Obituary of Ellen Hawkins

Ellen Jean Hawkins (Clyde)

September 23, 1935 - July 4, 2023

 

Ellen passed away with her family at her side in Kingston, Ontario. She has been loved by husband, Robert Hawkins, for nearly 64 years. A lifelong resident of Oakville, she graduated from Oakville-Trafalgar High School and worked at Bell Canada before meeting Bob who had come to Oakville to work for The Ford Motor Company and play hockey for the Oakville Senior Oaks.

 

Ellen was an amazing mother to Cristine (Trevor), Dave (Alison), and Trish (Steve), as well as an exceptionally loving grandmother to four incredible grandchildren: Spencer, Claire, Eric, and Justin.

 

She is predeceased by brothers Don and Doug Clyde and missed by her youngest brother David Clyde of Ottawa, as well as all her Clyde family members in Ontario and British Columbia. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and devoted friend to many.

 

Ellen’s impact on our lives is varied and far reaching. Her time as a retail sales associate at Corbett Sports in Oakville and promoting townhouses at Hopedale Mall was heightened by her ability to approach everyone she met with integrity and welcoming conversation; a gift treasured by those who keep Ellen’s teachings close to their hearts.

 

Each of us cherish the special individual relationships we had with her. Collectively, we were blessed with her humour and steadfast loyalty to her family. This is especially true to her commitment to Dave’s care and wellbeing each and every day. She was the epitome of dedication which has taught our family many important lessons. Ellen was a storyteller; whether it be in holding court at a family dinner or on the ‘Perch’ at the cottage with the Hawkins, Waldie, and Vrana families as well as our Tremont Island family. She could spin a great yarn, captivating us all with her details, witty tongue, and fantastic exaggerations! Ellen was masterful in her ability to craft custom poems for many special occasions to share just how much she loved her family. She thrived on always having a good book on the go and weekly visits to the library were a must. True to her Scottish heritage, Ellen loved a good deal and nothing made her happier than to hit up a garage sale or thrift shop. A keen party host, Ellen enjoyed researching and creating memorable menus. Her favourite recipes are written in her beautiful handwriting and lovingly jammed into her library of cookbooks. So many have been able to enjoy the famous Hawkins Christmas Eve Open House, made truly remarkable by Ellen’s delightful hosting. This event represented our family; joy, community, and celebration. Those in the know knew that 210 Lakewood Drive was a place to gather. She was like a second mother to all of Cris, Dave, and Trish’s friends; she enjoyed getting updates and showed a true interest in their lives. Her time spent as a member of the Oakville Curling Club and Oakville Golf Club allowed many more to feel the positive impact that radiated from Ellen. Her presence was the glue of our family. These bonds will remain as we carry on.

 

We will gather at a future time in Oakville to remember and honour Ellen.