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ARCHER


Ena Marjorie Archer, born to Albert and Nellie Leader on September 12, 1912 in Vancouver, BC, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2008 at Campbell River, BC at the age of 95 years. Ena was predeceased by her husband Frederick and her grandson, Fred. She is survived by her daughter Shirley Bonneau; 3 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; and her brother, Albert (Charlotte) Leader of Langley, BC.

Ena was born in Vancouver, BC, where she experienced the effects of WW 1, with the loss of her father just after the war in which he had served. Her mother then moved the family to Port Alberni. Ena, 6, and her younger brother went to Sunday School at the Methodist Church on 3rd and Argyle, where she remembers the mite boxes for “Pennies for the Missionary Circle”. She also remembers the church becoming part of the United Church of Canada in 1925.

Upon graduation from high school, Ena worked for BC Tel for 7 years until, at 23, she married Fred Archer, who had been a neighbour and part of the United and Anglican Young Peoples events. It was during the depression still, but Fred had a job which earned him 39 cents an hour. They were able to live and “put some by” as well. With their garden and the fish and game they were allowed to catch, they did better than some who “knocked on doors asking for food”.

Not expected to work outside the home, Ena took care of their one daughter, Shirley, and had time for service through the Women’s Auxiliary of the church and the Eastern Star Lodge.

In 1954 Ena and Fred came to Campbell River where they took on an 11 unit “Ma and Pa” motel for 15 years. Fred also had a part-time job as a lumber inspector for Raven Lumber. Then they retired early so they could travel. After 51 years of marriage, Fred’s death was a blow to Ena, but she dealt with it as she deals with all of life – with trust and equanimity. Four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren have graced her life. She often marveled at how God had been there for them all.

Ena can trace her time at Campbell River United Church, through 14 ministers. She was still active in the Olive McPhedran Unit of the UCW and still took her turn serving coffee after church. She was the only UCW member to have been given a Life Membership pin for Long Service. Ena also kept the Church Scrapbook up to date.

Ena was also a member of the Rebeka’s. She joined the Order of the Eastern Star in 1954, becoming Worthy Matron in 1964, being many things and taking on office in the O.E.S. for many years, receiving her 50 year membership pin in September 2006. The Sisters made cancer dressings every week for cancer patients for free, and Ena still worked up to the last week of her life in doing the dressings. On March 15, 2008, a picture was placed in the Campbell River Mirror, recognizing her life of service to this cause. She was a busy busy lady, and was loved by all who knew her.

Ena loved to look across the water from her living room window and then to the trees in her backyard. She was often heard to say – “This is my home – it’s where I love to be.” One of her favourite sayings was “Nothing hurts, and everything works!” Her smile and sense of well being will be missed by all who knew her.

A Funeral Service in Honour of Ena will be held at the Campbell River United Church, 415 Pinecrest Road, Campbell River, BC., on Friday, July 11, 2008 at 1:00 PM, with the Reverend Bert Ramsey officiating. Burial will follow the Service at the Campbell River Cemetery on Highway 28. A Reception will follow the services in the church hall. Flowers are gratefully accepted, or if friends so desire, donations In Memory of Ena may be made to either the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Sutton’s

Campbell River Funeral Home

“In Care of Arrangements”

250287-4812




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