ELLA ESTHER BILODEAU (WERNER) (GRANNY B)

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ELLA BILODEAU
(nee WERNER)

Ella Esther (nee Werner) Bilodeau, also fondly remembered as Granny B., passed away peacefully on October 9, 2022, at the age of 96. Ella was a strong, outspoken, opinionated and independent woman who faced many hardships in life, through sheer determination and a strong work ethic, she was able to carve out a wonderful life of adventure.
Ella was born on January 17, 1926, to Adolph and Matilda Werner in Moosehorn, Manitoba. She grew up on her parent's farm until moving to Winnipeg around age 20.
While Ella worked at various jobs in Winnipeg as a young woman, her most memorable one being at the Hotel Fort Garry. She enjoyed getting in her vehicle and driving wherever the wind took her. All she needed was a tank of gas, a thermos of coffee, pack of smokes, french fries and ketchup and her assortment of cassette tapes. Her road trips took her travelling to her hometown of Ashern, BC, the Cottage, Oak Hammock Marsh and various destinations throughout Manitoba. Mom was also an avid gardener, her backyard looked like something from a magazine, where she would spend many hours smoking, drinking a coffee and pondering her thoughts. If she wasn't in the backyard, she was renovating the inside of her home, the original "do it yourselfer". Mom would frequently have family over for Thanksgiving, Christmas and other special occasions, where our large family would huddle into her home, taking turns eating in the kitchen.
Granny B. enjoyed her role as a grandmother and was honoured when she became a great-grandmother. Sharing fond memories with each grandchild, while ensuring all of them had a pair of her handmade flannel P.J.'s and a crocheted blanket.
Ella has mourned the loss of many, including her mother Matilda (nee Kiesman) at a young age; father Adolph Werner; brother George, and her loving sisters, Laura (Randy), Alice and Evelyn.
Left to cherish Ella's memories are her children, Reid (Josie), Wayne, Robert (Trudy and Brody) and Wade (Shannon); Granny B's grandchildren, Michel, Steven, Shaun, Sarah (Tim), Jared, Jayne (Dakota), Nigel and Kali and great-grandchild Lilja. Mom kept her sisters close to her heart, Ruth and Violet.
Thank you to the staff at Beacon Hill Lodge, especially Hazel who took such great care of our mom and built a friendship during the past ten years.
A service will be held in Winnipeg Thursday, October 20, 2022, at Wojcik's Chapel of Memories, 2157 Portage Avenue at 11:00 a.m.
A private family interment will be held in Ashern, Manitoba at a later date.
Condolences can be made at www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com

"THIS IS LIVIN"

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 15, 2022