OHS, Margery “Elinor”
of Port Alberni, B.C., passed away peacefully on November 27, 2009 at the age of 85 years.
Elinor was born on July 3, 1924, in Kapowsin, Washington, to John “Paddy” Edmund and Mary “Gertrude” (nee McLachlin) Burke, formerly of Lake Cowichan. She had one older brother, Francis “Frank”, who predeceased her in 1975.
The family returned to Vancouver Island in 1928 to purchase the Ark Resort at Great Central Lake. Elinor helped with the operations at the Ark including piloting the resort’s water taxis to the cabins and logging camps along the lake. After graduating from Alberni District High School she worked in the Great Central Division office of Bloedel, Stewart, and Welch Ltd. She later was employed by the B.C. Telephone Company until 1956.
After the war she married the late Robert “Bob” John Ohs, also of Port Alberni, and the ceremony took place July 15, 1948, at Saint Andrews United church in Alberni. Bob predeceased her in 1979.
Mum was active with Job’s Daughters, serving as the local Bethel Guardian from 1975-1977 and 1982-1984. Mum loved to travel locally and abroad but the journeys reinforced her conviction that “there’s no place like home” in the Alberni Valley.
Remembering Mum/Grandma with love and affection are her remaining family, daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Bruce McGrath of Calgary, Alberta; son and daughter-in-law, Darrell and Lori Ohs of Nanaimo, B.C. and their children, Rebecca and Jonathan.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm,
Monday, December 7, 2009 at the Alberni Valley United Church, 3747 Church St., Port Alberni
with Reverend Sandra McMillan officiating.
Condolences may be forwarded to the family at
www.mem.com
Donations in memory of Elinor may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 5060 Argyle St., Port Alberni, BC., V9Y 1V4 or to a humane society of your choice would be appreciated.
To her neighbours, home support workers, nurses at WCGH, and caregivers at Nanaimo Seniors Village, the family extends our heartfelt appreciation.
To everyone else who touched her life and shared her presence – thank you.
Chapel Of Memories Funeral Directors (250)723-3633