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Ellen Fraser
May 19, 1939 - September 7, 2017
Tribute
On September 7, Ellen Marjorie Fraser passed away in her Osoyoos home. Ellen was born in Oliver, the daughter of Walt and Gertrude Stevens, and grew up on their orchard at Deadman’s Lake.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, George, son Glen, daughters Lee Stotz (Mark), Robynne, and Tanya Graham (Adam) and grandsons Matthew and Duncan. Ellen was the eldest in her family, and is also survived by brothers Pat, Mike and Chuck, sisters Jackie and Jessica, five nephews and two nieces. She was predeceased by brothers Harry and Chris.
Ellen graduated from SOHS in 1957, took grade 13 the next year and then went to Victoria College for her teacher training year. She married George in 1959, and they were both hired to teach in the Kettle Valley School District. In 1962, they returned to the South Okanagan, and in 1975 moved onto their orchard and into the house Ellen designed. In the years between 1968 and 1972, she taught Art in the Osoyoos Junior Secondary School, and quickly built up the Art program which had previously been struggling.
By 1973 Ellen had become a full time mother and housewife. She was an accomplished artist, working in pastel, oil, and acrylic. When she lost interest in those fields she turned her energy to cross stitch. One wall in the house shows off 20 pieces of cross stitch art, representing hundreds of hours of work. She had the patience and a desire for perfection to produce flawless work.
She also had a strong sense of family spending uncountable hours getting old photographs reprinted and getting current photos printed with the result being about 10 feet of shelving carrying photo albums. She loved to shop for her children and grandsons and continuously add to her impressive shoe collection.
In her latest years, her health deteriorated, and she fought bravely against numerous health problems. When she could no longer do so many of the things she wanted to do, reading became her source of pleasure, and thanks to technology, she was able to read many, many books on a series of e-readers.
Ellen’s warm inviting nature allowed her to connect with everyone who knew her.
By her request, there will be an informal gathering at the house on October 7 from 2-4 pm.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium
Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Len Hintz
We were school classmates from Grade 1 through graduation and were always close friends. Ellen was the main force at organizing our school reunions which were always a lot of fun.
From: Brian & Betty Lee
Relation: Friend
Condolence from The Lees in Osoyoos
From: Marie Cadorette
Relation: I am an auntie.
My deepest condolences to the Fraser and Stevens family. Thank you, Ellen, for caring so deeply for my two nieces, Robynne and Tanya, and incorporating them into your young family. I always enjoyed your Christmas photos that you so thoughtfully put together. You will be deeply missed.
From: Bonnie Stevens
Relation: Sister-in-law
Clem & Bonnie are thinking of you all at this time. The many memories we have of Ellen will always keep her in our hearts.
From: Larry Seebach
Ellen was a loving aunt to me, my siblings, and all the cousins in our large clan. She always made us feel special and loved. We will miss her dearly. I would like to express my condolences to Uncle George and the whole Fraser family. I have nothing but the warmest and most loving memories of Aunty Ellen.
From: Harriett Chave
Relation: High school friend
A loss for family, friends and community. I will always remember Ellen standing with Sharon in the orchard, sleeping bags and pillows in their arms, happy and ready for the world after a great sleep in the outdoors. Harriett
From: Sharon Gecse
Relation: Friend
My condolences to you, George, and your family. My children went through school here in Osoyoos with your children so that is how long I’ve known you and Ellen. Although not close friends, I know what a wonderful, gifted person, wife and Mother Ellen was. Now is the time to draw upon all the heartwarming family memories shared throughout all those years and treasure them. My thoughts are with you.
From: Bob Rusch
Relation: High school fellow student.
Ellen will be remembered for all the good things she has done for her community. She will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out for George and family.
From: Cindy and Jim Liebel
We are so sorry to hear about Ellen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim and Cindy Liebel
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088 Toll free: (844) 498-0088
Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270 Toll free: (800) 665-9983
Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438
Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226
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Send Condolence - For Ellen Fraser
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