ELLEN GOERTZEN -

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ELLEN GOERTZEN 1920 - 2011 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ellen Goertzen (nee Janzen) at West Park Manor Personal Care Home on November 25, 2011 at 91 years of age. She will be lovingly remembered by her three sons Ed (Susan), Rudy (Penny), and Bill (Iris); her grandchildren Nathan, Jennifer, Haeli, Travis, Jessie, Sarah, Jordan, Kyle, Cody and their partners; and six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Henry, and her grandson Ryan. She will also be remembered by her only sibling Sophie Neufeld of Kitchener, Ontario. Ellen was born on an estate outside of Berdjansk, Ukraine in 1920. Ellen's life from early childhood until young adult was dramatically shaped by world events that occurred in Russia and Europe. She immigrated to Canada in her late 20s after an amazing journey of hardship, survival and pure determination. She was originally in training to become a medical doctor but due to the hardships of the Second World War she was unable to finish. She completed a lab and x-ray certificate program in Prague before immigrating to Canada in 1948. While working as a lab technician at Winnipeg General Hospital, Ellen met her future husband Henry. They lived in several communities in southern Manitoba eventually settling in Hamiota where they purchased a farm and raised their three sons. Ellen worked for the Hamiota Hospital until she retired. After Henry passed away she moved to Winnipeg where she spent the rest of her days, living in peace and thankfulness for the family that she loved so dearly. The family would like to thank the Rosewood (especially Alder House) for their years of wonderful care and West Park Manor for their care and compassion in the last three weeks. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street, Winnipeg on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with a dessert reception to follow. Donations may be made in Ellen's memory to the Canadian Cancer Society.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 30, 2011