It is with great sadness that we announce Ethel Margaret Lett, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt passed away suddenly on December 18, 2017 at the age of 99 with family members by her side.
Ethel was born in Edmonton, Alberta and grew up on a farm in the Calmar area with her siblings Lillias, Robert, Isabel and Ian. After school graduation, Ethel went to Olds College and then was employed as an operator by the Alberta Government Telephones in Leduc, followed by nurses’ training at Lamont General Hospital with maternity nursing post grad training at St. Paul’s, Vancouver. Ethel married Alexander ‘Sandy’ Letawsky (Lett) in Vancouver in 1949, moving to Saltspring Island where she practised nursing before moving to Victoria.
She is survived by her children Grant (Christine) and Elaine (Clive); her 5 grandchildren Timothy, Genevieve, Amy, Naomi, and Paul; 3 great-grandchildren Anthony, Gabrielle, and Brandon; and Nancy, Jessica, and Jason who were also dear to ‘Grandma Lett’. She is predeceased by her daughter Joan, husband Sandy and her 4 siblings.
Ethel was a gracious, kind and stoic individual. She had wonderful wit, loved music, and was a Scrabble enthusiast! Ethel gave generously to her community – whether it was volunteering for her family’s many activities or for her church. A long-standing member of First Metropolitan United Church, Ethel taught Sunday school for many years and was an active member of the Friendship Club.
Ethel’s family brought her much joy, and she was a wonderful teacher and mentor to them. Her kind smile and positive energy will be forever remembered and sadly missed by her family and lifelong friends.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Oak Bay Lodge who looked after Ethel so well the past few years.
A Celebration of Life and reception will be held at First Metropolitan United Church – 932 Balmoral Road, on Saturday, January 6th, 2018, at 2 pm.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to any of her charities of choice: West Coast Children’s Choral Society; the BC Lung Society; or Scouts Canada.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Kathy Kraeling
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Lynne McIntyre (Derbyshire) I am sorry for your loss. Ethel was a wonderful, warm lady. Always giving of herself. She was a good friend to my mom and dad. I know she will be missed by many people.
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Brenda Fox Elaine and Grant. You may not remember our family, the Fox family, but we have wonderful memories of visiting with your family during the 50s and 60s when your family lived on Cook and Bay Street. Although we lost our parents, Orville and Joyce many years ago, we remember your Mom’s hospitality -her genuine smile and laughter, and how close our Mom was with Your Mom. They had likely met in Edmonton before they were married with families. We hope to attend the service for your Mom and pay our respects on behalf of our Mom and Dad.
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Eileen & Jerry Melissa Elaine! You probably don’t remember me. You were so young in the 60s. I stayed with your family while I attended University. You actually attended our wedding in Aug.1963. We tried to contact your mom on several occasions but our calls were never successful. I guess we should have made more of an effort! We did meet wth her, informally, at the Saanich Ice Arena several years ago.
We are so sorry for your loss. Both Jerry and I remember very fondly our times spent with both your mom and dad! Please let Grant know we grieve for his loss! Ethel was a special woman!
We now live in Youbou, B.C. Not sure if you and your family ever did visit us at our farm in Duncan but we do have pictures and memories of your visits to our Saltair home in the 70s.
If you guys are ever up island please make a detour and pay us a visit. We no longer winter in the South and are home most days! Would love to hear about your mom’s last years! Our phone number is 1 250 947 0251.
Eileen (nee Jamieson) and Jerry Melissa!
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Carolyn Stiff (nee Fish) My heart goes out to you and your family. My deepest sympathy.
Grant and Elaine:
I am sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I have such fond memories of her and your family living next door to us on Cook St. Our mothers were close friends and my mom depended on Mrs. Lett for nursing expertise and guidance. I spent many hours at your home as my parents worked, always loved the warmth and caring of your Mom and Dad. In later years your parents and mine got together again with Golden Rods and Reels fishing and camping together. Fun times for all of them. Amazing to see your Mom lived to 99. My Mom was also in Oak Bay Lodge until 2014, would have been nice if they’d been neighbours again! Extending our Sympathy from the Derry family.