Obituary of Ellen Salanski

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ellen Salanski, a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. Ellen passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the Invermere hospital.

She was born on March 9, 1934, in Fernie BC to Arthur and Bessie Whalley.  Ellen graduated in 1952 From Fernie High School. From there she decided to pursue her nursing career and attended Royal Columbian Hospital in Vancouver BC. She graduated and received her nursing degree in 1955.

Shortly after graduation Ellen returned home to Fernie where she met Mike. They were married on June 15th, 1957, and next month would have been their 67th Wedding Anniversary.

They started their life together in Grasmere BC, then moved to Cranbrook in 1960.  It wasn't long before they started their family with Eileen being born in 1958 and then Arthur in 1959.

It is incredibly difficult to sum up the impact and influence our mother had on all of us.  Always having time for her family, which was the most important thing to her. Mom was a very compassionate person who throughout her life often helped family and friends in their time of need.  In her spare time mom loved to bake and crocheting.  She also looked forward to spending time with her Sewing Circle group of friends. Her neighborhood friends had a special place in her heart.

The church was a very important part of her life, and she was a member of the Christ Church Anglican in Cranbrook

In her final years mom struggled with dementia, but with the patience and care given by dad allowed her to stay at home until mom required more care. Then resided in Ivy House Long term Care facility in Invermere.

Ellen is survived by her husband Michael Salanski, daughter Eileen (Bruce) Thrun, son Arthur (Tracy) Salanski. Grandchildren Aaron (Alecia) Salanski, Brendan Thrun (Renee Howerton) and Kendall Salanski.  Great Grandson Chase Salanski.

We would also like to thank the staff and Dr. Shannon Page at the palliative care unit in the Invermere hospital and the Ivy House Care Facility for all their amazing support and care given to mom.

Funeral services will be held at Christ Church Anglican in Cranbrook on Friday June 7th, 2024, at 1:00pm followed by a reception.  Internment service will be held at the Fernie Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Ellen Salanski memory to the East Kootenay Foundation For Health www.ekfh.ca for A Warm Embrace NICU Upgrade, Invermere & District Hospital Palliative Care or the East Kootenay Region Hospital Palliative Care.