DENISE GAYLEEN ELLISON
Denise Gayleen Ellison, a resident of Birch Island, died peacefully at Manitoulin Health Centre, Little Current, on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at the age of 69. Born to Sarah Paibaiwash and Bertram Trudeau, in Espanola on September 19, 1946. Beloved wife of William Ellison. Loved mother of Darlene (Doug McCulligh) and Cindy (Troy Pitawanakwat). Proud grandmother of Matthew, Nicholas, and Larrissa. Cherished great-grandmother of Liam and Elyza. Sadly missed by sisters Betty (Gary Soulier), Brenda (Wayne White), Lydia (Owen Callaghan), Saralyn (Rick Speirs), Leirma (Guy Hunter), and brothers Tim Trudeau (Denise) and Chris Trudeau (Rose). Will always be remembered by many nieces, nephews and friends. Denise worked at Cronins for many years as a manager. Later she became the owner of the Trading Post in Birch Island. Family and friends gathered at Birch Island Community Centre for a memorial service on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 4 pm. On Wednesday, January 6, 2016 a prayer service was held at 11 am at the Birch Island Community Centre followed by a feast. Denise was many things throughout her life. She was a loving and devoted wife to her soulmate, Bill. She was a mother to her girls whom she adored, she was a grandmother to her three grandchildren who have so many memories of their Nana that they fondly remember. She was also very proud of her two great-grandchildren. She was the big sister to her seven siblings, who will tell you that she helped to raise them, due to their mothers poor health. She sacrificed much in her young life to help take care of her siblings. Denise was an avid gardener who had a green thumb for both indoor and outdoor plants. She tended her gardens from spring until fall and she enjoyed her tiniest visitors, her devoted hummingbirds who were faithful to her yearly. Her faith carried her right until the end where she now is sitting at the Lord’s table having a meal with her beloved parents whom she missed dearly. She was the matriarch of the family and her brothers and sisters loved her so very much. Everyone who met her whether it was a co-worker, an employee or a friend, loved her for her fun loving generous personality. She had so many nieces and nephews from the very young to older ones who loved her for the time she spent loving them and getting to know each and every one of them. She had a twinkle in her eye and a special place in her heart for children and loved all children, for all of this she will be remembered by her family and her community and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. Record your thoughts, memories and photos at www.islandfuneralhome.ca.
