Obituary of Eleanor Florence Vandewater
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Ellie "Ma". Surrounded with family by her side "Ma" left her earthly life, to begin a new journey on March 14, 2023, in her 85th year. She leaves behind two children Jackie Moore (Dan Petrie) and Grant (Diane) Vandewater. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Shane (Melita) Moore, Tyler Vandewater, Adam Petrie and Drake (Tanisha) Vandewater, Great-Grandchildren Aryan Moore who was the apple of her eye. Ma was looking forward to once again being a Great-Grandmother to a new bundle of joy arriving in October. She is also survived by her siblings Inez Stewart, Don (Micky) Boyko and Sherian (Larry) Chemerika. Predeceased by her husband Robert (Van) Vandewater, sister Ruth Usick, brother Rudy Boyko and parents Mike and Martha Boyko. Also survived by bakers dozen nieces and nephews across the Provinces and Washington.
Our Ellie "Ma" nurtured her adventurous spirit when her and Van were married and began travelling across the country with children in tow, posted to new locations with the Canadian Armed Forces. Each posting came with new beginnings, establishing new lasting friendships Raising her children and playing Softball filled her days accumulating to playing for the Provincial Saskatchewan Women's Softball Team.
Trenton Ontario became one of two final adventures as the final Military posting and many years enjoy the waters of Lake Ontario North Beach, fishing on the Bay of Quinte and many friends that cherish her to this day, along with supplying everyone with her amazing home -made Perogies.
Ma decided to go on her last adventure in her 60's and settle in the Niagara Region and would spend her summers as a seasonal camper at Knights Hideaway for the next 21 years, became a Great Grandmother and received the name "Ma' to everyone she met and everyone she met always treated her as their own Mom. Her fun loving spirt and energy had everyone pop by the corner to visit, laugh till your stomach hurt, toast a glass of cheer to how wonderful the day was, have a shoulder to lean on, a confidant and a dance partner.
Ellie lived her life the fullest, there were no airs about her. She said it like it was and always advised to never sweat the small stuff because it will all work out in the end and tomorrow is a brand new day. She was so right and our family has been extremely blessed to have had this many years to spend with her and learn from her.
As many know, Ellie wasn’t one for big fan fare etc, so in keeping with her wishes she asks that when a memory comes about, raise a glass and give a toast and spread a big smile as she gives a cheer to all, see ya on the other side. Love to all.
Cremation has taken place and a private internment will take place in Bellville ON. to be reunited with her beloved Van.
Donations in her honour can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
