Ellen Dorothy Mathers (1955-2022)
It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my partner and love of my life. On Saturday morning, October 15, 2022, with a peaceful, loving smile on her face and looking across the waters from our home on Pender Island, over to the snow-capped Olympic mountains and TJ, Nina and I by her side, Ellen peacefully went to sleep.
Ellen and I met going way back to the “Woodstock era” of the ’60s. Our life journey together took us to many amazing places, eventually settling in Canmore in the mid ‘90s. Ellen gave all of herself to our family and to others, never expecting anything in return. With her unselfish nature, spiritual connection to Mother Earth and unwavering devotion to her faith she valiantly fought to overcome the illness that eventually took her from us.
Her passing leaves an immeasurable void in our close family – TJ (Diana and Thomas) Mathers and Nina (Torsten Voigt) Mathers and myself, Tom Mathers. We are heartbroken that she left us far too soon, but we are comforted in knowing that she is now resting in peace and will never ever be forgotten.
Over the decades that we lived in Canmore, Ellen touched many. From her years at Elizabeth Rummel that were devoted to the children and parents, through to her years of service with Alberta Health Services in Canmore and Banff, she had a deep dedication to helping others. We (TJ, Nina and I) hope that the people who knew her will look back and remember with fondness on how amazing a woman, mentor and friend she was and the spark and twinkle in her eyes.
Ellen had a great love of nature and embraced simple, beautiful things in life – her walks, tranquil biking on her “pink cruiser,” and even though she only learned to skate later in life, she absolutely adored the peace and freedom of gliding on many of the beautiful, magical frozen lakes and ponds in the valley and beyond.
We wish to acknowledge the efforts of Dr. T. Koulis, Dr. C. Fibich (BC Cancer Clinic – Victoria), Dr. G. Moore (Pender Islands Health Centre), the support of Fr. Dan Stevenot (St. Mary’s Parish), her beloved sister Janice (Woodfine), and dearest friend Jennifer (Joyce). A heartfelt thank you and huge appreciation to Pender Islands’ RNs Miranda M. and Carmel K. – without them and the tender care they provided, Ellen’s passing would not have been as peaceful as it was.
A small, private ceremony will be held in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Ellen, we ask that for those wishing to honour her memory, a donation can be made to St. Mary’s Parish in Banff or to the Pender Islands Health Care Society. Or we ask that you simply pass on a good deed to a parent, partner, sibling, child or even a stranger in need. A simple act of kindness – Ellen would have loved that and smiled.
