We Remember
CONNELL, Estelle Gaetane (née Lefebvre)
—
Passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at the Central Okanagan Hospice House in Kelowna at the age of 87. She was the loving mother of Elaine (Bruce), Susan (Brian predeceased), Greg (Brenda) and Pat (Jill) and the devoted grandmother of Shanelle, Kaylan and McKenzie. She also leaves behind many friends and family members. Estelle was kind and friendly to all she met. She was a great storyteller, loved to talk politics, was warm, gracious and full of joie de vivre as seen in her love of travel and many years of volunteering with the Heart Institute (Ottawa), Kerby Centre (Calgary) and Project Linus (Ottawa). Estelle was determined and courageous to the end. She will be dearly missed but her beautiful, youthful spirit will live on.
Friends and Family are invited to a Celebration of her Life on Saturday, July 9, 2016 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Springfield Funeral Home Family Centre, 2020 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC. The family would like to extend sincere thanks or Dr. Ben Wiese and the palliative nurse team and caregivers whose dedication and care enabled Estelle to continue to live at home as she courageously lived her life throughout her illness. Special thanks to the Central Okanagan Hospice House medical staff for their compassionate care during her final hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society www.cancer.ca or Multiple Sclerosis Society www.mssociety.ca as would Masses said in her memory. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Saturday, July 9, 2016 from 10:00 am - 12:00
Location
Springfield Funeral Home Family Centre
Share with Others:
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society www.cancer.ca or Multiple Sclerosis Society www.mssociety.ca as would Masses said in her memory. Link: www.mssociety.ca , www.cancer.ca
Service Information
Service Details
The service for CONNELL, Estelle Gaetane (née Lefebvre) is scheduled for Saturday, July 9, 2016 from 10:00 am - 12:00 . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home Family Centre
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
My deepest sympathy to the family at the loss of your Mom/Grandmother. May God be with you during this sad time.
Susan,
My mom and I send our deepest condolences to you and family for the loss of your mother. Your mother was a strong spirit, interested in current events and meaningful discussion, very unlike her age group. My mom often asked about you and your mom after her extended visit a few years ago. Your move to Kelowna had created many more new memories family for both your mother and you and your family to cherish. Take care and know that I am but a phone call away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dear Susan and family:
So sorry to hear about Auntie Elsie. We had some nice visits when you were here in Calgary especially when Colleen was visiting also.
Most of that generation in our family is gone but I have forwarded your email to some of the cousins. Hopefully she went in peace.
Dear Susan and Family, your dear mom was a very special person! We will never forget the visits to you house Susan and how your mom was there, always having a smile on her face and a genuine interest in everyone who came to visit! She was so spunky and outgoing and although she never wanted to “intrude” or interfere with the visit…we really wanted her to be included since she was so interesting and engaging! She was one of the gang and we really loved her! She could contribute to every conversation on any topic…she really knew something about everything! She certainly was not your average granny sitting in a rocking chair counting the threads in the carpet! But she DID KNIT! Beautiful things! I will always cherish the scarf she knit for me and she picked the colors that would go with what I would wear! Yes…. your mom was a very lovely, kind and caring person and I know how much you will miss her…she was there for you when you needed her most and visa versa! She is home! Wishing you Gods’ comfort during this difficult time….may all the wonderful memories you have of her carry you through!
Dear Susan,
My most sincere condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you and your family during this very difficult time….with deepest sympathy.
I drove down Meadowlands yesterday. I saw Estelle’s face right through the drive. I also saw the house that she lived in when I first came to Ottawa, and where she welcomed me, a new Canadian many times over and especially at Christmas. The senior citizens residence that she lived in was also on Meadowlands. I visited her there as she prepared to go out West; and loved her wry sense of humour and well-developed political and social instincts both of which she displayed even under very difficult circumstances. My life in Ottawa and in Canada was full of Estelle. I still have a beautiful sweater that she knitted for me; and will have always in my heart her kindness and graciousness. Deepest sympathies to the family, and a big hug to my dear friend Sue. She will be sorely missed; may we more like her, Fauzya
Dear Susan and family, we are deeply saddened to hear the news of your mother’s passing. We have enjoyed her company since coming to Edmonton and having tea together, and again this April when we are so glad we saw you both in Kelowna. Her bright spirit and love of politics and discussions with Mike were a joy to behold. She loved to laugh and we are so pleased to have shared a weekend with you both in your new house, sharing finishing a jigsaw, looking at knitting, and sharing recipes, only 2 months ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Susan as you continue to live without her, which will be very difficult. Stay in touch.
Dear Susan and family
We are very saddend to hear the news of your mother’s passing. We are very grateful that we had the opportunity to meet and spend time with your mother, while she lived in Edmonton. I will always cherish the conversations we had about politics, life in general and our love of traveling in Europe, sharing memories – always ensuring my glass of red wine was never empty.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Susan, Greg, Elaine , Pat and family your Mom & Grandma was a special lady. I was honored to get to know her when she called Edmonton home. Her sense of humor , smile and always willing to discuss politics and world news will be missed. It was always a pleasure to stop in with Utah and see your Moms face light up when she called him human. He knew how to get those extra treats for sure. I will always cherish the drive to Kelowna and seeing her delight driving thru the mountains. Estelle you will be missed by all. Hugs to all of you and it was a honor to know your Mom. As ever, Lynn, Alex and Utah
Dear Elaine, Susan, Greg, Pat and family,
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our aunt Estelle. She will be truly missed by all. We have so many fond memories of her. We will remember her generosity, her kindness, her courage, her positive thinking, her many interests and her great sense of humor.
Our most sincere condolences to the family.
We will have masses said in her memory.
Love Richard, Marc, Natalie , Sylvie and family
Dear Elaine & Sue-
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. When I saw the photo you had chosen, I realized that she looked much the same as many years ago. I would have recognized her had I met her on the street.
Elaine, I recall having many, many cups of tea at your home off St Laurent Blvd accompanied by your mother, who always was engaged in our conversations. It’s hard to believe those occasions were over 35 years ago.
Sue, my favourite recollection about your Mum is the time we went to Lake George and while en route, Estelle noticed that she had left her purse in the driveway (of your Meadowlands Drive home). Hard to believe but when we returned to Ottawa some hours later, the purse was still sitting in the driveway! God was watching out for her then and I’m sure God will help you through this difficult time.
If there is anything Rob or I can do to help you cope, just ask.
Sue,
My heart goes out to you and your family. Most of my memories of your mother are from when I was a youngster in Manor Park. I remember her laugh and welcoming smile when Colin and I were visiting your home and hanging our with our friends, Pat and Greg. She has been a friend to our family for decades. I know how much Estelle meant to my mother. Please pass on my condolences to Elaine, Pat and Greg. I’m thinking of you. You were very fortunate to have such a wonderful Mother.
Dear Susan, Elaine, Greg and Pat,
Your mother will be greatly missed. She had such vitality and personality, and was always interested in the people and events around her. I am glad to have known her!
Jennifer Bécherel
Dear Sue and family,
Our family sends its deepest condolences to you. We were so sorry when your mom passed away. Her huge, welcoming heart and wonderful sense of humour are qualities we all remember so well from our childhood!
In later years, our moms used to enjoy their visits, and my mom remembers how Estelle always made her feel so good when she was in her company. There was always a good time to be had, and future visits were something to look forward to. Our moms had the greatest visit in Kelowna the spring before you moved from Edmonton. It was such a pleasure to watch them enjoying each others’ company!
Another joy was to see Estelle get such a kick out of my grandsons, especially Charlie, whom she first met at 5 months of age while Emily and I were visiting Edmonton. She delighted in hearing about the many “little boy” antics (the more outrageous, the better), and the sound of her laughter continues to warm my heart. With my mom living so far away, the next best thing has been sharing the joy of my grandsons with your mom, Estelle. She is missed.
Glenda and family
Dear Susan and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I know your mom will be dearly missed but I hope you can cherish the many memories you do have when times are low.
Susan
I knew Estelle – through Elaine – for more than 20 years and my first impressions lasted: a strong character and no-nonsense please. The matriarch. To that she added generosity, tolerance (of me, at least, but perhaps less so of certain political figures) and a strong sense of service to others. Her faith was private but enduringly important to her and in the end, after a full life of family, work and service, left without regrets and with the love and respect of us all.