Obituaries

CHAMBERLAIN, Ella

March 20, 1934 - September 10, 2022

Ella Chamberlain (née Kinzel) born March 20, 1934, at Hague, Saskatchewan, died September 10, 2022, in Kelowna, British Columbia. Daughter of Elizabeth Schweigert (d. 1988) and Fred Kinzel (d. 1934). Sister of Rose Henning (b. 1930) and half-sister of Edwin Miller (d. 1961)

Survived by her partner of the last twenty years, Ralph Fleming; son Michael (Amina); daughter Patricia Webster (Woody); and grandchildren Colin Chamberlain, Alissa Chamberlain, Wiley Chamberlain, Cailin Webster, and Anna Webster; great-grandchildren Julian Provost and Johanie Provost; and beloved ex-daughters-in-law Lesle-Ann Hine and Bonnie Ross.

Ella was predeceased by her husband Gene Chamberlain (d. 2000) and son Robert (d. 2021).

Ella grew up on a farm near Arma, Saskatchewan. Her father, Fred Kinzel, was killed when she was an infant, and Ella was raised by her mother and stepfather Alex Miller. Ella moved to Saskatoon, SK in 1950, and she worked for McCosham Van Lines, where she met her future husband, Eugene “Gene” Norman Chamberlain, whom she married in 1955. Together, they raised three children in Saskatoon. Ella and Gene had a wide circle of friends and maintained an active social life of friends and family, enjoying activities such as square dancing and playing bridge. Their door was always open, and the coffee pot was always on the stove to welcome visitors. Ella and Gene were very close to friends Jack and Audrey Hobman, Red and Fay Gay, and Ray and Grace McTavish, who became like a part of the family. Even after Gene passed away, Ella maintained close relationships with Gene’s sisters Sharon, Sheila, and Coleen.

Ella lost Gene in a traffic accident in 2000 and suffered a small stroke later that year. While rehabilitating in the walking program at the Saskatoon Field House, she met Ralph Fleming, with whom she spent the last twenty years of her life. They moved to Kelowna, BC in 2004, where they resided until Ella passed peacefully from a stroke.

Ella was a fantastic cook and homemaker. Her home was always spotlessly clean, though no one ever saw her cleaning it. She was well-known for her great desserts, especially her cream puffs, thimble cookies, butter tarts, and Christmas pudding. Ella enjoyed travelling, and in her later years went on cruises and to Europe several times. She drove to Montreal several times to visit son Michael and his family, accompanied by her friend, Phyllis Hine, and she and Ralph enjoyed taking driving trips to visit friends and extended family.

Above all, Ella was fiercely devoted to her family. No one can remember her letting any of her family down in any way. Kids and grandkids could always expect a birthday card with a cheque for $50 inside. She never forgot, and the card always arrived on time. As she became less active, Ella loved crocheting afghans for family members, new and old.

Ella enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing solitaire on her phone, watching baseball on TV, and visiting with friends and family. She was a kind, generous, and loving person who was loved by all who knew her, and her loss to her family is immeasurable.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, at 10:00 AM, at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC; a time of sharing will start at 10:30 AM.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com