Ella, shown here circa 1914, was from either Finland or Estonia. She arrived in Canada in 1913 and soon married Pete Erickson, who came from the same area of Europe but had immigrated a few years earlier. There was always a bit of mystery surrounding their courtship. One rumour was that Pete became a merchant seaman with the sole intention of jumping ship in Vancouver and sending for Ella. Perhaps their families had opposed their relationship? Whatever their story, Ella made it to Canada and the couple married and lived in various parts of British Columbia. They never had children, but Ella loved to dote on other people’s kids winning them over with milk and cookies. Courtesy of the Rei Family.
January 1, 1914
