Obituary of Mary Ellen Adair
A life lived with love, joy, and laughter
With great sadness, and yet relief, we announce that Mary Ellen “slipped away to the next room” at her home, with family by her side.
Predeceased by her dear husband Richard. Survived by her beloved children Richard, Jason and Erin, David and Jennifer, Joanne and Matthew, and her incredible grandchildren Evan, Alyssa, Florence, Winston and Mary.
Born at St Mike's in Toronto, Mary Ellen was the eldest of eight and spent her formative years in Markham.
Mary Ellen was full to the brim with joy, love, and lots of laughter with her family and friends. She was a very social person and met new friends easily wherever she went. She was even known to be stopped at a traffic light in her car and call out to a person walking the crosswalk wearing a smart, stylish outfit, "You just look so great! Way to go!" She always offered a kind word and warm smile to connect and make someone's day.
A teacher for 39 years, Mrs. Adair taught at many schools in the WRDSB, from JK to Grade 8. She was a beloved, involved teacher, energetic basketball coach, and always went above and beyond for her students and school community. One of her favourite memories were the many laughs in the staff lounge.
In 2020, she built her dream home by the lake in Goderich, where she found a truly special community of people. Many of those friendships developed at the Bark Park when taking her dear puggies for their daily sniffs. She delighted in the laughs and nuttyness with this wonderful community of people and furbabies!
Although mom was social, she also relished being alone. She was an extensive reader of all genres. She faithfully visited her local library and instilled a love of public libraries and reading in her kids and grandkids.
She loved to go for long walks with her husband and the dogs up at the lake, or at Breithaupt Woods.
In retirement, she took up water colour painting and learned from amazing women painters around her, steadily improving when she could find a moment to get her paints out.
She thoroughly enjoyed her garden, taking such pleasure when spring bulbs peeked out, and enjoyed nothing more than a coffee on her idyllic deck, settled amongst her plants, pugs and cats.
She never ever stopped loving music with a great beat. Her arms would get to swinging and she would sing out what she thought the lyrics were. Her favourites were YMCA and anything by Shania Twain, "Let's go girls!" Yet, she also delighted in listening to classical music and would often be moved to tears at its beauty.
When mom was diagnosed with colon cancer, she maintained a positive, practical outlook, quickly becoming the highlight of every staff person's day at Grand River Hospital Cancer Centre. At one point she had the nurses seriously considering setting up a tiki bar in the back corner by her chemo chair so she could serve drinks for other patients and staff!
She will be deeply missed for the light she shone, her infectious laughter and annual batch of delicious strawberry jam.
To Rich, Jay, Dave and Jo:
My beloved children. Reflecting on what I'm most proud of in my life, it is you four. Seeing you grow into the people that you are fills me with love and peace. I love you with all my heart and will always be with you when you need me most.
To Erin, Jen and Matthew:
I could not have asked for better life partners for my children than you. I feel such comfort from you three, and am forever grateful for all your love and support.
To Evan, Alyssa, Florence, Winston and Mary:
My dearest grandchildren. It's the hardest thing to know I won't be with you for all your major milestones as your lives unfold. I will be cheering and celebrating you from behind the curtain, as I like to say. I am bursting with pride for who you have become as caring, loving people. Whenever you need it, give yourself a big squishy hug from Nana.
And finally, to her friends:
To all of my dear friends: You have meant so much to me and made such an important impact on my life. I'm grateful we were able to go through this life together. I will miss you all dearly but will always be with you in spirit as you continue to get together and laugh. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for who you are.
Special thanks to Dr. Hubay, Dr. Luce, Dr. Jagas, Dr. Dieter, Dr. Thomas, Nurses Tracey, Annerieke, Julie and Katie in Goderich, and Gloria and all the other amazing nurses and pharmacists at Grand River Cancer centre for their excellent care over the years. Mom couldn't forget her Toyota family, and thanks to Gord Maikawa, and Warren Griffen. A deep, heartfelt thanks to Rosanne McDonald, her sister, for her care and love, and holding her hand all those hard nights.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the SPCA of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth, or consider planting flower bulbs so that you can be reminded of Mary Ellen every springtime.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Kitchener. Please note, for her Goderich friends, a small informal reception will be held in Goderich in late Spring.
Did you know Mary Ellen and want to come celebrate and honour her? Email joanne_adair@yahoo.com