Memories & Celebration - Obituary 

Ellyn Bernier

January 10, 1939 - November 25, 2024

Ellyn Bernier passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024 in Sioux Lookout, ON at the age of 85.  

Ellyn was born January 10, 1939 in Sioux Lookout, to Barney & Bea Pinkess.  She was their beloved daughter and sister to Gerry. Ellyn studied literature, art & anthropology in her university days & achieved outstanding grades.   Ellyn was a school teacher and taught in the Hudson Public school for years til retirement.  In the 1960s Ellyn worked in  New Zealand and was engaged to a maori man when one summer she came home and Emil swept her off her feet, & they got married.

In her youth she developed a passion for art.  She produced drawings and works in oil on canvas, she favored still life and landscapes inspired by the artists she admired.  Later she and Emil pursed an interest in photography, taking striking images of the landscapes & wildlife.

Ellyn loved hosting parties, whether it was a hawaiian theme at camp or and xmas party at her house, she was a fantastic cook. Ellyn enjoyed making fancy drinks like pina colada with a little umbrella, or the canadian flag on July 1st. They spent endless days at camp going out for cruises and picnics on their big boat on Big Vermillion.  Fishing for trout off the beach & enjoying family and friends including other cottagers and out of town guests.  Ellyn loved to travel to the city for a concert and shopping.

Those who knew Ellyn best know that she loved all animals & wildlife, and had many dogs/cats, sometimes giving them Maori names.

Ellyn and and the late Emil (Bernier) enjoyed travelling together & went on 2 major voyages.  They toured the European continent, visiting and enjoying Austria, England, and Scotland.

They returned to Canada on the QE2 steamship.  Ellyn always remarked at how she met warm, kind, and generous ppl wherever they went.  They also visited the South Pacific spending time in Hawaii, Tahini, & the Polynesia.  Later she travelled with a group with Sioux travel doing a cruise and another bus trip to Ireland.

She was a dearly loved wife, aunt, friend and pillar of her community.  She will be missed by many who knew her.

Ellyn is survived by her nephews Chad and the late Todd Pinkess (& children).