Ella Gregg Heeney Mcleod Steiro

Ella was born to loving Christian parents, Elmer and Maddie, on a family farm near Ingersoll Ontario in 1924. She was one of five children,: James (deceased), Anna (deceased), Fred, and Helen (deceased). In 1946 she married her sweetheart, Gordon, moved into Ingersoll and proceeded to raise four children: Mac (deceased) (Martha), Joy, Gay (Al), and Janet. In the mid 1960’s the call of the west led them to leave their hometown and move across the country to Victoria. They soon settled in their new hometown and were quickly involved in their local Baptist church.

Ella was always an active participant in ladies church groups wherever she lived. She is a lifetime member of the Baptist International Missions Society. She loved knitting and always had a sweater or blanket on the go. Well into her 80’s, she was still knitting blankets for babies in the women’s shelter and 101 hats for native children in northern B.C. Ella had a love of travel. She and Gordon had two memorable trips: one to England and the other an Alaska cruise. Family was very important to Ella and she made great sacrifices to be with them and share memorable events. Once the children were on their own, Ella and Gordon would make several trips a year in their camper van to visit family across the country. It was not unusual to open the curtains one morning and find their van parked in the driveway – we never knew when they were coming or how long they were staying. Ella always kept us on our toes.

After many years in Victoria, Ella and Gordon moved a few times – to Campbell River, to Alberta, to Kelowna (where Gordon passed away in 2002), back to Victoria and finally to Langley. Ella’s family was always at the top of her priority list. For decades she sent greeting cards to all family members for their important dates in her beautiful cursive. She had four children, ten grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and included her niece Ella Marie and family into her own clan. Ella was so full of love, she also included all of Ralph’s children, grandchildren and extended family as her own. She enfolded us all in her infinite love!

Ten years ago, Ella moved to Langley to be closer to family and moved into a beautiful new seniors’ residence, Sunridge Gardens. Shortly thereafter, a tall Norwegian chap with a lovely smile moved into the building - Ralph. Four months later were married in an intimate wedding ceremony, followed by a honeymoon in Niagara Falls and a big party for the families to meet one another. They shared seven wonderful years together at Sunridge playing cards, enjoying activities, long road trips, and spending time with their families. Ella and Ralph attended Langley Presbyterian Church along with Ella Marie & Gary and some of their children and grandchildren. Ella was well known for her smile, bright personality, uncrushable faith in God, and attached knitting bag.

Ella loved the ocean! The entire time she lived in Victoria she would walk daily to the water and along the beach. Her room in White Rock had a view of the water through the trees. She went on a lovely beach excursion in September. Many family members gathered and pushed her wheelchair along the boardwalk in White Rock. She had an ice-cream (her favourite treat) and lapped up the sunshine – it was a lovely, truly memorable day for all of us. These memories we will treasure in our hearts.

The last three years were more difficult for Ella as she was in and out of hospital before moving to Magnolia Gardens Care Home for two years and finally to Evergreen Baptist Care Home in White Rock last Easter. The family would like to extend a huge “Thank you” to the faithful and caring nursing staff at both Magnolia and Evergreen. You treated Ella like your own mother and saw that she wanted for nothing. You went overboard during Covid to make sure she could keep in touch with Ralph and other family. Thank you!!

It is always difficult saying “Farewell” to someone we love, but we have the knowledge that we will see her again in heaven. We have wonderful memories to share with, and encourage, one another. Ella, you were one-of-a-kind and we love you dearly.

Ella’s Celebration of Life will be held virtually so that all her family and friends across our beautiful country can be present. It will be held on Zoom on Saturday, February 5 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Here is the link for the service:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3900862760?pwd=QkppbFNGQXQ0RndpSjR4cXMvK1B3UT09

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialaldergrove.com for the Steiro family.