On Friday, March 22, just a few days after her 82nd birthday, our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister Ellen (Cooper) Hole passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospice surrounded by love and music.
Ellen was born on March 18th, 1942 in Port Arthur and grew up alongside her brother Alec on Surrey Street in Current River. She later met and married Bruce and celebrated 56 years of marriage together. After leaving her teaching job at Balsam Street School, Ellen began to raise her family of three boys, David, Scott and Rob. As a family, they enjoyed camping, scouting and time spent at the family camp at Warnica Lake. Ellen was a Beaver Leader, also known as Tic Tac, and like the Beaver Law: A beaver has fun, works hard and helps family and friends, Ellen took this to heart. Her passion to prepare and provide her best was evident with all her life activities and jobs. Starting at an early age, Ellen began her career as an accompanist and organist and became accomplished in playing the pipe organ. She was the organist at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church for close to 40 years as well as Jenkins and other funeral homes. Throughout her lifetime she played for countless weddings, funerals, graduations and concerts. Later in life, Ellen earned her Honours Bachelor of Music majoring in pipe organ with First Class Standing at Lakehead University. Her favourite moments preparing and playing were for the Advent and Good Friday Community Choirs as well as Easter and Christmas Services. It was during these times that Ellen met many people who became lifelong friends.
Ellen enjoyed long-distance conversations with her brother Alec and especially loved her travels to Stratford with Bruce to visit Alec and Erhard. She loved going to the theatre, spending time in their garden and reminiscing about good times. At home, Ellen had a natural green thumb and took great pleasure in her gardens, indoor plants and learning new gardening techniques.
To everyone who knew Ellen, she was a true gem. People who met her loved her for her kind heart, positivity and genuine interest in even the smallest things. Even after losing her eyesight, she continued to challenge herself to do the same things that brought her joy such as knitting, crosswords, playing the piano, gardening and enjoying many laughs and moments with her grandkids. Her grandchildren always made her smile and she loved spending time with them sharing her interests and learning about theirs. She became a sports fan going to hockey games, went to many concerts, theatre shows, visits to the Conservatory and was always willing to hop in the car to go for a ride.
Ellen is survived by her brother Alec Cooper, sons David (Tammy), Scott (Judy), Rob (Jennifer Wiseman), grandchildren Sean, Jerimiah (Erika Dika), Kenny, Cameron, Aidan (Douglas Lajeunesse), Britton and great-grandchild Onyx. Also survived by cousin George McKay and good friends Mary, Diana and Terry. She was predeceased by her husband Bruce Hole, parents Scotty and Ivy Cooper, in-laws Fred and Ethel Hole and brother-in-law Erhard Nowak. The family would like to extend their thanks to Theresa, Superior Elder Care (Joanne and Marion), TBRHSC Cancer Care, St. Joseph’s Hospice and Dr. Simpson for their ongoing care of Ellen. In honour of Ellen, please consider planting a flower, or donating to the Northern Cancer Fund or St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Don Munro Memorial Fund for the ongoing use and care of the pipe organ.
A service has been planned for Ellen and Bruce on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 1:00 pm at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com
