It is with the heaviest of hearts and the deepest of pain, that we say goodbye to our beloved mom, wife, sister, auntie and grandmother after a short yet courageous battle with lung cancer. We are in pain because we needed a lot more time with you.
Ellen was born in Halifax on June 29,1950 the youngest of 9 children to Stephen and Iva (Murphy) Monk. She is survived by her husband Douglas and two children, Jennifer and Justin (Bonnie Jean) Halifax.
She also leaves behind her three precious grandchildren Liam, Owen and Ryan all of which were the light of her life. She is also survived by her brother Patrick (Yvonne) Monk and sister Joan Page and many cousins, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. Also left to mourn are in laws Diane (Jack Delaney), Carol (Amedeo Ravina) Bob (Mary) Steven (Tanya) and Wayne.
She was predeceased by her parents and siblings (Josephine, Carol, Alice, Della, Bud, Lew.)
Mom was the epitome of a selfless person and the pillar of our family. She gave so much of her self without ever asking for anything in return. Anyone who needed help and guidance was better off after having talked to Mom.
Mom was a nurse for 30 years at the Halifax Infirmary. She never did truly retire her nursing hat. Mom was always there to diagnose, help and heal anyone in need, when they asked for her assistance.
She loved helping people and people gravitated to her motherly touch.
After retirement she began her own foot care business where she built a legacy of work that extended far beyond feet and more toward growing relationships and caring. She would visit Saint Vincent’s Guest House, Shannex and other care facilities. She would also see people in their homes for treatment, but also laughter and great conversation. She cared deeply for the elderly and never wanted to see them be lonely. All of her clients loved her dearly.
Mom and Dad were fortunate to celebrate 50 years of marriage last October. They enjoyed many road trips to a multitude of ball diamonds in Atlantic Canada, to the Silverwood in PEI, Ship Harbour on the Eastern Shore, trips to the USA, England, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Brisas Del Caribe in Varadero Cuba -their tropical oasis.
Mom was an amazing cook, and host, opening her heart and her home to any and all. When you visited Mom and Dad you were sure to get the royal treatment. She absolutely loved her three boys who she spoiled rotten with endless tokens of her love- babysitting them and seeing them through play groups, swimming lessons, sports, honour choir performances, apple and pumpkin picking in the Valley, long walks in the stroller and car rides to Costco and everything else under the sun. But of all the things Mom did well in her life, her true worth and passion was caring for and loving her Jen. She always said God gave her Jen because he knew she’d be so well loved and cared for. Mom knew there was and never ever will be, anyone who could care for Jen as well as she could. She was her primary caregiver for 45 years. She will be absolutely lost without her Mumma.
The family would like to thank Dr. Donald Fay, all of the Emergency room physicians and nurses at the QE2 and the VG staff of floors 9,6,7. A special thank you to Mom’s nephew (Special Operations Supervisor EHS) Anthony Delaney for his expertise, attention and care. A special thank you to all the family members during these difficult times. We appreciate your help and love with Mom, Dad and Jennifer. A special thank you to Rev. Katie Flynn-Taylor for her prayers, love and visits.
Arrangements have been entrusted to J A Snow Funeral home on Lacewood Dr. Halifax. Visitation on Monday July 24th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm and a funeral service and reception to follow on Tuesday July 25th at 2pm at J A Snow. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Special Olympics Nova Scotia or Prescott Group Halifax.
TO MY MOTHER
by Robert Louis Stevenson
You too, my mother, read my rhymes
For love of unforgotten times,
And you may chance to hear once more
The little feet along the floor.
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