It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the greatest mother, grandma, and great-grandma Esther Elander.
Born in Victoria, BC, she was raised at Great Central Lake on the outskirts of Port Alberni. Her father, Al Peterson, was a logging train engineer and her mom, Martha, worked as a flunkie (waitress) in the logging camp. Mom and her older sister Alice swam, picked blackberries along the railway tracks and picked wild flowers on the bluffs.
When she met my dad Roger, they were head over heels in love. Married, they had only one child, Lana. Even though they had many hardships as Esther's health was up and down, there was always laughter. Gardening, canning and Esther's family were her interests.
Predeceased by her mother Martha and Algot Peterson, survived by her daughter Lana Dittkowski (Harald), granddaughter Tanya Dittkowski (Andy Horne), great-grandchildren Marcus and Liam Magnussen; grandson Christopher Dittkowski (Brittany Prudhomme) and great-grandson Parker Dittkowski; sister Alice Weber; sister-in-law Doris Lewis; brother-in-law Gary Elander (Pat) and many nieces and nephews.
There will be no service on her request. Stories and condolences may be left for the family at www.chapelofmemories.ca.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 1-4166 Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo, BC V9T 4B7.
Thanks to Dr. van der Merwe and to all the loving care staff at Fir Park Village who were there when I couldn't be.
Chapel of Memories