December 13, 1929 – July 15, 2011
Ellen passed away in the early morning hours of July 15th, 2011 after living with cancer for many years, ending a life dedicated to faith, family, and caring for others. She will live on in the hearts of John, her loving husband of 61 years, her children Jan (Bob), Thad (Sharon), Judy (Ian), Brian (Lorna), grandchildren David, Jessica (Jaret), Ryan, Kyle, Annie, Rose, Maggie, Iain and Susanna, great-grandchildren Danika and Dorian, sister-in-law Violet Hitchings and her life-long friend and cousin Bernadette Smith. Ellen was predeceased by her infant son, John, her parents Thomas and Rose Leahy, brothers Desmond, Tom, Johnny, Bernard, sisters Norah, Theresa, and Peggy, and their spouses.
Ellen lived her life in Victoria, a graduate of St. Ann’s Academy and founding member of the Friends of St. Ann’s Society. She worked for the provincial government before starting her family in 1953. She gave selflessly to her church and community, including the Catholic Women’s League, Victoria Hospice, and the Red Cross. Ellen was an avid gardener and talented seamstress, and traveled extensively with John in their retirement years.
The family would like to thank all the doctors who provided exceptional care for Ellen over the years, especially Dr. Neil Crofton, and the wonderful teams at Home and Community Care and the Victoria Hospice who cared for Mom during her final days.
Prayers will be offered at McCall Bros. Floral Chapel, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, Wednesday, July 20th at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 21st, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Blanshard & View Streets, where Ellen was baptized and married. A reception will follow Mass in the McCall’s Family Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mount St. Mary’s Hospital or Victoria Hospice, two charities dear to Ellen’s heart. Condolences may be offered at www.mccallbros.com.
-
Helen Rose (Paterson)
-
Christine Miller and family Dear Judy and family,
We are thinking of you and your family.Our sincerest condolences to you all.Judy,while Justin didn’t know your Mom he wants you to know that you are his forever favorite grade two teacher and hopes you remember all the very best of things you did with your Mom.
My Mom ,Ursula, sends her condolences as well.Your Mom will always be remembered as a very valuable member of the St.Patricks Parish family.
Sincerely,
Ursula Reder
Christine,John,Justin, Emily and Natalie Miller
-
John, Marie-Emmanuelle, Catherine Bartle Dear John,
We are sorry to hear of your loss, and are keeping you in our prayers.
-
Alex and Marian Piercy To John and family Our heartfelt condolences to you all. She was a lovely person and will be missed very much. Alex and Marian Piercy
-
Mike Clermont John and family,
Please accept our most heart felt condolences. Ellen was a remarkable lady,
Mike and Ambriss Clermont
-
Judy Newman Dear Judy, Maggie and Rose,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mum and grandmother.
Thinking of you all.
Chris Ward
-
Julie and Ray Flemming (J. de St. Jorre) Sorry to learn of the passing of Ellen with cancer.
Dad, 75, Maurie, 49 cousin Diana, 49 and more recently, Ariel Merner, a school chum of Ellen also fought this.
She will be missed …
Nothing can take away your memories or the fact she was well thought of — a beautiful lady inside and out–.
You are in our thoughts, Julie and Ray Flemming
-
Robert and Dorothy Kay Dear John and family,
we are so sorry to hear of Ellen’s passing and send our condolences to you. We celebrate our 58th wedding anniversary this year , thank you John for introducing us to each other way back in 1952. Robert’s mother Gertie Kay is nearing her 105th birthday, she also sends her condolences.
-
Jennifer, Veronica & Line After hearing of her passing, our thoughts went out to your family.
We offer our sincere condolences, and wish you all the best in this difficult period.
Take care.
-
Jack and Sylvia York Dear John and Family: We were so sorry to read about your loss this morning in the newspaper. Jack and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Take care and God Bless. Sincerely, Jack and Sylvia
-
Norm and Kay Anderson Dear John, Jan and Bob: May Kay and I offer our deepest sympathy to you and all your family in the loss of your wife and mother! We were so very sorry to hear of Ellen’s passing – a kind and wonderful lady whom we very much admired. She will be sorely missed, not only by her family but by her many friends and those institutions to which she gave so unselfishly of herself.
Sincerely, Kay and Norm
-
Jill Benwell Dear John,
I read about your wife Ellen’s passing in the newspaper & I recalled how much I admired you & your family. I was a young, naiive secretary & your strong family values left an impression on me. My daughters Janis & Robyn are now 37 & 39 – where did the time go? My thoughts are with you & your family.
Sincerely, Jill
-
Iris Thornton Herb and I were most sorry to read of Ellen’s death and offer our sincere condolences to John and family on their sad loss. Ellen was an ardent gardener, among other talents, and will be missed by many.
-
Paddy Robertson Dear Janice and family,
I am so sorry to hear that you’ve lost your mother. I will always remember her as a true lady, elegant and calm. I used to come and help our mum gather flowers from the garden on occasion; it was always a pleasure to see Ellen.
Please accept our condolences.
Paddy (Macgillivray) & Stewart Robertson
Ottawa
My thoughts and prayers to you Thad and your family. I just found out today that your Mum had passed away. I remember her well and how she helped my Mum when my Dad passed away, 7 years ago today. Give your Dad a big hug for me and take care. God Bless, Helen