It is with heavy heart the family of Alice Loretta Ellis announce her passing on January 26, 2024, in her 91st year in her hometown of Markdale, Ontario, with family at her side.
Born July 5, 1933, and raised in Euphrasia Township on a generational farm at Temple Hill, Alice was the youngest daughter of James ‘Otto’ Foy and Margaret Mary Ellen Foy (Ferry). Alice’s loving parents provided her a happy childhood as she grew up in a simple rural setting along with her five siblings. As a child she often rode her beloved pony, Dimples, to the one room Blantyre School. She later attended Meaford High School and as a teenager enjoyed going to the Rocklyn Hall dances.
After a few years of working, she married Robert Ellis on August 23, 1952, and began a family in the Georgian Bay area. They moved to Thunder Bay where they lived and raised their seven children until Robert’s untimely death December 24, 1968. Left with the sole responsibility of raising seven children alone, Alice worked up to three jobs at a time, one of them being a full time position at Port Arthur General Hospital until her retirement in 1997.
She was predeceased by husband Robert Douglas Ellis, son Dean Otto Ellis, son-in-law Gordon Raine, daughter-in-law Judith Ellis, siblings Marie Exelby, Marguerite Valiquette, Isobel Gilpin, James (Jim) Foy, and Robert (Bob) Foy. Survived by her children Sherry Raine, Terry Ellis, Crystal (Mel) Sipila, Anita Ellis, Kevin Ellis, and Lisa (Wayne) McDonald, daughter-in-law Marivic Ellis-Chamble, 17 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, brothers-in-law Don Ellis and Ted Gilpin, sisters-in-law Blanche Ellis, Elaine Carter, and Merry Ellis, and numerous nieces and nephews. Alice was looking forward to two new great-grandchildren in the near future.
Alice was dedicated to her family and friends. She was admired by all for her strength and resilience that carried her through the challenges life threw at her. Although she worked long hours at her jobs and keeping house to ensure her children were comfortable and provided for, she took time to enjoy life and provide them happy childhoods with many fond memories. She enjoyed taking her children on morning breakfast picnics in the park (before going to work). She ensured all holidays and special occasions were happy and memorable. Meals were always a special time where she could catch up on her children’s day and have a laugh or two. There was always a place at her table for anyone that showed up unexpectedly, which happened more often than not. She was never surprised or put out when several of her children would each show up with an unexpected friend or two at supper time. People will remember her for her quick wit, twinkling blue eyes, quiet ways, gentle spirit and kind heart. Those of us that had the privilege of knowing her are better for it and will miss her dearly.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to all the doctors and staff that have cared for Alice in recent years and special thanks to the nurses and staff of Markdale Hospital for their respectful and kind care in her final days. Cremation has taken place. Celebration-of-life will take place at a later date (to be announced) in the City of Thunder Bay and in the Municipality of Grey Highlands-Markdale so all relatives and friends will have an opportunity to share in her memory. In lieu of flowers, donations to charities that Alice regularly donated to would be greatly appreciated: Covenant House Toronto, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and the War Amps. Arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services.
