Elena Moskalyk Mortimer

Our mom, Elena Moskalyk Mortimer, was born in a time long passed when there were no cars, no airplanes overhead, no radio, no telephones. In the early 1900's, her family was part of the first wave of immigration from the Ukraine to the block settlements in the prairies north of Edmonton, Canada. She grew up with twelve siblings to help run the farm, really did have to walk five miles to and from town to get the mail, and traded supplies for beaded moccasins with the local "Indians" around the campfire.

Born a twin, mom was the "runt" of the family, but by no means the weakest. We liked to say that she was only three apples high and tough as nails. There was never a thing that she wouldn't take on and always had a "can do" attitude, even to the end of her life at 97 years old.

Education was a luxury; to attend high school she had to leave the one-room schoolhouse and move away from the farm to live with her sister. At 11th grade, the necessity to work and earn an income was greater than the need to complete her education. She lived a quiet life, doing what needed to be done to take care of herself and her family. She moved from Bellis, Alberta, to Vancouver, British Columbia, where she met our father and eventually immigrated to the US, living in Seattle until she moved to Bellingham at age 84.

While she did not have a distinguished career or certifications or degrees, she taught us, her three children, the most important things by example. Be kind and helpful, work hard, show respect, don't complain, and enjoy life. Mom loved to laugh and took great joy in golfing (she walked the golf course until age 90), fishing (she always caught the first, most, and biggest), and gardening (there was always something blooming in her yard). Mom was fiercely independent, living on her own for 26 years after the love of her life, our father (Frank Mortimer 1909-1987) passed away. She claimed her good health because of regular exercise.

We will dearly miss her, her connection to the past, and know that her spirit lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; Frank Leo Mortimer (grand children: Sarah, Andrew, Caitlin; great grandchildren Dael & Phoenix)
Dale Lindsay Mortimer (grand children: Matthew & Michael)
Robin Lee Mortimer Robertson (grand children: Elena & Foster)

Thanks to Visiting Angels and Hospice for making the end of her life comfortable at home.


There will be an open House reception for friends and family on July 20, 2 - 4pm at the home of Robin & Doug Robertson, 2605 Sunset Drive, Bellingham, WA 98225. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity that means the most to you.