Ella Joy Gerbrand

Born February 19, 1953 In MacGregor Hospital. Ella was born 2 months premature in a time when medical advancements were just beginning and premies were only given about a 10% chance of surviving, weighing just over 2lbs,. Ella proved her determination and strength, she survived and was able to come home in June, 2 months after her due date.

Ella grew up on the farm at Lavenham. She loved the farm animals; cows, horses, dogs and cats. She had many special pets over the years including a squirrel at one time.

Schoolwork was a struggle for Ella. With no special education in school, our parents decided to keep Ella at home. Eventually Ella worked at ARC Industries in Portage. Later when mom moved into Austin, Ella worked at Sprucedale Industries. She didn’t always enjoy her work but she loved her friends Miles and Donna and the many road trips they took her on.

When mom passed away it was a concern that Ella would be able to continue living in their trailer but again with her determination, help from Home Care, Sprucedale and family; it truly took a village to help her remain at home.

Eventually due to health issues, Ella moved in with Anne and Kevin and in 2023 she moved to the MacGregor Care Home. Losing her ability to walk caused Ella much sadness, along with missing mom and her beloved pets. Ella yearned for her heavenly home.

Ella had a vibrant personality. Most days she would greet everyone with “you’re beautiful” and “I love you”. However, on a bad day she was liable to call you the devil and tell you where to go. When the dust settled she’d be her happy self again. Ella loved singing even if she didn’t know the words, she’d make them up as she sang along. Her favourites were about how much she loved Jesus. She loved her movies and spent many hours watching. Ella especially loved her family, picnics and going for walks outdoors. She had a strong faith in Jesus and was baptized at the Highway Tabernacle in Portage la Prairie.

Ella was predeceased by two sisters, Elsie in 1947 and Agnes in 2009; her dad, Jacob Gerbrand in 1987 and her mom Katherina Unger in 2020; 3 brothers-in-law, Jim Rogers, Ray Brown, and Jake Wall; and nephew Shawn Brown. She is survived by brother Jake(Carol) Gerbrand; sisters Anne(Kevin) Mikkelsen, Norma(Wayne) Wiebe and their families.

She will be lovingly remembered and missed by all.

Jesus loves me
This I know
For the Bible
Tells me so.