Ellen Adams

While visiting Liz in Victoria, BC our mom Ellen Adams passed away on her 79 ^th birthday July 20 ^th , 2022.  She was predeceased by her husband/our dad Billy Adams in 1999, her mother and father George & Martha, brothers George (Ellen), Francis and John Vance and her special auntie Maria.  She is lovingly remembered by her daughters Liz, Elaine, Darlene and Allison (Chris), her grandchildren Scott (Lana), Lauren, Brandon, Shawn, Braxton and Mya.  Her funny songs, stories and Scottish accent will be sadly missed by her great-grandchildren Cali, Karys and Khail.  Ellen’s family in Scotland will miss her dearly, in particular her sister-in-law Margaret Vance who she had a special bond with. Mom’s many friends through the Scottish community and the Irish Club will also sadly miss her.  She also had friends that were our family - the Cowie Clan.  Rab & Margaret Cowie, my mom and dad are together again.

Our mom was born in Glasgow, Scotland July 20, 1943.  She married Billy on April 14, 1961 after immigrating to Canada. They first landed in St.John New Brunswick, and soon after moved to Winnipeg.

Our mom was a hairdresser in Scotland and continued in that profession in Winnipeg.  When she went to retake her hairdressing exam they asked her to bring an interpreter as they couldn’t understand a word she said! She influenced Liz and Darlene to become hairstylists and business owners.  She worked at various jobs including Canada Post and retiring from the St Bonifice Hospital in Aug, 2008.

Mom played a big role in enrolling us in highland dancing, bagpiping and drumming.  She was involved with the Heather-Belle Ladies’ Pipe Band and the Manitoba Highland Dancers’ Association.  She was an active volunteer at the Scottish and Irish Pavillions at Folklorama for many years.  Our relatives in Scotland used to say we were more Scottish than them as we were always at a highland games or a competition.

Mom loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all her heart.  She was always active in their lives whether they were playing hockey, soccer or dancing.  She always made every effort to attend their milestone events.    She always had a wee tune or poem to recite to them.

She loved animals and talked to them like they were kids.  She had a special place in her heart for Dug (also known as “hey you Jimmy”).

Our mom and dad enjoyed their life at the lake (Hillside RAM Camps) as well as travelling to hot spots in the winter months with their good friends.

We will cherish our fond memories of our mother.  She was a kind, generous and funny lady.  She was an “uncontious comedian”.  She was funny without even trying.  She was always there for us. She played a big part in all our lives we are going to miss her so much.

We would like to thank the healthcare staff that took care of our mother at the Victoria General Hospital in Victoria, BC.

Cremation has taken place in Victoria through Earth’s Option Cremation & Burial Services. Her remains will be brought home to Winnipeg to rest with her beloved husband at Glen Eden.

A celebration of our mother’s life will be held at a later date.