In loving memory of
Ellen Gawryletz (1936-2021)
It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Ellen Elizabeth Gawryletz (nee Brell) at the age of 85 years in Calgary, Alberta on December 14, 2021. Ellen, born in Vanguard, Saskatchewan July 16, 1936, was an only child to Archie (John) and Dorothy
(nee Jones) Brell. Her formative years were spent on the family farm in Pambrun, Saskatchewan, protected and loved by her parents and surrounded by an equally joyful and humorous clan of many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Following her graduation from the Swift Current Collegiate Institute (High School) in 1953, Ellen attended three years at Miller Memorial Bible Institute where she determined to give her life in service to Jesus Christ. From there she went to nurses’ training but took only 14 months. She switched gears and entered Regina Teachers College, and eventually graduated with a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan in 1965. She taught high school math for two years before joining TEAM, The Evangelical Alliance Mission. On April 18, 1968, Ellen left her home in Canada to serve as a missionary teacher in Pakistan at Murree Christian School.
She expected to stay at MCS for 4 years but in the fall of 1971, a civil war broke out in the country and the Canadian Government flew expats, including Ellen, home. She stayed in Canada for almost 18 months and during that time was able to complete a Master of Education in Math in Saskatoon. She returned to Murree Christian School the summer of 1973. Beginning in 1979, Ellen switched roles and worked as the Secretary in the Administration office of Bach Christian Hospital, a two-and-a-half-hour road trip from Murree, until her return to Canada July 22, 1987, to see her ailing father a week before his passing. Ellen stayed in Canada and worked in the TEAM office. When the TEAM office moved to Calgary in September 1988, Ellen moved with it.
In July of 1989, Ellen married widower Nick Gawryletz, and immediately became stepmother of three teenage/young adult children and later Grandmother of 7. Nick and Ellen’s home became a home away from home for many international students also.
Nick and Ellen joined International Student’s Ministry the Fall of 1989 and Ellen worked full time with ISMC until June 30, 2001, and then worked half time for two more years before completely retiring from official ministry.
Nick and Ellen sold their Calgary home in 2006 and moved to Turner Valley. There they were able to enjoy their retirement, Nick with his fishing and Ellen with her quilting and knitting, most of which she gave away. Even during retirement, Nick and Ellen continued to volunteer their time with Blue Bronna Wilderness Camp as they continued to enjoy people and to serve others.
In 2013, Nick and Ellen sold their home in Turner Valley and moved to Cochrane Alberta, where they were closer to family and medical supports.
Ellen was predeceased by her parents, her husband Nick (2017), and her
step-grandson Lamont Murphy (2015). Still living are her three stepchildren Michael (Melodi), Krysta (Loren) and Karissa and six step-grandchildren, Melissa Dahn, Jordy VanDyck (Mekayla), Christopher, Hunter and Parker Gawryletz, and Tricia Haag (Nathan) as well as 4.5 great step-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to consider supporting International Students Ministries at https://ismc.ca/donate/ or to a charity of your choosing. We thank you in advance.
A celebration of Ellen’s life will commence Friday March 4 at 2 p.m. at Cochrane Alliance Church, 902 Glenbow Drive, Cochrane, Alberta. Attendance requires preregistration due to gathering restrictions. Please pre-register at [email protected] by Sunday, February 27. For livestream viewing, please go to: https://tv.cochranealliance.com/en/c/celebration-of-life-for-ellen-gawryletz.4283.
