March 24, 1944 - December 6, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Ellena Teresa Carew (Bertuzzi).
Mom passed peacefully on the evening of December 6, with family at her side. Ellena leaves behind her husband, life partner and soul mate of 54 years, Martin, sons Tom (Mako) and Colin, grandchildren Jake, Eddie and Sam, and brothers Robert Bertuzzi and Tom Bertuzzi.
All her life Ellena devoted herself to her family. We are forever grateful for all the love, nurturing and support in everything we did in our lives. It is impossible to put in words what that meant to us. Thank you, Mom!
Later in life Mom had many health issues, but as her brother Tom said, "she always powered through. She was a very strong person." Mom's love for family kept her strong and focussed on getting better with each challenge. We believe she is in a better place now and is no longer suffering. Mom did not want anyone to be sad at this time, but for us to power through this time, and keep her in our memories. Please remember the good times!
In the past few days since Mom's passing, we have received many kind messages and phone calls from family and friends, and your words describe Mom perfectly... fun, warm, courageous, strong, funny, loving, giving, generous, caring and strong willed to list a few. We could not say it any better. Thank you everyone!
The family would like to thank everyone at KBRH for the excellent care Mom received over the years, and a special thank you to the Renal Unit. Mom had nothing but love and appreciation for everyone at the Renal Unit during her long hard battle there. Thank you!
As an expression of sympathy, we ask that you make a donation to the Kidney Foundation of Canada https://kidney.ca/ or to Diabetes Canada https://www.diabetes.ca/ in Ellena's memory.
Castlegar Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.