Ebbs passed away peacefully at Saanich Peninsula Hospital in the Palliative Care Unit, surrounded by her dear husband of 56 years, Ray; son, Greg (Katie Ciampi) and daughter, Jenny (Bobby Varghese). She also leaves behind grandchildren, Kyle and Talia (Greg) and Naiya (Jenny and Bobby) in addition to many other beloved relatives and cherished friends.
Ebbs was an only child and was predeceased by her father, Worsley in 1955 and her dear mother, Betty in 1966. Her mother’s family, the Gough’s, were considered one of the true founders of Nanaimo and arrived in Nanaimo from England in 1852-4 on the ship, Princess Royal. Her father’s family was Victoria-based Ebbs-Canavans.
Since Ebbs lost her father at an early age, she primarily grew up with her beloved mother in Nanaimo. Ebbs moved to Victoria for nurses’ training in 1959, where she soon met her husband, Ray. They married in 1963. Ebbs graduated from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in 1962. She had a full and wide-ranging career as an RN in Victoria, which included obstetrics, ER/ICU/PAR, Employee Health Nurse, Director of Employee Health, then ending her career at Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion.
Ebbs was a fiercely dedicated and loyal wife to Ray; a cherished cousin, sister-in-law, and an ‘Auntie Ebbs’; she was a creative, decisive, honest, loyal, and wise mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Ebbs loved social gatherings, shopping anytime, and could skillfully sew anything with beauty and perfection.
Ebbs resisted against her health struggles until the very end.
We love you and miss you so much, but you will always be vibrant in our hearts and memories.
A million thanks to the excellent staff at the Palliative Care Unit at Saanich Peninsula Hospital. We cannot thank you enough for caring for Ebbs/Mom with both expertise and respect and for honouring her with a dignified and peaceful passing. Thank you to the Palliative Care Unit volunteers, who provided us with an oasis of tranquility amidst the sadness and chaos of losing one of our dearest loved ones. We would also like to express a special thank you to GP Dr. McNaughton and many specialists who looked after Ebbs. Acknowledgements also go out to our dear friends and family who tirelessly dedicated so much of their time and love visiting and supporting Ebbs during the past months.
A Celebration of Ebbs’ Life will be held on Wednesday, February 27th, at 2 pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to ‘Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation.’
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
32 Responses
When I think of Ebbs I think of her exceptional wisdom, courage, humour, honesty and compassion. I will especially miss having the ability to send all my major life dilemmas her way only to have her solve them for me, typically in five words or less. Her wise words and clear eyed way of seeing the world will be with me always. Jen, I am so sorry that I cannot be there in person on Wednesday but I will be there in spirit.
Ray and family. We were saddened to hear of Ebbs passing and hope your memories will sustain you at this difficult time.
Val and Barry Arnsdorf
Dear Ray, Greg, Jen, Bobby and Naiya,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of dear Ebbs, your wonderful wife, mother and nana. While we share your grief, we also join you in finding solace knowing that she was so loved and was so blessed, that she was able to say goodbyes and be with all her loved ones in the end.
We pray for strength for Ray and the family – May her soul rest in peace.
Love and hugs,
Rahel, Zachary, Rinky & Cherry
Dear Ray and family
I’m so very sorry to hear of the passing of Elizabeth, I remember her as such a loving and vibrant woman. Vicky Shipton so admired her and spoken of her with such praise.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
You are in our thoughts!
Jenn and Sam Sr
My heartfelt condolences go to you Ray and your beautiful family.
Ebbs was such a sweet lady and one I am thankful to have had the chance
to know.
Love sent your way Ray and the hugest of hugs .
Wendy
(Bills niece )
We both are so sorry to hear about Ebbs, She was always cheerful and friendly, a beautiful lady, our hearts go out to you all, With Lots Of Love Bruce and Ruth
To Ray and Family:
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Ebbs passing. We spent many years working together in the Employee Health Department, first at the old St. Joseph’s Hospital, Vic General and then at Begbie Hall at RJH. I have fond memories of our many hospital reunions with coworkers who became family.
Please accept my condolences on your great loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Bev Hyde
Ebbs was a force of nature and one of my all-time favourite people. You will be missed terribly but the memory of you will forever bring smiles to all our faces.
Condolences from the Suos and Stevens Families.
What a lovely pic. of Ebbs. She was a wonderful lady and I know you will all miss her very much.
I still have and use the calendar folder she made for the RO ladies. I still have the cute little card she sent after we won the Henrietta and see it every day at my desk.
Take care….For me time does not heal but the memories are forever.