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Ellen Harris

May 19,1929 ~ September 11, 2016

Ellen Harris

Ellen was born on the farm near West Bend, Saskatchewan, the fifth of seven children of James and Ellen Cooper. She was predeceased by her husband Glen and is survived by children Heather (Simon), Bill (Sue), Doug (Melanie) and Kaiya (Brent); grandchildren Alejandro, Dmitri and Ashley; brothers Bill (Gail), Tom (Josie), Joe (Joyce) as well as many nieces and nephews.

In 1952, Ellen and her sister Tish arrived in Haines Junction, Yukon to teach school. Following a few years living on the north Alaska Highway pump stations, Ellen and her family moved to Whitehorse in 1963 and settled down on Black St. for the next fifty years. In 1964 Mrs. Harris began her primary teaching career at W.E.S. and encouraged students to ‘try your best’ until her retirement in 1988. She completed her Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Saskatchewan in 1983 and received the Commissioner’s Award for Public Service in recognition of her dedication as a teacher.

In the early years Ellen enjoyed curling bonspiels and in the later years it was the bowling league. She was an active community volunteer, a lifelong member of the Anglican Church, a member of the Ladies Auxiliary to YOOP and her T.O.P.S. group. Ellen was a very hard worker but always had time for her grandchildren. She also had wonderful trips to Great Britain, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia and a Panama cruise with family and several good friends.

Ellen loved picnics, gardening, and berry picking. A nice cup of tea could solve anything. We will all miss her beautiful smile and compassionate nature.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral at 2:00 p.m.

Comments (6)
  • 15 September 2016
    Reece Cooper

    Sorry for your loss. From Reece and Misty Cooper

  • 15 September 2016
    Mary Tribe

    Although we never met Eileen, We felt we knew her from the lovely and funny stories Bill shared with us about his Mom, and growing up in a Yukon family with so much history and adventure In their lives. Sue often spoke of what a kind lady she was, and how she loved spending time with her family. Our thoughts are with your family at this time, we know your Mom will be missed.

    Sincerely,
    Mary & Keith Tribe
    (Sue Craig’s sister)

  • 15 September 2016
    Donna Clayson (nee Storing)

    My sincerest condolences to Ellen’s family. I remember wonderful times as she and Glen were good friends with my parents. A very kind, compassionate lady. I enjoyed my final visit with Ellen, showing photos from so many years ago. Heaven has received a treasure.

  • 16 September 2016
    Darlene Craig

    All of the Thunder Bay Craig family is very sad for your loss. The fun stories that Bill would tell about his Mom and Dad will always be remembered. We only met once, but was a wonderful visit. A great gardener of the north. She will be surely missed.

    Ian and Darlene Craig
    Shaun, Bonnie, Jacey and Bruce Craig
    Sara, Michael and Mikey Kelly

  • 17 September 2016
    The McPhail Family

    Our sincerest condolences to Ellen’s family – our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We know your Mom will be missed.

    Your Mom was always a very kind and caring person and a very dear friend to our Mom. She will be remembered with great fondness.

  • 18 September 2016
    Donna (McPhail) Burke

    My condolences to your family – I boarded with your Mom and family when I was a teenager. Ellen was a compassionate, caring person and treated me so kindly.

    I remember her with much fondness.

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