Skip to content

Eleanor ‘Ena’ Ekman

June 17 1922 - March 23 2014

In the early hours of March 23rd our beloved Mom left her earthly life behind to go sing with the angels.

Ena was born in Edmonton, England. In the 1940’s she joined the British Air Force where she met her husband Jack Ekman who was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. They were married in 1945 in England after the war ended and Ena came to Canada as a war bride, travelling by boat and train to Telkwa where she was able to start a new life with Jack. She wasn’t quite prepared for life in their first home which was log cabin in the wilderness, especially after growing up in a big city, but she adapted and raised four children while in the Smithers area. Later Jack and Ena moved to Prince Rupert for work and then Quesnel, finally retiring to Nanaimo. After retirement they spent many summers camping in their fifth-wheel, going to visit family and friends. After Jack passed away, Ena moved back to Prince Rupert to be closer to family.

Ena leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories for her children Eric (Lindy) Ekman, Jackie (Dave) Wilson, Elaine (Larry) Lohnes, Christina (Gerry) Norton, her grandchildren Aaron and Jamie Ekman, Kristen Kerr, Rob Wilson, and Amie and Cara Norton, Dione Bree, and great grandchildren Evan Ford and Ty Bree.

Ena was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Jack, her sister Kathleen, and brothers Horace and John.

Ena loved music and was known for her singing throughout the halls of Acropolis manor. When she would forget the words she would improvise with amazing results. We would like to thank the wonderful Acropolis staff and Dr. Tse for all the great care they provided for Mom. A heartfelt thank you to the staff that was with us during Mom’s last days. Your kindness and compassion and humorous stories of Mom were of great comfort.

A graveside service will be held in Smithers in August when Ena’s ashes will be buried beside her beloved husband Jack.



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.