We Remember
MATHERS, Ellen
—
On the wings of her family’s love, Ellen Mathers was carried gently into glory just as the sun set on Sunday, August 25, 2013.
Born Ellen Campbell on April 21, 1928 in Lachine, Quebec, she married Jim White in 1948. Jim would often reminisce about his fruit-picking summer in the Okanagan Valley. Finally, with a packed-to-the-rafters van and six children in tow, the White family headed west to Kelowna in 1964, settling way out in the boonies, at DeHart and Paret Road (now Gordon Dr.).
Jim and Ellen carried in their hearts the tragic loss of three beloved children: infant son Gordon, son Ken and daughter June. Jim predeceased Ellen in 1980.
Holding Ellen forever in their hearts are her devoted husband, Budd Mathers; and four grown children – Lorne (Theresa) White, Linda (Wayne) Danforth, Jim (Betty-Anne) White and Chris (Lisa) White. Ellen was also a loving mom to grandson Chris Mazur.
Grandma White-Mathers baked countless birthday cakes – and left indelible fingerprints of love – on the hearts of 14 grandchildren (Chris, Lara, Erin, Stephen, Anna, Bethany, Jeffrey, Heather, Michael, Darren, Robbie, Shay, Bobbi and Li) and 21 great-grandchildren.
Ellen lived her life simply, with determination to always be on time and to finish what she started, including the Kelowna Across the Lake Swim just months after enduring cancer surgery and treatment. She was rich in all the ways that count, gaining true and lasting treasure in family and friends. She lived for those she loved – and those she loved remember.
Her family thanks the caregivers at Sutherland Hills Rest Home for their many kindnesses. Friends are warmly invited to an informal celebration of Ellen’s life, well-lived to the finish line, 10 am Saturday (August 31) at the reception room of Springfield Funeral Home.
Friends, in lieu of flowers, you may wish to send a gift in Ellen’s memory to the Kelowna Branch of JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) or a charity of your choice. That would make her smile! 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
10 am Saturday (August 31)
Location
Springfield Funeral Home Family Centre
Share with Others:
Kelowna Branch of JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) or a charity of your choice
Service Information
Service Details
The service for MATHERS, Ellen is scheduled for 10 am Saturday (August 31) . 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
A DEATH OF A MOTHER IS THE FIRST SORROW WEPT WITHOUT HER. (I miss Mom already!)Linda
For those of you who know me, I cry at grocery store openings, so I will send this for all to see, because I know I couldn’t do it justice reading it on Saturday.
“When God Created Mothers”
When the Good Lord was creating mothers, He was into His sixth day of “overtime” when the angel appeared and said. “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”
And God said, “Have you read the specs on this order?” She has to be completely washable, but not plastic. Have 180 moveable parts…all replaceable. Run on black coffee and leftovers. Have a lap that disappears when she stands up. A kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair. And six pairs of hands.”
The angel shook her head slowly and said. “Six pairs of hands…. no way.”
It’s not the hands that are causing me problems,” God remarked, “it’s the three pairs of eyes that mothers have to have.”
That’s on the standard model?” asked the angel. God nodded.
One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, ‘What are you kids doing in there?’ when she already knows. Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn’t but what she has to know, and of course the ones here in front that can look at a child when he goofs up and say. ‘I understand and I love you’ without so much as uttering a word.”
God,” said the angel touching his sleeve gently, “Get some rest tomorrow….”
I can’t,” said God, “I’m so close to creating something so close to myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick…can feed a family of six on one pound of hamburger…and can get a nine year old to stand under a shower.”
The angel circled the model of a mother very slowly. “It’s too soft,” she sighed.
But tough!” said God excitedly. “You can imagine what this mother can do or endure.”
Can it think?”
Not only can it think, but it can reason and compromise,” said the Creator.
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek.
There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told You that You were trying to put too much into this model.”
It’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.”
What’s it for?”
It’s for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness, and pride.”
You are a genius, ” said the angel.
Somberly, God said, “I didn’t put it there.”
― Erma Bombeck,
Knowing you Linda then having the honor and privilege of meeting and caring for your mother while at her home has been a great joy in my life time. Your entire family has inherited your Mom’s gigantic smile. Along with that genuine smile was Ellen’s most beautiful sparkling blue eyes, her gentle, caring voice and her spunky humour. Her heart was enormous as was her spirit for living life within nature and athletics plus a love of magnificent cooking ability. Ellen was one of God’s angels on earth.
A lovely photo which captures Ellen’s wonderful smile; this is the picture of a face I have always seen smile. I believe that she has passed this gift of her heart onto her grandchildren. God Bless her kindness.
The last words of my beautiful mom-in-law – “I’ll dance!”
Dear Lorne, Theresa and family;
God be with you as you say good bye to a dear mother; it is really never easy.
God bless you in this tender hour.
Love and prayers,
Beryl Baldeo
My Dear Cousins: Your mom was a favourite of my parents and I am so glad that I picked-up that family connection when I moved to BC in 1969. For many years we looked forward to our annual September visit with al of you and to go dancing with Aunt Ellen at the Legion or one of the community halls. Our thoughts are with you on Saturday. With love and fond memories. Arnie & Dianne Campbell
Dear Lorne, Theresa and Family,
May we express our sorrow at the passing of a great lady, your Mother. Your father Jim and I were first cousins and on a few visits to Kelowna back in the late ’60’s I warmly remember just how proud he was of his beautiful wife and his brood of great kids. As we know time just flies by and life has a way of determining how it is used, I regret not seeing this lovely woman just one more time!!
Our sincere condolences,
Winston and Ann Swinwood
London, Ontario.
Your Mom was a very special Aunt to me with a big heart and love for everyone. Mom and Dad thought the world of her.
Love Ann and Ray