We Remember

TETZ (Cullen) (nee Fettig), Eleanora Margaret

June 26, 1930 — October 5, 2018

Surrounded by family, in Kelowna, in her 88th year, Eleanora passed away peacefully on October 5. She was born on June 26, 1930 in Qu’Appelle, SK, daughter of Casper Fettig and Frances LeBoldus. She grew up on a farm in Grassy Lake, AB, obtained a Diploma in Nursing and landed a position in Lethbridge, where she married Norman Cullen. The sudden death of Norman in 1972 in Cranbrook BC, where the family had moved, left Eleanora, at age 41, the sole bread winner and parent to raise their seven children. Fortunately, Eleanora held a position as department head at the new Cranbrook Hospital. Several years later she met Larrie Tetz, with whom she enjoyed 25 years of marriage. They moved to Kelowna in 2010 to be closer to her family only to lose Larrie to ALS in 2011.

Eleanora’s was an extraordinary life. Along with her striking beauty, she possessed a singular personality. Her willpower, energy, wisdom, and goodness not only prevailed through the difficult years of childrearing during widowhood, but also served as a blueprint from which her children and grandchildren continue to draw inspiration. She was also an excellent singer, cook, cribbage player, raconteur, and walker. She loved travel and the outdoors, but nothing trumped her love of family. Eleanora is predeceased by her brother Martin Fettig, sisters Mae Heintz and Anna Rushford, and her husbands, Norman Cullen and Larrie Tetz. She is survived by her seven children: Kathleen (Garth Walton), Burke (Irene Kanurkus), Tom (Cindy Cullen), Maureen (Mike Anderson), Jacalyn (Terry Kirkham), John (Orla Graham-Cullen), and Barry; three step children: Becky, Shelley, and Simone (Alessandro); 16 grandchildren: Jesse, Michael, Lauren, Ethan, Kieran, Dallas, Kelsey, Ryan, Scott, Blake, Lyndsay, Ailish, Tiernan, Saoirse, Abby and Drake; 2 great-grandchildren: Andre and Jackson; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Thank you to the excellent staff on 4A at Kelowna General Hospital and to the wonderful people – neighbours and staff at Sandalwood Resort, where Eleanora resided.

A Funeral Mass to be held at 11:00 am on October 20 at St. Charles Garnier Catholic Church, 3665 Benvoulin Rd., Kelowna, BC. Reception to follow at Kelowna Springs Golf Course at 360 Penno Rd., Kelowna BC. A Celebration of Eleanora’s life will be held in late spring in Cranbook, BC – details to come.

In memory of Eleanora, donations can be made to the KGH (Kelowna General Hospital) Foundation, www.kghfoundation.com. 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, October 20, 2018 at 11:00 am followed by a reception at Kelowna Springs Golf Course. An additional celebration of life will be held at a later date in Cranbrook, BC

Location
St. Charles Garnier Parish

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In memory of Eleanora, donations can be made to the KGH (Kelowna General Hospital) Foundation. Link: www.kghfoundation.com

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for TETZ (Cullen) (nee Fettig), Eleanora Margaret is scheduled for Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 11:00 am followed by a reception at Kelowna Springs Golf Course. An additional celebration of life will be held at a later date in Cranbrook, BC. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

St. Charles Garnier Parish

3645 Benvoulin Rd Kelowna, BC

Phone:


Special Requests:

None.


Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Eldon and June Wiebe says:

    We were so priviledged to get to know Eleanor and Larrie in Cranbrook and also in Kelowna. She was such a vibrant lady and so interesting to be with. Beautiful inside and out. So sorry to hear of her passing, May God be with her family during these sad days.

  • Kirsten (Grandniece), Felix, Calvin and Charlotte says:

    I am so grateful that we shared such a wonderful weekend reconnecting and reintroducing ourselves at the fabulous Cullen reunion in Kelowna. Thank you for the wonderful recent memories. Our family sends their best wishes and love. xoxoxoxo

  • Marilyn and Derek hould says:

    We are sad to hear of the passing of your mom, John. Our thoughts are with you and the family. Her tribute was very touching. She was a strong woman for sure. Please draw your strength from your precious memories. Hugs to all.

  • Karen (Fennessy) Fountaine says:

    Maureen, Tom, Burke and siblings, my deepest sympathies to all of you. I didn’t know your mom but it sounds she was an incredible woman! Bless you all!🙏❤

  • Kelly and Chris Thorsteinson says:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Cullen family as you deal with the loss of your mother. Your mom was a beautiful and caring lady with a wonderful sense of humour. She was such a large presence in your lives that will now be filled with wonderful memories.
    Kelly and Chris.

  • Marilyn Leboldus says:

    Another star is shining brightly in the sky. Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing Burke, condolences to all her children, grandchildren, and others family members. My children Christine, Shelley and their children, Brooklynn, Nicholas, Cassius and Kaen also send their sympathy. We are honoured to have met her and she will be surely missed by all. Thank God for all the memories we share.

  • Ruth says:

    It has been a long time but I have many fond childhood memories of your Mum, my Aunt, and our times together as kids when we visited for family get togethers. My sincerest sympathy to you all.
    Ruth Brown( Heintz) Australia

  • Carol and Jim Thompson says:

    We are sad to hear of the passing of your mother. She was our neighbour for many years and missed her when she moved to Kelowna. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family,

  • John Pouw (Boskoop, The Netherlands) says:

    So much fun and warmth, too long ago as Burke’s clogged U of T buddy visiting Eleanor and Larry, staying in the magical ‘hoover room’ and meeting all the family running in and out of the house. Big smile on my face today, nearly 30 years later. Thank you!

  • margaret brown says:

    We remember Eleanora and her family when they lived in Cranbrook.Tom spent time in our home,being a close friend of my son Neil.The family were so kind to Neil when our CAthy passed awayOur condolences to the family.She was a wonderful kind lady.We remember.
    Marg Brown and Neil.

  • Shelley Wiebe says:

    So saddened to hear of the passing of your Mom as she was like a Mom to me during our time in Cranbrook from 1993 to 1996. She was full of energy, wit and wisdom. She could play a mean game of Crib and was always happy to “skunk” me if she could. My memories are full of our many walks, cribbage games, as well as her picking up those dastardly never ending Ponderosa pine needles in her yard, going to aerobics classes together and her presence at the birth of both of my children. She was a special lady and will always hold a special place in my heart.

  • Marion & Fred schindel says:

    We were so sadden when we learned of Eleanora passing. Our condolences to all the Cullen children and their families. God bless you all.

  • Elizabeth McElroy says:

    Eleanor will always be remembered, in our hearts and memories. A capable and loving wife and step mom to Shelley and Simone Tetz, and Becky K. I am always grateful for that. We had good times together. With affection Elizabeth McElroy (tetz)

  • Pat McMahon says:

    What wonderful memories I have of my Auntie Eleanor! I never remember her without a smile on her face, a quick laugh, and a “let’s make the best of it” attitude. Such a warm, generous, and loving woman. I’m glad she passed her last few hours with her children crying but also laughing and singing–perfect. Pat McMahon

  • Jodie Mendes says:

    I only had the opportunity to meet Eleanor once or twice but was taken by her beautiful and positive energy. I will cherish the memory of our conversation and her wit and lovely smile. My thoughts are with the family she so loved.

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