Obituary of Elenita Magdalena DeRyke
Affectionately known as Nita or Ellen, she passed away with family at her bedside on June 18, 2024, at her home near Tincap, Ontario.
Born in Manila, Philippines, on June 13, 1947, to Elena and Magdaleno Almeda, Elenita was a middle child. She grew up alongside her sisters Aster, Alma, Ana Fe, Estela, Amor, and her brother Rex.
Elenita graduated from the Central Escolar University Official in Manila. She immigrated to Canada in 1969 and proudly became a citizen of Canada in May of 1976. Her educational path led her to a laboratory technologist position at Brockville General Hospital.
Love blossomed in Elenita's life when she met Len DeRyke. They tied the knot in 1982 in a beautiful ceremony at the St Francis Xavier Church in Brockville. Len affectionately called her Freddie, a nickname that reflected her infectious smile and kind personality. Together, they built a loving family, raising two children, Christina and Shawn. Elenita's role as a mother was a testament to her nurturing and caring nature.
Elenita's legacy is one of love, kindness, and selfless service. Her devotion to her church was unwavering, and she found joy in volunteering for various church activities, including cleaning the pews with her fellow members.
Elenita passed away after battling pancreatic cancer. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jonker, the oncology team at Ottawa General Hospital, the palliative care team at Bayshore Health Care, and Kaleigh McKeen of the Leeds and Grenville Community Family Health Team.
Family and friends will be received for visitation to honour Elenita’s life at the Barclay Funeral Home, 137 Pearl St. E., Brockville on June 28th from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. The Liturgy of the Christian Funeral will be Celebrated at the St Francis Xavier Church, 66 Church Street in Brockville on Saturday, June 29 at 10 am, with interment to follow.
In memory of Elenita, any donations to any cancer research program will be greatly appreciated. Messages of condolence may be sent online at www.barclayfuneralhome.com.
