Obituary of Ethel Boulton

ETHEL G. BOULTON (nee RYAN)

1922 – 2017

Passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at the age of 94 at her home at Toronto, Ontario, surrounded by her family.  Beloved wife of Howard Boulton (2013) and loving mother of David (Janis), Bob (Lisa), and Shirley Winter (David).  Proud grandmother of Jennifer Fortier (Rob), Chris Boultanyshen (Andrea), Scott and Will Boulton, Calvin (Simone), Ryan, and Grace Winter; great-grandmother of Grace Fortier, Emily Findlay (Jonathan) and Owen Stefanyshen and loving aunt, great-aunt, and great-great-aunt to many nieces and nephews.  Ethel was predeceased by her sisters and dear friends Mary Ryan (2013) and Violet Batson (1983).   

Ethel was born on May 28, 1922 in Champney’s Arm, Newfoundland to Sarah Long and Job Ryan.  After Job’s premature death when Ethel was just 4, her mother remarried.  Ethel’s stepfather, William Pottle, a fisherman of English Harbour, created for her and her sisters a wonderful childhood.  Shortly after immigrating to Toronto in 1940, Ethel joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and volunteered for overseas duty, which returned her to Torbay, Newfoundland for the balance of WW II.  After returning to Toronto, Ethel and Howard were united at a RCAF veterans dance and were married in 1947. 

Ethel’s positive outlook on life, incredible work ethic and sheer determination fashioned her life and that of her family’s.  Ethel took immense pride in her family and had a special relationship with each of them.  She gave generously of herself, was deeply loved, and will be missed by many.

Heartfelt thanks go to all those who assisted in Ethel’s care including Veterans Affairs Canada for their longstanding support, Scarborough Palliative Care Community Team and faithful caregiver Milica.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at Ogden Funeral Home, 4164 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto followed by a reception for friends and family.  Internment at Pine Hills Cemetery.  Visitations will be held on Tuesday, May 2nd from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, May 3rd from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., also at Ogden Funeral Home.  Donations in Ethel’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.