Obituary of Jean Marguerite Ellis

<h1>Jean Marguerite Ellis</h1> 1918-2006 Jean left us on November 17, 2006 as she would have wanted, quietly, at home in Kitchener, surrounded by those who love her. A gracious lady in her eighty-ninth year, a wonderful, loving and caring wife and mother for over 63 years, she is mourned by her husband, Willard, daughters Nancy, Joan, Patricia and son Bryan, along with their partners, John, Allan, Nick and Leslie, together with her four grandchildren, Mark MacKenzie (with Joanna in Edmonton), Stuart MacKenzie (with Mariko in Toronto), Kimberley and Jacquelyn Ellis (in Hamilton) and five great grandchildren – of whom she was so proud. Jean (née Spencer) was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is predeceased by sisters, Kathleen and Ernestine and brothers, Kenneth, Harry and Clifford. She attended St. John’s Technical High School, St. John’s College and graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. During her time at St. John’s College, she was active in student affairs. As an active member of the Montreal Chapter of the Canadian Council of Women, Jean served as treasurer for a considerable period of time. She was also an active participant in the Church Women’s Year of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Lachine, Quebec, and a former member of The Royal Montreal Golf Club. She delighted in everything elegant and fine – from music, art, handwork, to food and friends. She enjoyed a good debate and sharp wit. Her kitchen was her domain and the family’s learning ground for everything from making gravy to reviewing French lessons. Jean was so happy to have shared Thanksgiving weekend with her entire family at Bryan and Leslie’s Dawn Brook Farm, also known as Honeywood Haven. She dearly loved this country property in the Mulmur Hills, where for many years she tended gardens, observed life on and around the pond, enjoyed holiday festivities and watched with tenderness the hummingbirds that fed at the living room window. We will forever remember her roast beef dinners, apple pies and chocolate chip cookies. The family extends sincere thanks to Dr. Douglas Bates, to the staff at Doon Village Retirement Residence, to the caring team of ladies from Robertson-Brown, Care Partners and CCAC for their support and assistance throughout Jean’s illness. A family service will be held at the Erb &amp; Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S., Waterloo, on Thursday, November 23 at 4:00 p.m. with Fr. Don Davidson of St George’s of Forest Hill officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate that donations be made to The Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, Leukemia and Bone Marrow Unit, McMaster University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 739, LCD I, Hamilton, ON L8N 3MS, and may be arranged through the funeral home, 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com. Jean will rest in the Honeywood Cemetery, overlooking the Mulmur Hills and lying close to the hearts of the family who love her.