Obituary for Louise Kathelin Ellis
Louise Kathelin Ellis (née Dutchak) died peacefully, in the presence of family, at the North Shore Hospice on April 13, 2024. She is survived by her daughter Vivian, and two grandsons. She is also survived by her sister Marion Hill in Winnipeg, and her large extended Dutchak family of nieces & nephews, their children and grandchildren.
Born April 25, 1930 on her parents’ farm near Angusville, Manitoba, Louise was the 8th of 9 children. She frequently spoke of her childhood years with fond recollection and cherished memories of the excitement of growing up in a household with seven sisters. The sisters maintained a close relationship throughout their long lives. After WW II, the family moved to Winnipeg, where she completed high school in St. James. Having been blessed with a beautiful and strong singing voice, she sang as church choir member and soloist, she also competed as a sprinter at the provincial level. Gifted in visual arts, she chose the practical course of secretarial training. In the mid 1950s, following two of her elder sisters, she moved to British Columbia, becoming deeply attached to North Vancouver and its mountains. She worked in administrative roles in the early days of CBC Vancouver television news where she met her husband, a reporter, Rex Ellis.
After the marriage ended, Louise moved forward as a single mother, seeking new workplaces, and new connections through the North Shore Single Parents and St. Martin’s Church. Upon retirement as a BC public servant, she qualified in early childhood development, working in afterschool and childcare until her mid 70s, forming lasting attachments to the children in her care.
Louise was not one to sit still and always enjoyed an opportunity to participate in a social outing. Whether it was shopping, walking on the West Vancouver Seawall, a movie, a chocolate milkshake at White Spot, dinner, a dance, or a card game on her building's rooftop...she enjoyed it all. She frequented the Seniors Centre where she enjoyed many activities including badminton. Integrity and honesty were very strong traits of Louise's personality, she was the loyal friend you could always rely upon. She was vibrant and independent in her 90s - avidly communicating by telephone, email and cards (she never missed a birthday or major event) with an extensive network of family, friends and acquaintances; a good friend in the Kiwanis Towers community - until recent strokes.
Special thanks to extended family, Louise’s friends & former colleagues for your kindness and support in her last weeks. Also, to the Lions Gate Hospital neurological team and the gracious care of the North Shore Hospice.
While Louise especially loved flowers, please also consider a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada or the North Shore Neighbourhood House.
Born April 25, 1930 on her parents’ farm near Angusville, Manitoba, Louise was the 8th of 9 children. She frequently spoke of her childhood years with fond recollection and cherished memories of the excitement of growing up in a household with seven sisters. The sisters maintained a close relationship throughout their long lives. After WW II, the family moved to Winnipeg, where she completed high school in St. James. Having been blessed with a beautiful and strong singing voice, she sang as church choir member and soloist, she also competed as a sprinter at the provincial level. Gifted in visual arts, she chose the practical course of secretarial training. In the mid 1950s, following two of her elder sisters, she moved to British Columbia, becoming deeply attached to North Vancouver and its mountains. She worked in administrative roles in the early days of CBC Vancouver television news where she met her husband, a reporter, Rex Ellis.
After the marriage ended, Louise moved forward as a single mother, seeking new workplaces, and new connections through the North Shore Single Parents and St. Martin’s Church. Upon retirement as a BC public servant, she qualified in early childhood development, working in afterschool and childcare until her mid 70s, forming lasting attachments to the children in her care.
Louise was not one to sit still and always enjoyed an opportunity to participate in a social outing. Whether it was shopping, walking on the West Vancouver Seawall, a movie, a chocolate milkshake at White Spot, dinner, a dance, or a card game on her building's rooftop...she enjoyed it all. She frequented the Seniors Centre where she enjoyed many activities including badminton. Integrity and honesty were very strong traits of Louise's personality, she was the loyal friend you could always rely upon. She was vibrant and independent in her 90s - avidly communicating by telephone, email and cards (she never missed a birthday or major event) with an extensive network of family, friends and acquaintances; a good friend in the Kiwanis Towers community - until recent strokes.
Special thanks to extended family, Louise’s friends & former colleagues for your kindness and support in her last weeks. Also, to the Lions Gate Hospital neurological team and the gracious care of the North Shore Hospice.
While Louise especially loved flowers, please also consider a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada or the North Shore Neighbourhood House.