Tribute

It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic and violent passing of Ellie Baines. She was a daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, aunt and for all, a friend.

Ellie was born May 21, 1991 in Surrey, BC. Ellie’s early years were not easy, being moved between a birth mother who did not have the capacity to care for her, to an extended birth-family who tried to keep her safe. Eventually she went into foster care and had many placements.

After being in the final foster home, in the loving care of John and Irene Adams, in August 2002 Ellie and her two biological brothers joined our two sons and we became a family of seven. One year later, we completed our family, adding her biological sister, Grace.

Ellie attended Duncan Christian School from grade six onwards. She became ill with kidney disease when she was 15, and spent many years in and out of CDH, BCCH and attending DCS -when her health permitted. At 21 she received a kidney transplant, which unfortunately, did not prove successful and thus she had to continue with dialysis. She remained a dialysis patient at Surrey Memorial until the day she was taken from us.

Her career life was challenging due to her dialysis, yet she managed to complete her Mental Health Worker and Medical Office Assistant diplomas while continuing to work and receive dialysis 3-4 nights a week. Her most recent job was as an extra in shows such as Riverdale and Super Girl. She loved being the center of attention so this job was an excellent fit for her. Shortly before Covid she had enrolled in Acting School.

Ellie will be greatly missed by her loving family: her parents, James and Heidi Baines, her siblings: Matt (Aurore), Taylor (Mary), Daniel, Ryan and Grace. Other siblings include Matt, Chantelle and Monique. She leaves behind her Grandma (Marion), Nanny (Shirley) and
Grandma (Judy). She is predeceased by her Grandpa (Barney) and Poppy (Varrick). She was loved by her numerous aunts and uncles, many from her early life and many from her life as a Baines. She was an aunt to countless nieces and nephews. Her cousins were many and more like siblings than cousins. Ellie had friends that grew into family: Jenn, Cody, Terri, Rosa, Gillian and Jeff to name just a few (apologies to those missed).

Ellie so much wanted to be a mom herself; but her illness would not allow that so she mothered her cats Emma and Pearl and her princess dog Kobe (male) whom she would take to restaurants and order his own meal. Ellie’s family tree would be like a Garry Oak with many branches and twists and turns. The best way to describe her is that Ellie was like glitter, if you were near her you would be touched by her sparkle and shine forever.

We would like to thank the many professional people who have been part of our daughter’s life. Dr. Kristie Zinkiew, Dr. Ann Thompson, Dr. Gill, Dr. Consadine and Dr. Matsell; thank you for keeping our girl alive. To all the nurses who ever took care of her, on the island or mainland you all are special people with a great deal of patience for your patient (If you cared for Ellie you will know). To CDH, BCCH and Surrey Memorial: thank you; you each made her feel welcome and special. Thank you to her teachers at Duncan Christian School who took our girl under their wings, loved her and helped her to believe that she was smart enough to do school.

As her family who are left behind to grieve her loss, we thank: Heidi’s coworkers at CDH, James’s coworkers at Duncan Christian School and our church family at North Cowichan Alliance Church. Your instant and enduring support continues to be felt. We also thank the North Cowichan RCMP, Surrey RCMP and IHIT. You have been professional and compassionate. To the many family and friends who have fed us, cried with us and brightened
our home with flowers, we thank you. Lastly to the Twisted Sisters who, to say thank you, is just not enough.

Finally, a thank you, to you, Ellie, for letting us be your Momma and Poppa Bear. We will miss you forever. Good night sweet girl, love you like a pancake, with syrup and a wedgie.

A private Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, December 17th at 6:00 PM please join us online at www.distantlink.com/wallace.html

Online condolences may be made at ww.hwwallacecbc.com