Ellen (Ellen) Mykle

February 8, 1922 - March 4, 2023
Ellen Mykle, (Hoas), born February 8th, 1922 passed away in Langley, B.C. on March 4th, 2023, at 101 years of age with family at her bedside.
Ellen is survived by her older sister Christina (age 106), sons Arne (Barb), Ken (Diane), Linda, and Barbie (Terry); grandchildren Kevin (Nauja), Brian (Mirella), David (Lisa), Jennifer (Mic), Melissa (Matt) and Amy, and 12 great and great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Alf, son-in-law Patrick Aldous, and siblings John, Emma and Nils.
Ellen was born in Gammalsvenskby, a Swedish village in Ukraine. Life there was difficult, as the USSR had annexed Ukraine, so in 1929 the Swedes made their way back to Sweden. It was from there 250 Swedes immigrated to Canada in 1930, with Ellen's family eventually settling in Manitoba.
In 1940, Ellen met Alf Mykle, a handsome Norwegian fisherman. Following their marriage in 1941 they settled in North Vancouver where Arne, Ken and Linda were born. In 1957 they moved to Willoughby to start a broiler chicken farm; daughter Barbie was born a few years later.
She worked hard on the farm for many years and it wasn't until the early 70s that she started working outside the home. Her volunteer work also played an important part in her life, notably the Fireside Women's Hospital Auxiliary, and the Langley Willoughby Women's Community Institute.
Ellen lived a robust life, understanding the importance of physical, mental and social health and served as a good role model living a healthy, long life. She enjoyed sports such as golf and lawn bowling, and downhill skied until she was 80. She was an avid bridge player, and was always up for a board or card game. A steadfast rule follower, she celebrated her wins wholeheartedly.
Although "adventuresome" is not always an adjective used for women of her generation, Nana was just that - whether it was travelling the world, ski trips with grandkids, tenting in the rain, road trips or just trying new things at any age, she demonstrated for us what it meant to be a confident, independent, brave woman. She was kind, generous, non-judgemental, and interested in each and every one of us.
She loved children and animals, was stylish and current, and always had an open door for family and friends. She was compassionate and considerate, speaking up on behalf of anyone she felt was being poorly treated. She was a quiet advocate, but kick-ass in her own way.
Ellen was a beautiful woman, quick to smile and laugh, and will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank the staff and management at Magnolia, and special caregivers, Kris and Marnie. Thank you also to the supportive medical staff on 2 South at Langley Memorial Hospital who cared for her during her final days.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday May 28th at 1:00 pm at the Fort Langley Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Family Network for Deaf Children (www.fndc.ca).