Ella Vann

Ella took her final journey "home" on Thursday, August 23, 2012 with her loving family by her side.

Ella is survived by her daughter, Gretta Fletcher of Waterloo; her sister, Georgina Svoboda of Esterhazy Saskatchewan.; three grandchildren, Christopher Jones (Marissa)
of Kintore; Gillian (Dave) Pys of Ayr. and Tracy Jones of Ayr; Also survived by 10 great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

Predeased by her son Gary, her husband Clarence and her long-time friend, Fred Berrington. Also predeceased by her parents, a brother, Oldrich, a sister, Martha and her dear brother-in-law, Joseph Svoboda.


Ella was born to Czechoslovakian immigrant parents (Joseph and Frances Spur) on a farm east of Gerald, Sk. She was the second daughter of 4 children. Prairie life was hard for her, as she worked on the family farm. She attended Valear School, a one-roomed school house for grades 1-8. Later after leaving the farm, she worked at The Esterhazy Creamery, grading eggs.

She embarked on another journey, when she re-located in Galt (Cambridge), where she married Clarence Vann. Together they raised twins (Gary and Gretta).

She worked for 38 years at the Canadian General Tower in Galt and retired in 1985. She enjoyed her retirement years to the fullest, a time when she could spend much more time caring for her beautiful flower gardens; her yard was her pride and joy. She joined many outside activities, including a bowling league -- bringing home many trophies over the years. Her love of cards saw her joining card clubs in Cambridge where she became known as "quite the card shark". This remained her trait until she could no longer play a few short months ago.

Eventually she wasn't able to tend her house and gardens and moved in with her daughter in 2005 in Waterloo. Here she was able to enjoy a simpler life and be where she wanted to be. She still enjoyed her cards and played regularly on a Friday at the Breithaupt Centre and every Tuesday at the 404 Wing.

Her health started to deteriorate and God called her "home".


In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Freeport Hospital or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Ella's "Celebration of Life" will be held at Coutts Funeral Home and Cremation Centre (96 St. Andrews Street Cambridge) on Monday August 27th at 10:00 a.m.

"May all the golden memories of moments shared together be warm within our hearts"