We Remember

CONWAY, Ellen Margaret

—

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ellen Conway (nee McKay) on November 8, 2013 at the age of 69.  She is survived by her loving husband Gerald, her daughters Wendy Serko (Larry), Shelley Yost (Warren), as well as her grandchildren Tasia and Landon Serko; Scott and Chase Yost.  Also by her siblings George (Michelle), Frances (Jim), Stella (Gordon), Roy (Jane), Irene (Frank) and many nieces and nephews.

Born in Vancouver on January 27th 1944, Ellen spent most of her younger years in North Vancouver where she met the love of her life, Ger. They married in 1961 and a few years later started a family.  Ellen and Ger moved to Kelowna with their daughters, Wendy and Shelley, in 1969. Ellen devoted herself to the care of her family and home and pursued many interests such as knitting, sewing, reading, gardening, and baking just to name a few.  Ellen was the kind of woman who left a positive impression on all those who met her. She was a good friend, loyal sister, excellent cook, avid volunteer, dedicated Mother, and a loving and caring spouse.

Ellen courageously lived with A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig’s disease) for the last 6 1/2 years, facing every challenge along the way with strength and grace.  She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family wishes to thank the ALS Society of BC for all the equipment supplied and moral support; The Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program (PROP); Dr. Auret Van Heerden and Dr. Graham McCauley; Deanna Hammer, Palliative Care nurse, for her care and support to Ellen and the family; the dedicated Interior Health home support staff who made it possible for Ellen to stay at home; and Members of Kelowna West UTC for their kindness and support.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Rd.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ellen’s memory to the  ALS Society of B.C.  1233-13351 Commerce Parkway, Richmond B.C. V6V-2X7.  If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

Service
Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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ALS Society of B.C. 1233-13351 Commerce Parkway, Richmond B.C. V6V-2X7.

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Service Information

Service Details


The service for CONWAY, Ellen Margaret is scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Lynn Mori says:
    November 12, 2013 at 6:40 pm

    So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. I know it has been a long hard journey for all of you, but you should be very proud of how you helped her pass with dignity & in her own home. May she be at peace & pain free now. Much love & friendship, Lynn Mori xoxo

    Reply
  • Lynne Deacon says:
    November 15, 2013 at 2:30 pm

    Gerry, Shelly, Wendy and family
    I was so sorry to read that Ellen had passed away after a courageous battle with ALS. She was a warm and caring lady who will be remember.
    Lynne Deacon

    Reply
  • Alan Cobden says:
    November 15, 2013 at 6:43 pm

    I’m very sorry Gerry, to hear of Ellen’s death. Plesde sccept my sincerecondolences – Alan Cobden

    Reply
  • Cindy Davies says:
    November 16, 2013 at 11:09 am

    Gerald, Wendy, Shelley,
    Thank you for making it possible to celebrate Ellen’s life with you. I am warmed with memories of the times I visited, the warm welcome, great baking, easy conversation and her light hearted caring spirit. Your eulogies and photos were a wonderful sharing of the joy Ellen brought to the lives of family and friends.
    My deepest sympathies for your loss,
    Cindy

    Reply
  • Helmut + Susan Herwig says:
    November 16, 2013 at 1:51 pm

    We were very sorry to hear of Ellen’s passing…our thoughts are with you. – Helmut + Sue

    Reply
  • Kathryn Grant (CHW -Muskoka Ont) says:
    November 16, 2013 at 2:18 pm

    Gerry and family,
    It was with great pleasure that I was blessed to spend time with Ellen on respites and help with her care. I remember one respite Ellen told me all about her travels, even to the Muskokas where I moved from. She expressed that day how grateful she was for her memories of family get togethers. She will be greatly missed and I will remember her kind mannerism.

    Reply
  • Laura says:
    November 17, 2013 at 7:12 pm

    Gerald, so sorry to hear of your loss, I really enjoyed getting to know Ellen, she truly was an amazing person. I always looked forward to the days I got to come and see her, we shared many stories together, and had a lot of laughs. Ellen will be truly be missed. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
    Laura (chw interior health)

    Reply
  • Mike and Ellen Lewis says:
    November 24, 2013 at 5:56 pm

    we are very sorry to hear of Ellen’s passing but hope you have strong and wonderful memories of your life together that will help you through her loss. We remember our talks and workshops through MPRA where we got re-acquainted. It was good to reconnect and we will remember the enjoyable meetings with both of you.

    Reply

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They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke