May 20, 1946 - September 29, 2018
Elly Durksen, of Anacortes, Washington, peacefully passed on to her heavenly home, on Saturday, September 29th after succumbing to the ravaging effects of ALS. She fought this disease to her last breath and although we are left to carry on without this amazing woman, we know that she is at peace and no longer struggling or suffering. For that, we are thankful.
Elly was born in Wageningen, Holland on May 20, 1946, the daughter of Hendrikus and Adriana Lammers. She immigrated to Canada with her parents & older brother as a 6-year old. They settled in Vancouver, where her younger sister was born. She was still able to speak and read Dutch throughout her life. An amazing achievement for a girl who came to Canada so young!
Elly had a true passion for making her house a home. She was a talented interior decorator using her skills later in her life to help decorate boats for husband Frank's yacht sales business. Elly had a green thumb and her gardening skills were legendary. Her yard & garden were always like a park, wherever she lived. She loved her girls, Tammy & Shelly, and was the wind beneath their wings at whatever they chose to tackle in life, from horses to dance classes, home renovations, gardening tips and so much more!
Elly met Frank Durksen in February of 2001 and they were married on April 27, 2002, surrounded by the love of family & friends.
In the 16 years they spent together, they had some amazing adventures. Frank's yacht business took them travelling - Miami, Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, Newport Beach, Charleston, South Carolina, which Elly particularly loved & to Puerto Vallarta. Frank's love of motorcycles saw the two of them tour Washington, Oregon & California with a close group of their friends.
Elly & Frank built their dream home together in Anacortes with magnificent views of the ocean which she enjoyed to the last moment of her life. They also enjoyed years together at their home in Palm Springs, CA. soaking up the sun & sipping a glass of wine with friends and family.
Elly is predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her loving husband, Frank Durksen, and her daughters: Tammy Preast (David Campbell) and Shelly Dueck (Frank); older brother, Martin (Linda) Lammers and her beloved younger sister, Ann (Dan): her step-son, Frank (Tracy) Durksen Jr., step-daughter, Barbara Durksen and Barbara's daughter, Claire, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family.
Elly's Memorial Service will be held at Evans Funeral Chapel in Anacortes, WA. at 1105 - 32nd Street, on Saturday, October 13th starting at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow from 3:00 - 4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations as a tribute gift may be made to the ALS Society in the USA at http://webwa.alsa.org or in Canada at https://www.alsbc.ca/donate in remembrance of Elly Durksen.
A live video of Elly's funeral will be available for viewing at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFIBeAlgvxaXLXmg_ZGxoZA
Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel of Anacortes, WA.
To share a memory of Elly, please sign the online guestbook at www.evanschapel.com.
Service Details
2:00 PM