It is with great sadness we share that Mary Ellen Jasper passed away peacefully at her home in Goderich, Ontario on Monday, June 22, 2020 after a battle with lung cancer. Her fight was short lived due to the aggressiveness of cancer; as she was only diagnosed on May 4, 2020.
She is survived by her husband Tom Jasper and her daughters Heather Martin (Drew), Dianne Birtch (Paul) and Janice Coleman (Neal) and stepchildren Martha Faulkner (Matt) and Nicholas Japer (Kate).
Cherished grandchildren: Alexa and Devon Lloyd, Hannah and Adelaide Birtch, James and Alyson Coleman, Maren, Nole and Gabe Faulkner, Jane, Anna and Theo Jasper. Her grandchildren will fondly remember her unrelenting positivity and suggestion to ‘take the high road’.
Mary Ellen was born on the family century farmhouse in Avonton and moved to London to teach and raise her family. She worked along side her mother, Doris Murray, in building and running Hillside Nursing Home at Seebach’s Hill. Mary Ellen was a former clerk of session of First Saint Andrew’s United Church, a member of the Ontario Arts Council for 6 years and was very active in Conservative politics. In 1990 Mary Ellen met Tom Jasper and moved to Goderich in 1994 after their marriage. Mary Ellen loved living in Goderich and was an active member in Goderich with IODE and a long-standing member of Lakeshore United Church. Mary Ellen loved to get behind community projects such as supporting the Reuben Sallows Gallery, the Mind and Body Campaign and so many others.
Mary Ellen and Tom would have celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary on July 30, 2020.
Mary Ellen was truly and deeply loved, illustrated by the number of family and friends who rallied for her. Many will fondly remember Saturday morning “G” biscuit deliveries by Mary Ellen on her bicycle. She was a force of nature, kind and generous, with a true passion to introduce and connect people throughout the Goderich community. Her untimely passing will leave a hole in our hearts, however her legacy will continue to live on in those who knew her.
A private family service has been held and a celebration of Mary Ellen’s life will be arranged, once Covid restrictions are lifted.
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to IODE, and Lakeshore United Church.
Shared by Carol Powadiuk
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Nancy Flynn
Dear Tom
I have just learned of Mary Ellen’s passing tonight and I am so sorry for your loss. She was a dynamic and compelling personality always full of energy and enthusiasm. I remember working with her when the old railway station was considered a possibility as a hotel. Please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers for the progress of her dear soul.
Christine Moore
So sorry to learn of Mary Ellen’s passing, Tom. She was a positive energy force and a great person. My condolences.
Jane Durst
Dear Tom,
My deepest sympathies to your and your family.
Jane.
Carole Kavander
Mary Ellen was a dear friend. Our lives connected when we were very young, and our families spent considerable time together. We grew up in the same community, attended the same church, elementary and secondary schools. Although as the years went by, we moved to different cities, and created new lives, we always kept in touch, albeit not often. Mary Ellen was a kind and caring person with a vibrant personality and energy that attracted many friends.
My sincere condolences to her husband Tom and family. Her life was taken far too soon. She will always be remembered and missed immensely.
Heather & Wayne Lyons
We send our prayers and thoughts to you Tom, and to all the family.
Joanne McCallum
Dear Tom and family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about your devastating loss. What a blessing to have shared 25 years with Mary Ellen !
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers ….
Marion Jackson Tyler
I just heard this sad news. I have so many wonderful memories of Mary Ellen, Heather, Dianne, Janice, John and Tom. I will treasure those memories and send each of you my caring and support. I have lost a special friend and the world has lost a woman of boundless energy, a champion of important causes and a true people-person. Tom, you girls and your guys, and all you grandchildren were her greatest joy. There will be a big hole in this year’s Christmas family picture usually taken about the time of her birthday.
Linda & Michael Lloyd
We were so saddened to hear the news of Mary Ellen’s passing. She was a lovely lady and will be missed. Thinking of all of you at this saddest of times.
Michael & Linda Lloyd
Angelo Fasulo
Tom, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Mary Ellen was a fantastic person, always full of life and experiences, joy and just someone who struck me as having tons of strength and conviction in life – which was just amazing. Take Care. Angelo
Maria Lacroix
Dear Tom and family, it is with heartfelt sympathy and love I wish to express my deepest condolences. May
God be your strength at this time, may He be your comfort and may you feel His amazing grace and love all around you.
Your wife, mother, grand-mother was an amazing woman and her life here on earth was rich and full, may her beautiful soul be at rest and peace and may you find joy in the memories you have shared. Until you all meet again with her in the sweet by and by.
Maria Lacroix
Jo-Anne & Keith Homan
Tom we can not imagine a world with out Mary Ellen. She was always thinking about and doing for others. She threw all her energy into raising needed funds for the hospital. Always eager to make our little town better. How fortunate we were to have known her. Jo-Anne & Keith Homan.
Liz Simpson Hansen
I was shocked and sorry to hear about Mary Ellen. I knew Mary Ellen as children and were very good friends in high school. We hung around in the same group and attended Kitchigami camp together for many years. It was at her farm i saw a calf being born.something I have always remembered. She was a happy person and fun to be around. I am sorry that I did not make more of an effort to visit her when in Goderich visiting my daughter, Julie. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Suzanne & John Anderson
Tom and family: Our sincere Condolences on the passing of Mary Ellen. Her death is a loss not only to her family but to our community. She will be missed by many. May you continue to cherish all the good times and special memories you made.
Roy and Monica Mason
The Smile. Always there. Always saying “Hello my friend – please know you are very important to me” Very, very regrettably it is gone, but not to be forgotten. Our sincerest condolences to you, Tom, and to your families.
Roy and Monica Mason
Virginia Whyte
Mary Ellen was a bright light and a dear friend to many. Our times together, fond memories. We will miss her laughter and her generous heart. The world was a better place with her presence.
Our condolences to Tom and her family.
Neil and Virginia Whyte
Rod andJean Jervis
We were so sorry to hear of Mary Ellen’s passing. Our little town has lost one of its biggest cheerleaders. Our very deepest sympathy to Tom and family.
Art and Judy Garrow
Please accept our condolences Tom.
Jane Macdonald
I am so sad to hear of Mary Ellen’s death. I worked with her on the Thompson genealogy over many years and attended the well organized reunions at the Thompson homestead in Avonton. Her enthusiasm was catching, her smile kind and welcoming and her energy level was amazing. We have all lost one of the good ones.
Wendy Moore (Tremeer)
Tom and Family, I was so sad hearing about the passing of your wife. Thinking of you and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wendy Moore (Tremeer)
Ron and Judy Austin
Tom and family so sorry to hear that Mary Ellen has passed away. We remember always chatting with you and Mary Ellen whenever we met. In the summer at the Farmer’s Market she always had a smile and “hello” to us. Treasure all the memories you have made in your years together. You were the perfect couple together! She will be missed by so many!
Huub & Josephine Nyenhuis
To Tom and Family, The Nyenhuis Family sends our sincerest sympathies on the passing of Mary Ellen. Our family will miss Mary Ellen’s yearly visits to the Murray homestead farm here in Avonton. She will be dearly missed by all.
Jane Macdonald
I am so sad to hear of Mary Ellen’s passing. She was such a dynamo. I worked with her on and off for over ten years in helping organize the huge Thompson family reunions at the very beautiful Avonton farm. We will all miss her kindness and friendship.
Jane and Katie MacDonald
Joan Cardiff
We offer our deepest condolences to Tom and family. Mary Ellen was such a positive, give-it-your-all kind of person and did so much for so many people and organizations throughout her life. She always had a genuine interest in people and brightened so many days.
Thinking of you,
The Cardiff’s – Betty, Jeff & Cathy, Joan, Scott and families.
Sheryl Evans
My memories of Mary Ellen start with her joining IODE Maple Leaf Chapter at a pivital time in our history when we were about to celebrate 100 years of service to Goderich. Always so full of inspiration and enthusiasm, she was pivotal to our Mind and Body contribution to the Goderich Public Library. That project was barely finished when she spoke to me about a gift of 200 images from the family of Reuben Sallows. Soon The Reuben Sallows Gallery was a reality.
Rob and I will remember her positive, encouraging nature, her energy and determination and her bright and cheery spirit. She was a friendly and irrepressible force for change and improvement. She left an enduring legacy and she will be sorely missed. Rest well Mary Ellen.
Tom and family, please accept our sincere sympathies.
Sheryl and Rob Evans
Verna and Alex Strathdee
We live next door to the Hoys and just down and across the road from the Thompson farm. We knew Doris and her family as a result. We extend our deepest sympathy to your family.
Paul and Mary Lynn Mansell
Mary Ellen your enthusiasm was infectious and will always be remembered. You brought much joy and energy to others and set many of us on new paths. It has been a pleasure to know you and your family and to be a small part of your life.
Jim Mulhern
Our condolance to Tom and family.
Jim & Mona Mulhern
Martina Wellman
I was so shocked to hear of Mary Ellen’s passing! Tom and family, my sincerest condolences in your loss. Mary Ellen was like a breath of fresh air, always cheerful. Truly saddened.
Connie Tasker
Tom and family we were so sorry to read of Mary Ellens passing. She had such a wonderful personality and the perfect match for you. May you live thinking of all the happy times and memories you made! Now you have a wonderful guardian angel watching over you filling your heart with warmth and love. RIP Mary Ellen you have certainly earned your wings!
Hugs for all
Kevin an d Connie Tasker
Rob and Debbie Campbell
Tom, we are saddened to hear of Mary Ellen’s untimely passing. Her infectious smile and friendliness were attributes that made her fun to talk to. She will be remembered for her spark.
Herb Marshall
I will miss the smiling face and cherish having received an abundance of support and encouragement from Mary Ellen since we moved here in 2006. She was special and will be missed by so many . Well done Mary Ellen.
Becky and Dave McIvor
Mary Ellen always had a smile. She was a regular visitor while her Mom was at Maitland Manor very good to her. Bringing the grandchildren to visit too. On the golf course she walked and always carried on a great conversation no matter whom she was with. She will be missed by many. Deepest sympathies to Tom and all the family. RIP Mary Ellen
Gayle and Barron Purser
Our sincere condolences are extended to Tom and families of Mary Ellen.
She always had a smile for everyone she met. Goderich will miss her dearly.
Irene Gordon
Sincere condolences to Tom and family at this time. I knew Mary Ellen through our Rotary connections and found her to have a tireless commitment to all projects she undertook. She will be missed in this community.
Evie Shand
To Tom and Family,
I was so sad to hear of Mary Ellen’s passing. She was such a lovely lady. Please accept my most sincere condolences at this time. 🙏🙏
Tim & Patti Munnings
We were sorry to learn of the death of your wife Dr. Jasper. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Tim & Patti Munnings
Ken and Sylvia mcgee
To Tom and the families.
What a loss- such a beautiful and caring soul gone far to soon. Our hearts go out to all of you and hope that you find some peace knowing how well thought of she was by so many. Tom, I know you have felt blessed to have had Mary Ellen as your wife and soulmate these past 26 years so take comfort in all the good times and memories that you have.
Nicola Powadiuk
Aunt Mary Ellen was a force of nature and a joy to be around. She lives on in our hearts and memories.
Jim & Shelagh McDade
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with Tom and the entire family during this difficult time.
Carol Powadiuk
Mary Ellen will be in my heart forever!!! She was a wonderful sister-in-law and a great person. We cheered her marriage to Tom many years ago with my mom who was a great judge of character. She has provided many joyous occasions and cheered all who were in her company. Mary Ellen is unmatched in her ability to begin a conversation with anyone who came close by. This has been an amazing attribute as we traveled to Cornwall and Devon England and visited the Jasper ancestral sites, and most recently as we spent time in Wiggins Bay Florida at the Tarpon Cove Club. Mary Ellen’s energy exceeded those around her as she participated in yoga, Pilates and pool aerobics this past January and February at the Tarpon Cove fitness classes. She never liked to miss a Friday night cocktail hour at the Tiki hut. Playing cards is a passion we shared and enjoyed many bridge and Euchre games. She instilled the love of playing cards in her grandchildren as she reported many games played at the “Jasper Resort” overlooking Lake Huron. Mary Ellen lives on through her children, grandchildren and the many lives she touched.
Kim Roetcisoender
I was saddened to hear this news. Whenever I met up with Mary Ellen, she was always smiling and friendly. She was such a kind person. My sympathies to you Tom and your family.
Rosemary Mathers
My deepest sympathy to your entire family. You are very lucky to have such precious memories to treasure.
Rosemary Mathers
Kim Burgsma
Mary Ellen was such a vibrant, encouraging lady. She was a delight to know and you always felt special around her, because that’s how she made everyone feel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Tom, and the family.
Carol Horton
Tom and family: I am both shocked and saddened to learn of Mary Ellen’s passing. Such a wonderful lady with the most beautiful smile and loving, friendly, caring nature. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult and sad time.
Penny Murray
Mary Ellen had an endearing passion for life, her family, her community and her country. Her enthusiasm and charisma was infectious to all who knew her. Her contributions to her beloved IODE Maple Leaf Chapter during her 25 year membership were inspirational and motivating. Her irreplaceable integrity will be sorely missed by many.
Lynn Bearden
It is hard to comprehend the passing of Mary Ellen. Such a vibrant, energetic person who made friends wherever she went. A long time member of Maple Leaf Chapter IODE and a force within the town of Goderich. She will be greatly missed.