On Sunday, January 26, 2025, Ellamae McLeod - Goodfellow - Walker (nee Butterworth). Passed away peacefully with family by her side and went home to be with the Lord, at the age of 88.
Beloved mother of Katherine Holley (Richard), late Cassie Goodfellow, late Ray Goodfellow and the late Mike McLeod. Affectionately remembered by her grandchildren Heather Holley, Paul Holley (Brandi), Fred McLeod, Amy-Dawn Gagnier (Yves) and Britney Goodfellow (Logan). Proud great grandmother of Anthony Piraino, Emma Moss, Joshua Holley-Woods and Hazel Gagnier. Predeceased by her parents Frederick Butterworth Ruth Butterworth. Dear sister of late Wesley Butterworth (Nan), late Norman Butterworth (late Audrey), late Esther Dewitt (late Jerry). Loved by many nieces and nephews.
Ella Mae, to know her was to love her. She entered this world on April 3, 1936 in the small town of Rydal Bank, Ontario. Her parents raised her and her siblings on the Butterworth family farm, and she was a student at Rydal Bank Elementary school. As a teenager she worked at restaurants in Thessalon, Ontario. She was a young woman when she dedicated herself to the role of wife, mother and homemaker. In every relationship, she loved with all her heart. And the families she married into, loved her back in return, maintaining those friendships over the years.
She had a heart for people, even those that others might turn away. It came naturally to her to wear her heart on her sleeve, meeting people where they were at and offering love and understanding. She was a champion for late night/middle of the night phone calls with family and friends. There was never a moment when she wasn’t available to listen to someone that needed a caring ear. Her home always had an open door policy with a constant flow of family and friends coming and going for visits. As her parents, Fred and Ruth grew older, she became a caregiver again, devoting herself to making sure they had the best care possible. Ellamae had a love for Jesus that encompassed every aspect of her life. And she led by example in the teachings of the Lord, passing down these teachings to her children and grandchildren. Sundays spent in church, summer Bible camps with family and friends and Women Today Retreats in Sault Michigan. Even when life was difficult, especially in those moments, she put her faith in God. Many will fondly remember Ellamae as their Avon Lady for 20 years. Sales were definitely her forte and it was a perfect fit for her social butterfly personality. She leaves behind her collection of Mrs Albee’s for her family to treasure. Ellamae gave her time and energy volunteering over the years running Bible clubs in elementary schools, was a member of the Lions Club, and loved spending her time where she lived at Great Northern Retirement home working the front table, greeting visitors, selling tickets and items to raise money to benefit residents that lived there. Her presence will be truly missed.
Family and friends are invited to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East; 705-759-2522) on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Funeral service to follow at 1 pm. Dr. John B. Howarth officiating. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial donation (payable by cheque or online) to One Hope Canada or to The Pregnancy Centre would be appreciated. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the family.