.
Elaine lived a life that was exceptionally full and rewarding. She raised four children and managed her household, worked full time as a cardiologist, maintained an active social life, all with an incredible humour and energy that was uniquely hers. Some of her pleasures in life included taking long walks on the Bruce trail with her dogs Coca and Molly, singing in the choir at Shaarei Beth El synagogue, and in fact singing along to almost any musical theatre. She loved family ski trips to to Quebec, Whistler, and Big White. She relished summers at Sydenham lake with John, Kim, Jen, Ken and their children, and later cottaging at Lake of Bays. She enjoyed watching and participating in theatre, music and the arts. Elaine was a great host and loved being surrounded by her family and friends. Her Hanukkah parties were famous. She loved to cook for others, and everyone adored her pesto. Elaine loved a good joke, especially jewish humour. In fact jewish life and ritual were a source of great pleasure to her.
At age 55 she was diagnosed with diffusely metastatic breast cancer which she dealt with gracefully and courageously, and lived 10 healthy years where she continued to work full time. Two years ago she suffered a stroke as a complication of her treatment, which left her with considerable physical disability, but did not alter her spirit. Despite the changes to her function, she continued to embrace life and continued to travel; to Rwanda with Stuart, Katie and the Yusufs, where she was carried into the jungle to meet mountain gorillas; to Alaska with Stuart, Ben, Sarah Minden and Steve; and to Whistler where she was almost convinced to try wheelchair skiing. She continued many activities despite being in a wheelchair and having aphasia; trips to the family cottage where she swam in the lake; outings to the theatre, ballet and music; watching Raptor’s games; many dinners with family and friends. Her family remained a lasting joy in her life until the end, and she was looking forward to welcoming her first grandchild in August.
We want to acknowledge the attentive care she received from her doctors, Bindi Dhesey, Bob Hart, Mike Sharma and Michelle Zeller. There are many friends and neighbours who were steadfast in their devotion to her. Rabbi Stephen Wise and her friends at Shaarei Beth El were an ongoing source of strength.
Private family service will be held on Sunday May 24th 2020 at the gravesite at Trafalgar Lawn Cemetery in Oakville Ontario.
Shiva will be held virtually through Shaarei Beth El Synagogue on Monday May 25 at 7 PM (https://zoom.us/j/2934993535 or call in to: 647 374 4685 and use Meeting ID: 293 499 3535. Password: 251140).
A celebration of life will be held at a later date once larger in-person gatherings are permitted.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to support Shaarei Beth El Synagogue (http://tiny.cc/DonateShaareiBethEl).
Dear Stuart, Katie, Ben, Joe and Adam,
Our deepest condolences to all of you. Elaine was an example to us in many ways, her joy for life, great sense of humor and her vibrant personality, always full of strenght. The memories we shared with her will always be in the hearts of Amalia, Maggie, and myself. Learning how to water skii, boating, making her own peanut butter, and many more of the wonders of life she shared with us. A mentor to Javier, a remarkable clinician, and an even better friend. Always in our hearts.
Dear Katie, Stuart, and family – our deepest condolences. Elaine was a shining light. She was a one in a million physician, a kind, generous and joyous person. She was a remarkable role model for any of us who had the privilege of working with her in training. She leaves a phenomenal legacy. May her memory be a blessing.
My deepest condolence to Dr Gordon’s family. As a nurse at HHS her skill and professionalism will be missed So sorry for your loss
Dear Stuart, Katie, Joseph, Ben and Adam
Thinking of Elaine puts a smile on my face, for crazy and fun times had, big laughs and an overwhelming joie de vivre. So effortlessly she achieved excellence in all she did. She excelled in loving, which anyone close to her felt. We miss her very presence that would light up a room more than 100 light bulbs. How lucky we are to have known her and enjoyed life with her. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with you all.
With love
Anne and John
I don’t know if any of you will remember me, but Elaine and I were very close friends from the time we were very little at Associated . In fact, she was a bridesmaid at my wedding. Sadly, we lost touch after that but I was so proud as I heard of her accomplishments professionally over the years. I am so very sorry that I didn’t know about her family or her courageous struggles these past years . Hearing of her death brings back many wonderful memories along with profound sadness. Please accept my sincere condolences. She was special when I knew her and forever after. I wish you all healing and wonderful memories
My sincere condolences to Stuart and his family. When I took over the anticoagulant monitoring for Elaine’s pediatric patients that had become adults, I always saw how much Elaine had meant for these young patients with severe heart disease. She was not only their cardiologist but like a second mother for them. A great loss for everyone.
Dear Stuart, Katie and Family;
Sincere condolences on the passing of Elaine. We attended high school together at Forest Hill and both became cardiologists, did fellowships at Stanford and met often at meetings. Elaine was a great teacher and very kind to my daughter Lindsay when she was in Med school and residency at McMaster. She has left a lasting legacy and will be greatly missed.
Kenneth R. Melvin
Know that our thoughts are with you and your family at this sorrowful time. We extend to you our deepest sympathies.
We will always remember Elaine’s beautiful voice in the choir and her warm, welcoming smile in the congregation. We have many fond memories of Youth Group events together, most of which were so generously and graciously hosted at your home. She was a treasure and will be missed. Our deepest condolences to the whole family. Godspeed to the time when your happy memories can outweigh the sadness.
Peppi, may your journey be filled with light and peace, buoyed by the love of all whose lives you touched. Wishing the Gordon and Connolly families strength at this painful time.
Mark Korson
Dear Katie and Stuart,
My deepest condolences to both you and your extended families at this very sad time. Such distinguished and lasting contributions to cardiovascular medicine in Canada.
Stuart, Katie, Joseph, Ben and Adam (Molly and Coco) the depth of your loss is inconceivable. Such a gift to the world. Wife, mother, doctor, teacher and friend to so many. She was a force of nature and the best of all we aspire.
I count her teaching as a precious gift and her friendship as gold. She will live forever in my heart and I will speak of her often to keep that big spirit of her alive in this world.
Right now however I sit in the sadness that she had to suffer at all and that I know you are suffering greatly.
Her memory is a blessing and I consider myself blessed to have known her.
Peace and love to you all.
Andrea and I are deeply saddened by Elanie´s passing. Elaine was a truly remarkable woman and friend with a wonderful sense of humor. We shall remember the many hours which we were fortunate to spend with her in Whistler, Venice, Barcelona, and many other places. She will remain forever in our hearts. Our deepest condolences to Stuart, Katie, Joe, Ben, Adam and partners
Stuart and family,
We are so saddened by the loss of Elaine. She was such a joyful, thoughtful part of out Stanford experience.
We were introduced to pesto in her backyard in Atherton and will be forevermore reminded of her zest for life when we have it. Our lives were richer for having known her.
We are thankful for the beautiful legacy she has left in her impact upon family, friends, colleagues, patients and students.
Elaine was an exceptional physician who always provided the highest level of care for her patients. Her reputation as a professional and a respected colleague is something that will not be forgotten at McMaster.
Andrea and I are deeply saddened by Elanie´s passing. Elaine was a truly remarkable woman and friend with a wonderful sense of humor. We shall remember the many hours which we were fortunate to spend with her in Whistler, Venice, Barcelona, and many other places. She will remain forever in our hearts. Our deepest condolences to Stuart, Katie, Joe, Ben, Adam and partners.
Dear Stuart, Katie, and the extended Gordon and Connolly clan:
I am so saddened to hear of Elaine’s passing. She was a den mother to all of us in cardiology at McMaster: beloved, firm when necessary, and above all compassionate. The way she lived her life particularly helped the women in our cohort see a way to be a cardiologist and juggle innumerable roles. The lessons she taught will live with us forever. Sincerest condolences.
My deepest condolences to Stuart and the children. I am deeply saddened by her loss and will miss her greatly. I am honoured to have been part of her life and called her a friend and role model in so many ways.
I will forever remember the days we sat and discussed patients, often just for the sake of talking; what a gracious and warm host she was; weekends at the cottage. Most remarkably I will cherish her smile and joy when the crowd danced the Horah at Katie and Mike’s wedding.
Dr Gordon, all of us who trained under you at McMaster cardiology admired your clinical skills, sense of humor, and your unparalleled teaching skills. Our community has lost a giant. It was a honor to have worked with you.
Dear Stuart, Katie, Joseph, Ben and Adam,
I am so deeply sorry for the terrible loss of your mother and your life partner.
My memories of that time are of delicious dinners, bush walks, laughter and incredible generousity extended to our family by yours. That generosity originated primarily from Elaine, a woman of immense heart and humour and energy and intelligence. I still cherish the time I was able to spend with Elaine whilst she supported the class work during our last 18 months in Canada. Our road trips to Charlotte’s farm – singing songs from musicals all the way – those were wonderful times. One of the busiest people I’ve ever known, Elaine always shared her time so willingly.
Allow me to extend on behalf of Felix, Honora, Jacob and myself our sincerest condolences.
Janis Ryan
My sincerest condolences to the family. I’m heartbroken to hear of Dr. Gordon’s passing. She was like a mother to those of us who trained in McMaster Cardiology program. Her kindness and compassion were exemplary.
The excited way she would bring me into a patient’s room to listen to a murmur, the way she taught me as I presented the case, the gentle way she opened her copy of Perloff to show me a concept (and subsequently lent to me to read) – these memories are so special and I will always cherish them.
She invited to me to present a case at a conference and took the time to mentor me early in my training.
I remain forever grateful to have learned from this amazing, kind, caring, compassionate and dedicated physician. May her memory be a lasting comfort to her family and all that knew Dr. Elaine Gordon.
Sincerely,
Zeeshan Ahmed
Ben, please accept my sincere apologies that I didn’t include your name in my note below. I know you were a special support to your mom in the last months, often dropping by and spending time with her.
And while adding to my original thoughts, I also want to express my condolences to Rati who was such a steadfast support and friend to Elaine. Your warmth and commitment is an example and inspiration to me.
Dear Stuart, Katie, Joe, Ben and Adam,
My deepest condolences to you and your extended family. Elaine was a person who I admired deeply. She knew the meaning of devotion, commitment and hard work and could always find time to offer a helping hand or sound advice. She was an amazing force and such a supporter of the work being done with Katie throughout all of our grade school years together. I will never forget the speech she made on behalf of the parents at our grade 8 graduation. It was one of the best graduation speeches ever! A woman of so many strengths and talents and a fabulous dancer!
Dear Stuart, Katie, Joe and Adam,
I will write to Stuart separately but wanted to send you my sincere thoughts of sympathy also this way. Through more than 30 years Elaine was an essential person in our circle of friends and local community. Many wonderful memories will stay with us and will continue to make our life richer. The sparkle in her eye, and her joie de vivre was contagious, and she brought courage to many. I am deeply grateful for her generosity of spirit and for our friendship.
As I read Elaine’s amazing biography, I was reminded of my feelings of appreciation, inspiration, and amazement when I was a new class teacher at Halton Waldorf School back in January 1996, and was getting to know the Gordon/Connolly family. I remember wondering how Elaine did it all. A dedicated mother, an exceptional professional, and an involved and well-loved member of several communities, Elaine was a truly remarkable woman! As a young woman, about to be married, I was thinking about how I would like to find balance with family and profession; I was inspired by this incredibly strong, wise and exuberant woman. Elaine never claimed to have all the answers but it was clear that she always showed a strong spirit, a dedication to all aspects of her life and an extraordinary striving. She invariably found the time and energy to help out with class events (for all of her children!), even though she wore so many hats. Her love and dedication to the Halton Waldorf School was truly admirable and I’m sure she was a source of inspiration for many other parents too.
Dear Stuart, Katie, Joseph, Ben, Adam and Rati, and your partners and families, I am so very sorry for your loss and I send my deepest condolences. May your treasured memories bring you peace and comfort at this time.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Warmly, Tara Thornton
Dear Stuart, Katie, Joe, Ben and Adam,
I want to send you our deepest condolences on the passing of your mom and especially to you Stuart. On behalf of Keith and myself and all of our family, we are saddened to hear of your immeasurable loss. I was just thinking of Elaine the other day. Her absolutely wonderful laugh, her practical approach to managing a family and a career and her devotion to you all was always special to see. I remember meeting her first at the Brookville toddler program when Katie was about 2 and from there we segued on into the Halton Waldorf School. I have so many wonderful memories of her during those years which I have always treasured, and over the following years, as our paths separated, I thought of all of you frequently, never more so than now. I know Elaine would revel in her first grandchild and each and every one that may yet be born. Elaine was always fiercely devoted to her family and you will all have such wonderful stories to share with each other. Elaine was one of the most warm hearted and joyful women it was my privilege to know.
Emily and I are shocked and saddened by the passing of our cousin ‘Peppy’.
We offer our deepest condolences to the Connolly and Gordon families.
Our deepest condolences to Stuart, the kids and the Gordon family. We met Elaine for the first time in 2000, at her beautiful home in Burlington, she will always be remembered as kind hearted, smiley and cheerful lady. Her Hanukkah parties were lots of fun and you could always sense the warmth of her character. Her contributions to the community and to the development of Cardiology in Hamilton, the training of the next generation of cardiologists and to new Canadians (as we were) was tremendous. She will remain forever in our hearts.