November 16, 1936 - March 20, 2019
It is with sadness we share the passing of our mother, sister, and aunt, Mary Ellen Christina (Douglas) Laurin on Wednesday March 20th, 2019 at St. Peter's hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. Mary Ellen's journey with cancer was brief and her suffering not prolonged. She died on the spring equinox surrounded by her two daughters, Debbie, Michele, and niece Lynn Hoina. Mary Ellen touched the lives of many family and friends, including her remarkable care providers at St. Peters hospital. In her final weeks Mary Ellen embodied strength, dignity, and a stoic acceptance of her imminent death even as she became frail with each passing day. In the end when verbal communication was minimal, Mary Ellen's eyes still conveyed her inner spark to those close by.
Mary Ellen was born November 16th, 1936 to the late Austin and Daisy (Heighton) Douglas in Marshville, Pictou County Nova Scotia. She married in 1957 and was predeceased by her husband Raymond Joseph Laurin March 9, 2014, in-laws John (Corine) Uchacz, and other family. Mary Ellen is survived by two daughters: Dr. Debbie Laurin; Michele (Al) Laurin- Krause; grandchildren, Jeremy (Felicity) Phelan; Zachary (Annabelle) Phelan, Naomi and Tiyena Laurin-Krause all of Nelson, BC; Jacob (Mariah) Phelan, great-granddaughters Lux Bourdon and Juniper Raye Phelan of Calgary, Alberta; her sister Rhoda Weatherbie, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, nieces and nephews. As per Mary Ellen's wishes a celebration of life will take place summer 2019 in Nelson, BC. Mary Ellen's ashes were interred at White Chapel Cemetery. Donations to St. Peter's Hospital are requested.