Ella Faurschou

Ella Amanda Faurschou

On the evening of Monday, September 26th, 2016 at 6:40 pm, our beloved Mother, Aunt, and Grandmother was peacefully called home.

Ella Amanda Balko was born June 9, 1930 on the Winkler Farm, in Baie St Paul, Manitoba. From birth, she was a fighter, born at just 3 pounds, and fed with an eye dropper until she was strong enough to nurse. She was schooled at West Poplar Point School before continuing her education at Portage Collegiate Institute. Her part time employment with Manitoba Telephone System turned full time as a switchboard operator thanks to her fluency in German and English. The lifelong friendships she developed at MTS brought with it socializing at the Saturday Night Dances, where she met Ralph Henry Faurschou, the man who would become her husband.

Ralph and Ella were married November 6, 1954, in St. Mary's la Prairie Anglican Church in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. They began their lives together on Faurschou Farms, west of Portage la Prairie in Burnside, Manitoba. As the farm grew, their family followed suit with the birth of David, Dale, Kenneth, and Glenn. Ella raised her family on the yard, responsible for two meals a day for up to a dozen hungry farmers, spending time in her garden, and being active with the Burnside Ladies.

It is hard to articulate how Ella was the backbone of everything that was built in the Faurschou Family. Her dedication, sacrifice and perseverance allowed for the success that Ralph and their children achieved. Ralph and Ella were named the Portage and District Farmer of the Year in 1987 and Conservation Farm Family of the Year in 1989 - the farm prospered under their leadership.

Her devotion to her family was unmatched. She will be lovingly remembered by her sons; David (Lori), Dale (Karen), Kenneth (Dolly) and Glenn (Giselle); grandchildren Aaron, Jenna-Lee (Michael) and Katelyn (Shawn); Michael; Devin and Dreadyn; Amanda (Jesse), Darryl (Cassidy) and Daniel, and great grandson Bennett;  She would attend every sports game, Christmas concert, band concert, and dance recital. She was a fixture at the most important events in her family's lives.

Ella is also survived by brothers-in-law Gerald (Pat) Faurschou and Roy Lyall; sisters-in-law Helen Smith and Meta Balko; daughters-in-law Karen and Deneen Faurschou, as well as countless nieces & nephews and their families.

Ella is predeceased by her beloved husband, Ralph; her parents Andreas and  Elizabeth (nee Hein) Balko; brothers Richard Balko and Irwin Balko; sisters-in-law Anne Balko, Joyce Lyall, Audrey Faurschou; and brother-in-law Grenville Smith.

In honouring Ella's wishes, a private family graveside service will take place.  Family and friends are invited to a time of fellowship and refreshments on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 12:00 noon in the Trimble Room at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children’s Wish Foundation, Portage Regional Committee, Box 1106, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3C5, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba – Portage Office, c/o 824 18th ST, Unit 3, Brandon, MB R7A 5B7 or St. Mary's la Prairie Anglican Church, 36   2nd Street SW. Portage la Prairie, MB R1N  2A1.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com