Dec 18, 1929 - Mar 5, 2018
In sadness, the family wishes to announce the passing of Ellen Turner on Monday, March 5, 2018 at the Shuswap Lake General Hospital, Salmon Arm, B.C. at the age of 88 years.
She passed away peacefully in her sleep with family at her side. Ellen was born December 18, 1929 at Virden, Manitoba. She was raised on the family farm and lived there until she married the love of her life, G.W. Vernon Turner on January 5rd, 1948. They lived on the Turner family farm at Cromer, Manitoba and raised three boys. She worked hard both in and out of the home. She enjoyed farm life and was well known for her vegetable and flower gardens!
During the winters, she enjoyed watching her husband curl, going to dances and knitting. In 1965, they sold the farm and moved to Rivers Manitoba where they operated the McLeod's store until it closed. She was employed at the hospital until they moved to British Columbia. In 1969, the family moved to Salmon Arm. She always yearned to live in the Shuswap and finally realized her dream!
She loved to garden and particularly enjoyed all the fruit trees. Nothing ever went to waste! She worked at Marshall Wells before obtaining a position at the hospital and eventually became the assistant dietician. After leaving the hospital, she worked at a variety of jobs before starting her own business as a house and pet sitter. She enjoyed her clients, but especially liked their pets, from cats, dogs and ducks to horses! She was a dedicated volunteer with the hospital auxiliary for 35 years. In addition, she was an active member of the Legion for over 40 years and enjoyed volunteering for the annual Poppy Campaign!
She was a supporter of the First United Church, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Shuswap Hospital Foundation, and the Haney Village & Museum. In her spare time, she loved to dance and liked to help organize the Singles Club dances. She enjoyed cross country skiing and was an avid golfer! She enjoyed travelling, especially with Wells Gray Tours out of Kamloops and other trips to Hawaii and Mexico.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Vernon Turner in 1977; by her parents, Gordon, and Amelia; brothers: Edward and Melvin; parents in law, John (Iva) Turner, sister in law, Gwen Crook (nee: Turner) and husband Russ. Left to mourn are her sons, Brian (Linda); Blaine (Lisa); Brent (Debbie) and their families consisting of six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; brother, Ken (Jean) Wardle and sister, Joyce (Lloyd) Williamson and families along with numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the staff at Piccadilly Terrace for the friendship and compassion given to her. In addition, we extend our thanks to Dr. Bonthuys for his compassionate care of our mother and to the staff in emergency and the nurses staff on the second floor of the hospital.
A celebration of life will be held at Fischer's Funeral Services in Salmon Arm at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 19, 2018 with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests you donate to the Shuswap Hospital Foundation or to a local charity of your choice.
Share online condolences and memories of Mary through her obituary at www.fischersfuneralservices.com.
Fischers Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd.