Tribute

Ellen is predeceased by her husband of forty five years – Louis Shreenan, Jack & Mary Vogt, Thomas Barnwall Martin, Reg & Emily Shreenan, Nanna, Betty- Lou & Patricia Shreenan, Micheal Whatley.
Survived by her children Lori and Joe ( Sherry) and Partner Tony. Siblings Ann, Lisa and Randy. Cousins Kathleen & Milino family. Nieces and nephews Greg, Kelly, Gina, Colleen. Grand babies Chester, Bella and Roxy.
Ellen was born in Victoria B.C and did not come from humble beginnings. She was born into the Martin family, a family that has quite the legacy. Most prevalent, Richard Martin – an Irish politician ‘Humanitarian Dick’ – a nickname bestowed on him by King George lV after he succeeded in passing ‘The Martin Act’ into Britain in 1822. Essentially a founder of what we know today as the SPCA. Not unlike her family heritage, Ellie had a sweet spot for the underdog ( pun intended) which choices by the way, seemed to always surpass their competitors, be they professional poker players or golfers. Mom knew how to spot a winner.
Ellen had an unmatched work ethic from the beginning, plus she loved customer service and money! She could do math in her head and tell you what the weather was like on any specific day three years previous. Ellen worked at Aitken and Fraser for twenty five years and had over three hundred accounts memorized by number with name and their orders, extraordinary.
She had immense home pride and kept a beautiful home and garden as well as worked full time. It was a very fun home and all were welcome. She loved bridge and darts and has the trophy’s to prove it. She was an amazing cook and liked to party, if you could get her out of work mode, you were in for a good time! She loved Bob Wills and Merle Haggard with a half note of any country song bringing our Ellie to immediate tears.
Ellen was also no stranger to a little gambling and she looked forward to her annual trip state side with her sister Lisa ( the Mafia Twins ) for some debauchery. She was lucky too!
She was a philanthropist at heart and always remained young at heart with a smile that would light up a room but if you didn’t buff the sink and stove within an inch of its life or load the dishwasher properly “there are no little hands in there a scrub scrub scrubbing you know”. One was never chastised, just made to feel pride in doing and finishing a job properly. Mom always made everything look so effortless, with a kind of magical quality. It didn’t hit home until we were out on our own just exactly what she did. She was pretty to watch that Elle! She could fly.
There are many more stories about our beautiful Mom and we are sure more out there to share.
We will be celebrating Ellen’s life Friday June 17 Noon – 4pm @ RED ARROW BREWERY 5225 Chaster Road, Duncan BC please drop by to raise a glass and have a laugh.
Thank you to home support and care aids at Chemainus Healthcare
In lieu of flowers we ask you donate to the SPCA
” … each should stand guard over the solitude of the other” – Rilke, on true love.