Our beloved Ellen passed away peacefully at the Lakes District Hospital in Burns Lake in the early hours of June 13 with family by her side. Ellen leaves to remember and love her always her children; Yvette (Eric) Jones, Riel (Cherill) and Ridge (Amber); grandchildren Lane, Shannelle, Mason, Austin; mother Dorothy Coppaway; sister Delma (Derek) Foster; sister-in-Laws, Ada Coppaway, Theresa Paton and Dorothy Szabo; nieces and nephews Todd Foster, Crystal (Mark) Cummings, Tracey (Jimmy) Fuentes, Graham Coppaway, Gabriel (John) Meade, Rick (Gaye) Szabo, Mike Szabo, Cathy Scott, Dan (Lina) Paton, Virginia (John) and numerous other relatives and friends. Ellen was predeceased by her husband Gene (October, 2009) of 35 years, father Eldred Coppaway, brother Clarion Coppaway, father-in-law Ray Vienneau and mother-in-law Edna Ross.
Born and raised in Curve Lake First Nation in Ontario, she spent her early years there working and attending school. She met her husband, Gene, in Hamilton and one summer night in 1971 they quietly left Ontario and set out west to start a new life in BC. Settling in Burns Lake in 1972, Ellen worked numerous jobs over the years and made many wonderful friends. She loved cooking and gardening, to share laughs and stories around the fire and to finish a good crossword. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she will be remembered for her great love of her family. She will be forever missed.
A service was held at St. Paul’s United Church in Burns Lake on June 18. A sincere thanks to all family and friends for their loving gestures, prayers and support through this difficult time as we have found great comfort in this. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Burns Lake Health Care Auxiliary in Ellen’s honor would be gratefully appreciated.