Mary Ellen Coward

Having lived 91 event filled years, feisty Ellen lost her fight to recover from a stroke. Born into a farming family in Calgary on 9 March 1919, she married Woodrow Whitefield Coward with whom she shared 70 wonderful years. Ellen’s central passion was family: her four children Neil, Gary, John Douglas, and Barbara, her 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. One hallmark of this stylish, gracious woman was her bottomless generosity, expressed in legendary feasts and get-togethers for family, friends and acquaintances. As we were army gypsies, Mom had to cope with many years of solo parenting during Wood’s combat duties, and re-invented our home each time we were posted – to Whitehorse, Edmonton, Oakville, Camp Borden, Montreal, and Ottawa – keeping us comfortable, well-fed, and or course, clean! From 1967 on in Vancouver, finally civilian, she engaged in active citizenship as a member of Veterans Against Nuclear Arms, as dedicated peace marcher, as organizer in a care home. Then her prodigious energy found a new focus as she and Wood built their gorgeous home on Galiano Island, where she helped sustain the rural community, befriending and charming many into her heart. In these last two years in the retirement community of Cavell Gardens, Ellen blossomed into a natural leader, touching people with her encouragement, warm smile and love. A life well-lived, this remarkable person will be missed by her near family, nieces and nephews, in-laws and friends, young and old.

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