Tribute

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Ellen Isabella Giesbrecht. Ellen passed suddenly due to complications resulting from an unexpected fall at home. In her final moments Ellen was comforted by her family and husband Henry “Hank”, who held her hand as she passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Saviour August 9th, 2026 at the Surrey Memorial Hospital at the age of 86.

Ellen was born August 11th, 1939 in Vancouver BC to Classon and Isabella (Starrett) Porter – a precious daughter and a cherished sister to four older brothers. She leaves behind her husband Hank of 68 years, her children Jennifer (Lloyd), Colleen (Don), Sandra  (Gary) and Alana (Allan), grandchildren Nissa (Andrew) Hildebrand, Lliam Hildebrand, Andy (Ali) Unger, Rachel (Colby) Renschler, Carl (Kayla) Unger, Sam (Elske) Vaale, Mitchell (Jemma) Vaale, Sarah (Nick) Gialleonardo, Jared (Meghan) Martens and Bronwyn (Ben) Macadam, as well as 16 great grandchildren (and another expected in September). She was predeceased by her parents, older brothers Joe, Classon, William and Ronald and sister-in-laws Minnie and Enid. She also leaves behind her dear niece Alana (Jack) Ryan, Classon’s daughter, who grew up in her parents home like a sister to her and with whom she was very close. 

Ellen grew up in Vancouver, BC but relocated to Ireland with her family for 2 ½ years (from age 11-13), returning to Vancouver to graduate at 15 years of age. Upon graduation she attended business college for one year and then worked as a secretary, first for Imperial Oil and then for Vancouver General Hospital, until she started her own family with Hank.

Ellen met Hank at a Metropolitan Gospel Chapel youth group outing when she was just 16 years old and Hank 20. Their relationship blossomed quickly and they decided to marry two years later. Ellen worked hard alongside Hank during their life together. As well as developing her own interests she supported Hank in many different capacities – from securing her own employment in various part-time retail positions to helping him manage his machine shop – to provide a stable and loving home for their growing family.

The core pillar of Ellen’s life was her faith in God. This faith guided and molded her into a beautiful person who proudly raised her family with unconditional love and kindness. Her love of the Lord also branched out into church and community service. Ellen was a valued member of her church community and a committed and enthusiastic volunteer at the MCC Thrift Store in Surrey for over 20 years. Ellen treasured the friends, as well as the fun and sense of purpose, that she found while volunteering there over the years and was full of compassion for the many less fortunate who came through the doors each week seeking assistance and comfort.

Ellen was a vivacious, beautiful and gracious person. She was loved by many and will be deeply missed by her family, friends and community at large.