Ethel Williamson

With great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved matriarch Ethel on October 29th in her 104th year at Niagara Ina Grafton Gage Village. Survived by her beloved son Douglas, daughter-in-law Beverley and grandchildren Douglas(Linda), Heather(Jim), Melinda(Wayne), Bruce (Melody), Greg, Jim and Sister-in-law Ugena Bardsley. Ethel was the proud great-grandmother of 13, great-great grandmother to 6 and adopted grandmother to Wendy (Brent) and the extended Williamson family. Ethel was predeceased by her beloved husband of 61 years Cyril, her cherished son Bruce (Booty), daughter-in-law Effie, her brother James and sisters Anne and Pearl.

Ethel's longevity was matched by her boundless energy and zest for life, unfailing love for her family and tireless service to her community. Ethel inspired and brought joy to all she met throughout her remarkable life. Born in England in 1907, Ethel immigrated to St Catharines with her family in 1911. When Cyril enlisted to serve in the RCAF in World War II, Ethel spent 5 years raising her sons and volunteering at the Red Cross and Air Force Canteen. During this time, she also penned "Hats off to England", an inspirational anthem that received frequent airplay on CKTB during the war. When the war ended, Cyril and Ethel became lighthouse keepers at Port Weller for the next 25 years. It was during this time Ethel earned her Amateur Radio License, VE3DTW and began her long-standing membership with the Niagara Peninsula Amateur Radio Club. Ethel was also a prolific writer of short stories and articles published in Canadian magazines. In 1972, "A Light on the Seaway", Ethel's best-selling book about their exciting life and times at the Port Weller lighthouse was published. In 1987, her children's story, "The Little Seamstress" was published. As much as she enjoyed writing, Ethel was happiest when she was sharing her wonderful tales with the countless number of school children and community groups she has spoken to over the last 50 years. Just earlier this year, Ethel spoke to the SK class at her public school, Alexandra, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. When she was well into into her 80s, Ethel, a former hairdresser, volunteered with the John Howard Society and Bethlehem Place to provide haircuts for those in need. Never losing her incredible passion for service even as she reached the century mark, Ethel knitted over 1500 toques which she donated to the Red Cross and other local charities. In recent years she was very proud to christen a new vessel for the Coast Guard at her former Port Weller station. Ethel's outstanding record of service was formally recognized when she was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal. Ethel will be dearly missed. Her indomitable spirit will continue to inspire the many lives she touched. We love you, Dear Heart. Thank you for your life so well lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Red Cross and Bethlehem Place. Ethel is resting at the HULSE AND ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME, 75 Church St. (905) 684-6346. Family will receive friends from 2-4pm and 7-9pm Monday, November 1st and from 9:30 to 10:30am Tuesday, November 2nd. Funeral service will be held at St.George’s Anglican Church on Tuesday, November 2nd at 11:00am. Interment to follow at Victoria Lawn Cemetery. On line condolences may be made at www.hulseandenglish.com