Sunday, July 10 2011- This morning our family kissed our sister and Auntie Ella Burne good bye.
Ella passed away peacefully at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with her sister Leona, brother Ted, niece Debbie, nephew Greg and sisters-in-law Evelyne and Marion by her side. Ella was born January 26, 1920 to Theodore and Arthemise Vaillant in Ewart, Manitoba.
She was the Vaillant's sixth child. Ella told us many stories, which included: her early schooling and winter transportation to the school in a horse drawn sleigh, and her fond memories of her mother buying bolts of fabric to make sure her girls were all dressed the same.
By 1929, the Vaillant children numbered 11. When the depression swept through the prairies, Ella and her family left the west and returned to Baird, Ont., to Grandpa Gabriel Vaillant's farm. By 1935, five more babies were born- 15 siblings.
The war years took Ella to the Canada Car assembly line where she met her husband, Stanley Burne. They married in 1950. Ella's next work place was Chapples Department Store and then to the Spence Clinic to work for Dr. Kane for several years.
Ella and Stan built their home on Mountain Road, but did not rest until their summer camp at Floral Point was completed. Retirement took them to Clearwater, Florida for many happy winters. When Stan passed away, Ella took up residence with sisters Ivy Bodnar and Leona McLean.
The "Dolly Sisters" were something special. Their crafts, quilts and knitting projects were never ending.
The sisters spent many summers in flower beds that surpassed even the Royal Botanical Gardens. Ella was predeceased by her parents and husband, Stan, and by brothers: Hector, Oscar, Edgar, Victor, Arthur, Omer and Archie; sisters Eva, Lena, Edna and Ivy. Predeceased by numerous sisters-in law and brothers-in-law.
Ella is survived by her precious Siamese cat, Tiger, her sisters Leona McLean and Reta Malagerio, her brother Ted Vaillant, niece Debbie McLean-Brewitt and nephew Gregory McLean who have lovingly cared for her these past years.
Ella is also survived by sisters-in-law Evelyne Vaillant, Connie Vaillant, Jean Vaillant, Ida Vaillant and Marion Vaillant.
Ella's family tree shows she had more than 200 nieces, nephews and cousins who were all special to her.
Funeral services for Ella will be held on Thursday, July 14 at 10:30 a.m. at Sargent and Son Funeral Home celebrated by Father Richard Kowalchuk of Corpus Christi Church.
Internment to follow at St. Andrew's Cemetery.
If friends desire, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to Shelter House - Thunder Bay.
Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
