Ethel Garnham

Ethel Garnham     

     It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of Ethel Garnham announce her passing.  With family by her side, Ethel passed peacefully on Oct 30th, 2020 at the age of 95 just 24 days shy of her 96th birthday. 

     Ethel was the last living child of Anne and Thomas Woodcock. She was predeceased by 9 siblings and her husband of 59 years, Bill Garnham in 2004.

     Left to cherish her memory are: son Tom, wife Leigh, children; Roxanne, Leanne and families. Daughter Barb, husband Don, children; Kim, Jennifer and families.  Youngest daughter Betty, as well as 13 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson and numerous nieces and nephews.

     Ethel was born on November 23rd, 1924 in Wigan Lancashire, England.  She received her childhood education there and was working in a factory when she met a young Canadian soldier stationed there. They met at a local dance and the romance began. She became a war bride and was married to her one love in her hometown on December 29th, 1945.  By 1946 she was enroute by ship to a new life in Canada. 

    Their first homestead was in Delta, Manitoba, living in a 4 room tiny house with wood heat, no running water and no inside bathroom. 

     After 8 long winters, 3 small children and a completely different way of life, Ethel and her husband Bill moved the family to Portage. They moved their little house from Delta to Tupper St. where it still sits to this day.  

     Ethel had many interests that she acquired over the years. She loved to bake, can, cook and knit all which she proudly taught herself.

     She liked bingo and one-armed bandits and game shows on tv, Quality Street chocolates and in her younger days a good Coke float. Ethel also enjoyed watching birds eating from her feeders out the front living room window. 

     Ethel loved to travel especially if it involved an airplane. She always looked forward to flying back home to England to visit family.  In 2003, Ethels sister May along with her family came to Canada for to visit. This was the first time her sister had come to Canada and the last time they would see each other in person.  It was a highlight and a treasured memory in both of their lives. 

     Her second love, and often dessert after supper, was a cigarette.  Ethel enjoyed a smoke, a good cup of tea and the odd tipple.  Her feisty spirit and quarky sayings will be missed, certainly cherished and remembered by her family. 

     At Ethel's request there will be no formal funeral service.  An immediate-family graveside ceremony will be held at a later time.  If friends/family so desire donations in Ethel's memory may be made to the charity of choice.

Messages of condolences can be made on-line at www.omegafuneralhome.com.

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