Lydia Prager

Lydia was born the youngest of seven children to Martha Bessel and Johann Reinfort in Furchheim, Germany. Enduring wartime hardships and displacement as a result of her German heritage, Lydia followed her family members, each sponsored by her siblings, and immigrated to Canada in 1951.

Lydia lived and worked in Calgary and Vancouver, returning to her family in Flin Flon along with husband, Gordon Ellison, where they welcomed three children to their own family. Lydia became a proud Canadian citizen in 1961.

Lydia and Gordon raised their children in Kamloops, Merritt and Courtenay. Lydia was a dedicated and impeccable homemaker who loved to cook, bake and garden. Every house was filled with delicious aromas and after-school snacks. Her Christmas cookies were awesome.

Lydia enjoyed planning and celebrating birthdays, holidays, family reunions, and any event that involved decorating, singing, dressing with style, and having fun. She sure did love to dance. Whether at a wedding, on vacation, or at spontaneous sing-a-longs with friends in the basement, dancing was one of her greatest pleasures. Second only, in later years, to assembling her spectacular multi-piece Christmas village, complete with hand-painted backgrounds and flashing lights.

Lydia made and nurtured lifelong friendships wherever she lived, which she liked to point out by proudly displaying the many birthday and Christmas cards she received annually. Some of Lydia’s most treasured memories and friendships were made while working for the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Lydia’s love of adventure took her back to Germany where she lived for six years before settling back in Comox since 2003. Lydia’s greatest joy was to welcome her children and beloved grandchildren in her home. Lydia treasured family time most of all.

Lydia passed away on Family Day weekend. Lydia will be greatly missed by daughter Katherine Bamford (Murray), sons Robert Ellison, Patrick Ellison (Vicki), and her beloved grandchildren Taylor and Vaughan Bamford. Lydia is survived by her loving sister-in-law Lily Reinfort (Walt) and many nieces, nephews and extended family. Lydia was predeceased by her brothers Erwin, Leo, Albert and Waldemar, her sisters Natalie and Lea, and her parents.

Lydia was one of a kind. We miss her dearly.

To celebrate Lydia’s life, please donate to a charity of your choice in her name or plant a flowering perennial in your garden. Private family ceremony and interment March 5, 2024, through Piercy’s Mt. Washington Funeral Home, Courtenay.