Mary Ellen Bouthoorn passed away on January 24, 2026 in Brockville, Ontario. She was born on January 24, 1950 to Mary Lou and Gerald Morrison. Growing up on a farm near Lake Eloida, she spent her childhood in Lansdowne and Athens. She was the youngest sibling of James, Mackie, Robert, and Cheryl Faith. Mary Ellen attended high school in Athens and went to teacher’s college in Ottawa before starting her teaching career in Northern Ontario.
Mary Ellen created a home in Wawa where she loved teaching, converted to Catholicism, married her first husband Vince Melchiorre, and became a young stepmother to Nina (Bill). Together with Vince, they had two daughters named Amy and Marina. After Marina passed away and her marriage ended, she focused on building a new life for herself and Amy in Elliot Lake. Her fondness for Northern Ontario grew during those years. A job opportunity took her south where she met Piet Bouthoorn, the love of her life. They got married in 2003 and enjoyed many happy years together at Piet’s farm near Aylmer. In 2014, they returned to her hometown area where family – including beloved grandchildren Sampson, Leilani, Jonah, and Samuel – were nearby.
Mary Ellen had a love for reading, history, and traveling; she also had a way with words that touched many people. Her strong faith provided comfort throughout her life and was an essential part of who she was; this included nearly 43 years of sobriety. As a proud mother and grandmother, she worked hard to instill values like education, hard work, honesty, and gratitude in those around her. Knowing she’s reunited with Piet brings peace to those who loved her. She is survived by brother Bob; daughters Amy and Nina; brothers-in-law Bas and Lia; nieces; nephews; grandchildren; as well as friends who will miss her dearly. A celebration of life will take place in Kingston this coming spring (exact time and location are still being finalized).
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