ELLEN MCLENNAN

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ELLEN MCLENNAN Ellen McLennan died on December 26, 2008, at Seven Oaks General Hospital, in the 99th year of her life. Ellen was born on January 25, 1910, in Winnipeg, the youngest of 12 children, seven of whom reached adulthood. Ellen left school after Grade 8 because of a hearing problem, an affliction that began in early childhood. Despite her hearing loss, Ellen became a proficient classical pianist under the tutelage of acclaimed Winnipeg music teacher J.P. O'Donnell. After obtaining a business-college diploma, Ellen obtained employment with the federal government in Winnipeg, where she remained until retiring from the unemployment-insurance division at 65. Before and after retiring, Ellen travelled extensively, including to California, where two of her brothers lived. Ellen was a kind and giving person who contributed generously to many charities, and who made a practice of providing transportation to many of her friends who couldn't drive. She continued to drive through her 97th year. Ellen's sense of humour never abandoned her. Her quick wit produced one-liners that became legendary among family and friends. A friend she was visiting said to her, Ellen, the other day I saw these wee little men dressed up like the guards at Buckingham Palace, and they came in under the doorsill and cleaned up my whole house. Do you think I'm going flakey? Who cares if you're flakey? Ellen said. Your house is clean. Ellen is survived by nephews Ross and Bob of Winnipeg; grandnephews James and Paul McLennan of Toronto; grandnephews Charles and Edwin Ferris of California; grandnieces Lynndi Ernst of Clayton, California, Donna Creedon of Rohnert, California, and Bonnie Whobrey of Reno, Nevada; and sister-in-law Lillian McLennan of Winnipeg. A special thanks to the staff at Seven Oaks Hospital, fourth floor, Unit 11. A memorial service will be held on February 2, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 30, 2008