January 11, 1927 - August 24, 2018
Ethel Alberta, third eldest daughter born to Fred and Ivy Mathias, on January 11, 1927 in Winnipeg, MB died on August 24 with her family by her side.
Growing up, Ethel's winters were spent cross country skiing and sledding. Her summers, giving swimming lessons, life guarding, synchronized swimming and archery. Throughout all the seasons, she enjoyed spending time with her three sisters: Florence, Gwen and Ruth.
In 1952, Ethel met Jack Backlund on a train, and married him on September 7, 1955. They moved to Duncan after their marriage where their five children were born. Pat Egan, Betty McGonigle (Tim), Karen Unger (Richard), Susan St. Hilaire (Neil) and Fredrick Backlund (deceased).
Ethel, while raising her children, continued to be active in the community. She taught swimming lessons at Queen Margaret's School, and was also a Brownie and Girl Guide Leader. Until the day she died, Ethel was involved in Guides through the Trefoil Guild. She was a volunteer for the Cancer Society, a 'Grandma' at Mother's Morning Out, active in her church group and belonged to a hiking group.
She will be greatly missed by her husband Jack; as well as by daughters; sons-in-law, her nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild on the way.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Ethel may be made directly to the Duncan United Church or Canadian Cancer Society.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at the Duncan United Church 246 Ingram Street, Duncan, BC.
Condolences may be offered online at www.sandsduncan.ca.
Sands of Duncan