Obituary of Mary Ellen Thompson
Mary Ellen Thompson
Nov. 4, 1937-Mar. 30, 2023
The long goodbye is finally over. Mary Ellen Thompson of Tobermory passed away peacefully at the Golden Dawn Nursing Home in Lion’s Head, Ontario. Mary Ellen is survived by son Fred (Kelly), daughter Trudy (Dean), grandchildren Cassondra (Kyle), Matthew, Ryan (Emily), Connor (Markelle), and Delaney and great grandchildren Halle and Wyatt. Predeceased by her son Edward (1961), her daughter Tammie (1996), and her husband Mel (2014).
Mary Ellen grew up in Tobermory and spent her youth working at her parents restaurant, Harriet's Lunch. In 1957, she married Mel Thompson and they raised three children. Mel worked for Upper Lakes Shipping while the children were growing and as a result, mom was left with the challenge of being a single parent the majority of the time. She was a very loving but strict mom. Occasionally, a wooden spoon would be used to smack one of us across the ass. For those new parents that find this unacceptable, not to worry, she rarely caught us. The wooden spoon… so many ways to use a spoon. The Christmas cake that was so thick, it would take two people to stir the batter. The same spoon would be used to make soup as well as delicious jams and jellies. Everything that could be harvested and preserved was. The cold cellar was always fully stocked. Mom loved Christmas! She would spend hours decorating. Meticulously placing each piece of tinsel on the tree and then just as carefully removing it after Christmas and saving it for next year. The house would be filled with the smell of baked cookies and squares. She was an excellent baker however, baking is not to be confused with cooking. Everything was cooked well done. We didn't realize until we were on our own that you could have roast beef not so well done. We were never in danger of contracting salmonella as children. When the grandchildren arrived, all the discipline she practiced raising her own children went out the window, and they could do no wrong. When they went tobogganing in front of the house, there was always extra hand knit mitts at the ready. She loved them dearly. Mom loved her time living in the Hayes apartment in Lion’s Head and her years at the Golden Dawn. Occasionally, though, during moments of confusion she would call and say she wanted to go home, she wanted to go back to Tobermory. Mom..you're finally going home.
We would like to thank the amazing staff at the Golden Dawn Nursing Home for caring for mom the past few years. They truly are an amazing group. Also, thanks to Dr. Vanderstelt for her compassion and care as well as Gloria Smith and the Bruce Peninsula Hospice volunteers who were there for mom when we couldn't be. Arrangements entrusted to the GEORGE FUNERAL HOME, LION'S HEAD CHAPEL, Lion's Head. Interment Dunk's Bay Cemetery. If desired, expressions of sympathy to the Golden Dawn Nursing Home, Lion’s Head would be appreciated. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family through www.georgefuneralhome.com
