March 21, 1926 - July 30, 2019
We all miss our Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt, Great Aunt and friend, La-La.
She was predeceased by long time partner, Arthur Mawhinney, loving daughter, Patricia McConnell, sisters Eva, Jen, Marge, Mary, Kathleen, Agnes and brother Joe.
Ellen is survived by her son, Jim Mant (Juanita), her youngest sister in England, Doreen Tough (Jim), her grandchildren, Shannon Charlesworth (Terry), Elis Mant (Angela), Michael Mant (Leah), Jannason Blackburn (Steph), Greg McConnell (Emma) and Jeff McConnell (Tanya), her great grandchildren, Jennifer, Kari-Lea, Chelsey, Darian, Emerson, Broc, Abi-gail, Milo, Madison, Bailee, Taylor, Samantha, Cameron, plus numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and her good friends Exie Plummer and Bob and Kate Barrie.
Ellen was born in Wallsend on Tyne in England to parents, Hannah and Joseph Duffy. She came to Canada as a child migrant with three sisters and her brother on October 24, 1936. They sailed the Atlantic on the Canadian Pacific Duchess of Atholl and travelled across Canada to be raised and educated at Fairbridge Farms in Duncan, BC. She always spoke highly of Fairbridge Farms and maintained a relationship with previous residents via annual reunions and visits until her death.
Ellen moved to Qualicum Beach in January, 1944 and worked as a server, cashier and salesperson. She then settled in Parksville and enjoyed a busy life with her children, family, partner and friends. Ellen had a love of golfing, curling and badminton in her early days.
"La-La" will be greatly missed
Those who love don't go away, They walk beside us everyday, Unseen, unheard but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.
No service by request
Special thanks to friends Phil and Marie Harlow, Dini Cobb with Seren Care and nephew Dave O'Reilly for their kindness to Ellen in her final years, allowing her to fulfill her wish to live in her home.