Ella was born in Kazan River, Nunavut, Canada on April 7, 1948. She was the daughter of Ootuk and Howmik. The government relocated Ella to Winnipeg, Manitoba when she became deaf at eight years old. After a year or so, she moved to Vancouver, B. C., Canada. In 1960, she attended Jericho Hill School for the Deaf where she learned sign language and how to communicate with her classmates, friends, and teachers. Ella loved sports like swimming teams, volleyball, roller skating, hiking, and camping. She even won some ribbons in races and swimming competitions.
Ella graduated from Jericho Hill School for the Deaf in May 1967. Sister Alice Hanjay introduced her to full-time missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who taught Ella about the gospel of Jesus Christ. One missionary baptized her in North Vancouver in September 1969. In 1970, she made several hearing friends and learned a lot about the true gospel while reading the Book of Mormon. Johanna from her folk-dancing club helped introduce her to a new friend named Prunella Barlow. Ella and the dancers wore their costumes while folk dancing with the group for seven years and enjoyed delicious foreign meals together. Ella’s aunt Verna Walker and uncle George Neil were white; they took care of Ella as she grew into adulthood. Many years later, Verna Walker and George Neil passed away in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Ella learned many life lessons from them. Her family had lived near Ennadai Lake in Nunavut since 1957 until they were forced out by the Canadian government along with other families due to a lack of caribou or fish available for food. They suffered through many days of starvation; both Ella’s father and aunt fought hard for their families’ survival but tragically lost their lives at Henik Lake. Her aunt struggled to drag her children on a fur cloth as they walked toward Padeli with their mother; upon reaching town they informed special constables about what had happened to them all.
The special constables flew out looking for Ella’s aunt’s children there; they found them hiding behind snow blocks but sadly one girl died from either starvation or exposure to freezing temperatures before help arrived. They located Ella’s family inside an igloo-everyone was amazed that they were still alive! The special constables transported them all back safely to Padeli where things got better for them again after this ordeal ended.
In court later on both Ellen’s mother and aunt testified before Judge Jack Sessions regarding what happened during those tough times-the jurors ultimately found Ellen’s aunt not guilty allowing both women freedom once more.
Ella’s mother held a significant role as queen among their tribe while her father served as an esteemed shaman within Inuit culture making his mark too-both Kooyah (her younger sister) & herself became princesses representing this family proudly through shared lineage! Growing up surrounded by huskies meant feeding & nurturing these animals alongside siblings who were born within igloos originally built long ago; life around Ennadai Lake thrived then as plenty existed such as fish & caribou readily available whenever hunting expeditions occurred!
After completing education at Jericho Hill School graduating in May 1967 followed by attending Vocational College (graduating there also) back in ’70 brought various job opportunities including working several years within photofinishing labs afterwards meeting Roger Williamson first time encountered him unexpectedly while he waited around at Vancouver Airport during ’73-and showing him city sights over few days prior returning home resulted pen pal friendship blossoming into romance lasting two full years until finally engaged mutually agreeing marriage proposal sent forth leading union sealed forever together this memorable day: April Fool’s Day (April 1st) ’78 exchanged vows happily taking place Cardston Alberta Temple thereafter residing jointly settling down together residing now Seattle vicinity afterwards prompting shifts towards obtaining jobs respectively fulfilling roles focusing film cleaning department officially joining Alpha Cine downtown community eventually concluding eleven-year stretch employment move shifting onto Lynx Medical Systems holding clerical capacity lasted another decade!
The couple truly cherished traveling frequently across diverse cities/states spending quality time exploring new places & cultures bonding deeply sharing insights widely presenting informative discussions about Eskimo/Inuit traditions engaging audiences comprised students ranging anywhere from children schools even university level classes throughout Utah/Idaho State Universities too!
An active member since ‘69 within Church proved vital part community involvement remaining committed serving others engaging creative endeavors creating crafts whilst devoting months working diligently service missions specifically Family History aspects accomplishing those roles successfully spanning twenty-four total followed suit becoming Temple Missionary assisting laundry duties operationally performed Logan Utah temples additionally performing ordinance worker responsibilities held numerous hours spent helping out alongside associates operating Jordan River/Seattle temples collectively over years’ commitment sustained thus far!
She will be buried at North Logan Cemetery.
Ella is survived by her husband Roger Williamson; stepbrothers Sam Arnarauyak (wife Gail), John Arnarauyak (wife Lucy); nieces/nephews/cousins inclusive too.
Ella is preceded in death by parents Ootuk/Hawmik; step-brother Philip Otuk along with Igyaka/Roseanne Otuk(step-sister), Inoti/Kooyah plus unnamed baby siblings/Aunts/Uncles/cousins passing away before hers did recently too!
Services are being arranged through Allen-Hall Mortuary presently ongoing preparations concluded efficiently awaiting further developments soon going forward understandably next steps taken accordingly regarding arrangements made efficiently without hassle moving ahead positively unto closure expected appropriately amidst grieving process.
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