SHAND, ELLEN BERTA (HAMES)
Ellen Shand, a resident at Prairie Valley Lodge and formerly at Angus Place, Summerland, BC, died peacefully in her sleep early on January 11. She was in her 96th year. Born in Winnipeg, MB, 26 March 1917, Ellen grew up in Glenboro, MB, received her BA from Winnipeg’s United College (now the University of Winnipeg), and married George Shand in 1939. From the early 1940s until George’s retirement, they lived in Dryden, ON, Marathon, ON, and again in Dryden. In 1961 Ellen became an elementary and special education teacher, teaching in Marathon and Dryden until, in 1977, she and George moved to Summerland, BC.
Along the way, Ellen and George produced five children: Skip (Patricia) of Toronto, ON; Terry (Michael Barrett, d.) of Owen Sound, ON; Judy (Donald Harbarenko) of Leduc, AB; Bruce, of New Westminster, BC; and Lois, of Duncan, BC. Ellen was predeceased by husband George (d.1988); her parents, Bert and Evelyn Hames; her sister Marie (Hames) Douglas; and, sadly, by three grandchildren. She is survived by her sister Betty (Hames) Schmitt of Springfield, Ohio, by her five children, seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. She will be missed by all of them, and by her dear friends Laura Harris and Patricia Amundsen, of Summerland.
Ellen loved to be outdoors with friends and family, especially on the beaches of Northern Ontario and the Okanagan. She loved words and games, and was never happier than when reading a fine book, watching curling, competing in the Angus Place shuffleboard league, solving crossword puzzles, or playing cut-throat Scrabble against her son Bruce. She was an active volunteer, teaching remedial reading and assisting with Meals on Wheels. A constant believer in social justice and peace, Ellen was an early supporter of the Voice of Women, Inter Pares, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, and a variety of environmental and health support groups.
The family is very grateful for the loving care and consideration Ellen received from the superb staff at Prairie Valley Lodge. Those who wish to, are invited to make memorial donations to Inter Pares (221 Laurier Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1N 6P1) or to a charity of your choice.