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ELLEN STRACHAN
Born: Nov 02, 1927
Date of Passing: May 26, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryELLEN STRACHAN (nee RADUL) November 2, 1927 - May 26, 2015 Ellen Strachan, aged 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 26, 2015. Ellen resided recently on the Sunshine Coast of B.C. where she lived near her daughter Lynn and son-in-law Larry. She was born November 2, 1927 in East Braintree, Manitoba to William and Verna Radul. She was one of five children. Despite the adversity of the times, by all accounts Ellen had a happy and healthy upbringing. She completed eighth grade in school, then left her family to move to Winnipeg, where she worked at Paulins Chambers and attended a business College. When she was 21, her older brother George introduced her to her future husband, Wes Strachan, at a dance. Ellen and Wes married in 1949 and soon after moved to Calgary where they built a life for themselves and their two children Jim and Lynn. Adversity struck when Wes was badly injured in a car accident, which impacted the rest of his life. Ellen became the bread winner for the family. She worked endlessly to provide for her family as a full time Secretary and part-time at Sears. She was also a great cook and provided delicious meals, which were often prepared in the late evening hours for the next day. Ellen and Wes also devoted many hours to Jim's little league baseball team. She was an excellent curler and as a member of the Calgary Winter Club had many trophies to show for it. Ellen bravely rose to face the challenges that life threw at her and set a great example of strength and determination. She was predeceased by husband Wes in 1981. She enjoyed several good years in retirement, she was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the Legion (Kensington), and travelled quite widely. A serious health crisis in 2006, forced her to live her remaining years in a care facility, most recently in BC. Ellen is survived by her sister Betty Afanasiev of Winnipeg; her son Jim (Ginny), two grandchildren Jason and Vanessa Strachan; her daughter Lynn and son-in-law Larry Koopman and several nieces and nephews. A small service was held for immediate family in the chapel of Devlin Funeral Home, in Gibsons, BC on May 29. A Memorial service will follow in Calgary at a later date - yet to be decided. She will be buried with Wes at Queens Park Cemetery in Calgary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sunshine Coast Hospice Society, PO Box 902, Sechelt, BC, V0N 3A0.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 13, 2015
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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After so many years, adding some thoughts here for the public record. As was mentioned by Wade, I also have memories of our family trips across the prairies to Calgary to visit Ellen, Wes, Lynn and Jim. It was at one of those visits where we went to the Stampede and my Mother and I shared a $1 bet on a horse, and it won! The only horse race I have ever won in this life to date. Those trips were fun and even once extended on to Maple Ridge were we went to visit Uncle George and family as well. Aunt Ellen was to me my Moms favourite Sister, they always had such a kick together whenever they had the chance to visit. And for me Aunt Ellen was the mischievous one - in the friendly playful way, lol...she was so much fun. These days the Brothers and Sisters are all together again with Mother and Dad, having a happy time I suspect. All the best to everyone, take care. Philip, Chanthaburi, Thailand (Originally Winnipeg, MB) - Posted by: Philip (Family) on: Feb 25, 2021
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Dear Lynn & Jimmy (as we always heard Auntie Ellen call you) Wade passed on this information about Auntie Ellen and I am so sad to hear this. We always had a great visit with her when she would come to Edmonton & I do truly remember all the bags of clothes from Sears she would bring to us. Our last memory I remember visiting with you Jimmy in Pentiction when we met your beautiful family for the first time & Auntie Ellen was there as well. Our hearts go out to you both, it is so hard to loose your mom as ours passed almost 2 years ago now. Take care, Love Cheryl & family - Posted by: Cheryl Gauthier nee White (great niece) on: Jun 18, 2015
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To Jim and Lynn, From my family to yours my condolences. I have such fond memories of Ellen and Wes growing up as a child when they came to visit here in Winnipeg and my family vacations to Calgary during Stampede week. I also remember going to watch Jim play baseball and always thought it was really cool sitting in the stands. Later in life when I new that she was in Winnipeg to visit Betty and Walter I always went out of my way to stop by and give here a big hug. For the longest time we always exchanged Xmas cards and I always enjoyed hearing how she was doing.She was always curious how everyone was doing back in the peg'. Recently it was nice to here from you Lynn via a letter from the coast. Take care thoughts and prayers are with you both. Wade Cadger - Posted by: Wade, Heidi, Brennan & Jayden Cadger (Winnipeg Manitoba) (Family) on: Jun 13, 2015