Ellen L. Silva

February 7, 1927-January 13, 2015

 
Ellen Leona Silva entered eternal life on January 13, 2015. Her passing was marked by faith and peace as she left this life to be with Christ her Savior.

 
Ellen was born in Nelson, B. C., Canada, the oldest of five children. She became a Registered Nurse in 1948 and moved to Seattle, Washington in 1950. Ellen became a U.S. citizen in 1960. She and her husband, John, served God as missionaries in Taiwan, Hong Kong and India from 1960-1977. Ellen and John and their two daughters, Beverlee and Heather returned to the U. S. in 1977. Upon returning to America, Ellen worked as a nurse and administrator in South Bend, Indiana until 1987, when she came to Stanwood, Washington and worked with John to develop Camwood Counseling Services.

 
In her many years of living abroad and in the Midwest, Ellen always considered the Pacific Northwest her home. She loved hiking in the mountains and walking the ocean beaches. Soaring eagles, flocking snow geese and swans and wheeling dunlins, as well as the common robins and goldfinches or variegated thrushes always made her days special. Gardening in her flowerbeds was a source of true contentment.

 
Above all else, Ellen lived her Christian faith through serving God by serving others. The life of Ellen embodied Christ’s two great commandments; she loved God with all her being and loved others as herself. Whether serving God in medical and educational work in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and India or in the offices at Camwood Counseling services, Ellen put the needs of others before her own pleasure or desires. In doing this, she found joy and fulfillment.

 
A gifted administrator, she used her talents not only for the business of Camwood Counseling Services but in many areas of service to her church. Ellen was able to combine administrative acumen with compassion, humor, empathy and gentle insight and support as she conscientiously did whatever was needed.

 
Ellen leaves behind her large and loving family and a host of friends as she waits for the Resurrection. “Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” A memorial service will be held on February 28, 2015 at 2:00 at the Warm Beach Free Methodist Church, 20815 Marine Drive, Stanwood Washington.

 
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be to either Providence Hospice or Home Care Foundation at www.providence.org/phhc or Shepherd Center at www.shepherd.org/charitable-giving/make-a-gift.