Freda A. Ells
Born: November 24th, 1926
Passed on: April 23rd, 2017
With deep sadness we announce the passing of Freda Athlene Ells, age 90, on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at home surrounded by people she loved. Freda was a wonderful wife, mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Because of her huge heart, she always put everyone before herself.
Born in Minasville, Hants County on November 24, 1926 to the late Greeno and Charlotte Jane (Wright) Scott, Freda was the youngest of nine children and was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Mom was raised in a place and time where neighbours were like family and were always there for each other; a time when if something broke, you did not simply purchase a replacement. You repaired what you had the best way you knew.
Freda married 'the love of her life', Vincent on October 14, 1946 and they were blessed to have been married for 67 happy years before he passed away. They spent most of those years residing in Westmount in a home built with love, faith and hard work. There was nothing that she put her hand to that she could not do. She was a proud stay-at-home mom who also ran her husband's construction office from their home. Freda was always available at a moment's notice to help anyone who needed it, yet both she and Dad were reluctant to ask for or accept offers of assistance from others. She loved to bowl, do crafts, especially flower arrangements and sew (everything from the latest fashion idea to formal gowns for both of her girls for proms and bridesmaids, usually without a pattern). She was also known to be Dad's mechanic-in-training as she helped him restore antique cars and build two motor-homes. Mom loved to play cards, especially tarabish, create beautiful ceramics, and dance, but mostly she loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and visited them whenever an opportunity arose. Nannie (aka 'Little Nannie' as her great-granddaughters nicknamed her) was known for almost never saying “no” and what happened at Nannie's, stayed at Nannie's on many enjoyable sleepovers. She enjoyed a very active social life up until a few years ago when ill health made her slow down, but just a 'little'. Freda became a life member of the Westmount Volunteer Fire Department after 50 plus years of service. She was a member of Westmount United Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years and after serving as an elder for many years, she became an honorary elder. She was a life member of Westmount United Church UCW and former member of the choir. For 14 years, Freda performed in the annual Dinner Theatre productions put on by the UCW and many patrons looked forward to seeing her perform. Freda was a former member of Harbourside Seniors Club and was a member of the Sydney Pensioner's Club. Freda was also a proud member of Queen Elizabeth Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. She recently received her 60 year Membership Jewel. Besides holding many star points in her local chapter, Freda also served as Worthy Grand Matron of NS and PE. In 1968 Mom was selected by District 8 Community council as Westmount's Citizen of the Year. Freda received many recognition certificates for her contributions and outstanding volunteer service from the Municipality of Cape Breton, as well as the province of Nova Scotia and was recognized in 2001 by the Government of Canada. Along with her husband, Freda received the Golden Jubilee Medal in November, 2002 for exceptional service to her community and country.
Besides her parents, Freda was predeceased by her husband in 2013; her only son, Arthur in 2014; son-in-law, Peter MacDonald in 2010, and brothers, Aubrey (Mabel) Scott, Lawrence (Christine) Scott and Frank (Paulina) Scott. Also predeceased by sisters, Mary Scott, Alda (Harry) Walker, Inez (Floyd) McCulloch, Effie (John) Fortune and Lillian (John) Naas.
Freda is survived by daughters, Maralyn (Jerome) Ralph and Alda Breen; grandchildren, Tracey Grabher, Michelle (Steve) Lawrence, Troy Grabher (Christianne Lefebvre), Jason (Leanne) Breen and Darren (Jen) Ells; great-grandchildren, McKenzie and Kaitlyn Paiva, Jayda Lawrence, Bailey Ells and Gavin and Liam Breen. Freda is also survived by fifteen nieces and nephews, as well as many friends who will miss her dearly.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Mom's physician for nearly 50 years, Dr. Glenn Gracie. We are also indebted to Mom's loving and devoted caregivers, Debbie Caines and Bonnie Clark. Special thanks also to the VON, the palliative care team of doctors and nurses. The family wants to thank Jennie Dornadic and Sandra Smith who both went above and beyond to make her not only feel better, but also made her look like the Angel she was. In fear of leaving out anyone who was so kind to Mom, especially since Dad passed away, we won't be naming anyone specific, but if you think this means you, it does.
Visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, April 26 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services to celebrate Freda's life will take place at Westmount United Church on Thursday, April 27th at 2 p.m., with Norma Mills,
DLM officiating, assisted by Rev. Tommy Whent. A reception will follow in the church hall.
As per her wishes, cremation will take place, with burial in Selmah United Church cemetery at a later date when Mom and Dad will once more be together.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to An Cala hospice-palliative care, the Westmount United Church or a charity of one's choice.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
The family, although sad, take solace in knowing there will be no more confusion or suffering and she will now be at peace. Our love goes with her. We were all so blessed to have had her in our lives for so long. Mom's strength, determination and caring heart will live on in each of us. The world may be a lonelier place for us today, but we are better people because of her. She will be missed.
Mom, our happiness was always important to you
Nothing for us you wouldn't do.
Today and tomorrow, our whole lives through
We will always love and cherish you.
