(nee Fennell)
February 27, 1917 – April 23, 2011
Descended from early Irish settlers to Canada, Ethel was the last of her generation. Born in Success, Saskatchewan in 1917, she was the fourth of eight children born to Joseph and Eliza Fennell. After the death of her mother and then her older sister in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, the family settled in Salmon Arm in 1926, where Ethel continued her schooling, married Herman Krebs in 1936, and raised their two children.
Although times were hard, she and Herman were frugal and saved for what they needed. After buying a 40 acre parcel of land with an old house, they then bought a cow, and then a horse. Soon they were able to live off the land, with fresh eggs, milk, loads of vegetables, and beef, chicken and pork as needed. With only a moment’s notice, she could serve a satisfying meal to any and all who dropped in, and over the years she and Herman opened their home to many who needed a helping hand and a roof over their head.
In her younger years she enjoyed participating in the Women’s Institute and later, square dancing. She was an avid homemaker, a skilled cook, enthusiastic gardener and versatile needlewoman. More recently she was challenged by osteoporosis, limiting many activities, but she continued to enjoy the company of her family and friends.
After the death of her husband in 1992, she moved to Qualicum Beach to be near her daughter Edith, and subsequently to Salt Spring Island after the death of her daughter in 2003. She is survived by her son Bill (Margit), her son-in-law Jim (Ruth), grandchildren Kent (Joanna) Duncan, and Keri (Dale) Herle,, great-grandchildren Jordan, Kelsi, Julia and Brett, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Many thanks for the personal care and loving attention provided by Catherine, Charlene, Dawn, Dominique, Donna, Laurie, Luba and Rajani and the care and understanding provided by Dr. Crichton and the Nurses and Staff at Lady Minto Hospital.
No funeral by request. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local Girl Guides.