We Remember

ELLETT, Rosslyn Irene (née Awrey)

October 5, 1946 — August 6, 2024

It is with great love and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rosslyn Ellett on August 6, 2024 at the age of 77, after a brave 8-month battle with cancer. She passed away peacefully in the Central Okanagan Hospice House, with her son and daughter at her side.

Rosslyn is lovingly remembered by her daughter Amy; son Chris (Kari); granddaughters Anya and Kali; sister Mary Ellen (John); and granddog Ruth (Amy’s dog). She will also be dearly missed by her extended family and many close friends. Rosslyn was predeceased by both her parents, Bert and Irene; and her sister, Kareen.

Rosslyn was born in Guelph, Ontario and grew up in Hillsburgh, Ontario. After graduating high school, she trained at Toronto Western Hospital, becoming a registered nurse and worked in the OR at Winnipeg Children’s Hospital. It was while working in Winnipeg, she met Dr. Bob Ellett, her future husband. They moved to Kelowna in 1979 where they started their family.

One of Rosslyn’s passions was volunteering. She was well known as a longtime volunteer at Kelowna General Hospital, where she touched many peoples’ lives. For almost 25 years, she gave back to her community by holding various volunteer positions within the KGH Foundation. Rosslyn is most known for being the “coffee lady” in the Perking Lot coffee shop at KGH. Over the years, she also volunteered in the Snackery, worked as an engraver and a reconciler for the Foundation, and joined the Hospital Auxiliary. Up until her diagnosis, she was a volunteer at KGH’s onsite affordable accommodation facility, JoAnna’s House.

Rosslyn was always there for her children and granddaughters. She cheered for her daughter at many marathons and triathlons. She loved playing the piano, and filled her days walking, golfing, playing tennis and cards. She was an avid cruiser, travelling to many countries around the world. Rosslyn knew how to meet people where they were. She could make anyone feel comfortable, and she fit well into any situation. She was quiet and reserved but led with an undeniable strength and confidence that brought people together with love and kindness. Her kind smile will be missed, but always remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in the spring of 2025. Details to be announced.

Memorial donations may be made in Rosslyn’s name to the KGH Foundation.

Rosslyn’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the exceptional staff at BC Cancer Kelowna and the Central Okanagan Hospice House for their special care and compassion.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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Condolences

  • Alison Keple says:
    August 27, 2024 at 9:37 am

    Amy, I am so happy I had the chance to meet your lovely mother. She was so wonderful and I am glad you got to spend so many years together. She was so proud of you and the love you have for each really showed. Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time.

    Reply
  • Vivian Bernard says:
    August 27, 2024 at 3:13 pm

    I met Ros when I began volunteering at KGH as a reconciler. She was such a lovely person, someone you do not soon forget. I feel grateful to have known her and cherish the time we spent together. My deepest condolences to her family.
    Vivian Bernard

    Reply
  • Julie Fiorentino says:
    August 27, 2024 at 8:57 pm

    I was shocked and saddened to read about the passing of Rosslyn while I read her beautifully written obituary today. Rosslyn was the lovely lady who always organized the volunteers for the Perking Lot at Kelowna General Hospital. I often enjoyed it when she scheduled us to work together because we would spend the morning laughing while we poured coffee. Rosslyn was such a fun and genuine soul – and I was lucky to have been a part of her volunteering days at KGH.
    I still see her smile and hear her voice when she phoned to schedule me for “the next shift.”
    Rosslyn had a soul filled with kindness. May the lessons she taught you resonate in your memory, and you hear her laughter on the days you need it most.
    Sincerely,
    Julie Fiorentino

    Reply
  • Georgie Brown says:
    August 27, 2024 at 9:17 pm

    Oh Roz…you were the best ‘coffee lady’ not to mention a super Auxilian. You will be deeply missed by your family & friends. Rest in blessed peace dear Roz.
    Sincerely, Georgie Brown UE

    Reply
  • Nicki Hughes says:
    August 28, 2024 at 10:08 am

    I’m deeply sorry to hear about the loss of Ros. She was a cherished member of our KGHF/JoeAnna’s House family, and her kindness, hard work, and passion—whether inside the home or out in the garden—touched us all. Her dedication, especially to our garden club, brightened our days and left a lasting impact on everyone she met. I will miss her dearly but I will think of her every time I look at the flowers. Please know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time and sending you strength and comfort.

    Reply
  • Heather Dawn Honke says:
    August 30, 2024 at 6:26 pm

    Dear Ellett family;
    I worked at KGH as a nurse and was always greeted by this lovely lady for coffee. My heart goes out to you and forever grateful in the smiles, kind words that Rosslyn spoke. God Bless you all.

    Reply
  • Pat Evans says:
    December 5, 2024 at 6:41 pm

    Sincere condolences to family and friends. I knew Rossslyn and Mary Ellen in Hillsburgh. Sincerest condolences.

    Reply

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