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Mary Ellen van den Broek

Mary Ellen van den Broek

April 16, 2012

Mary Ellen van den Broek
van den Broek, Mary Ellen; peacefully at her home in Mount Forest on Monday April 16th, 2012 in her 58th year. Mary Ellen Marcella (Eckert) van den Broek devoted, longstanding and much loved teacher at St. Mary Catholic School, Mount Forest. Beloved wife of Ben van den Broek. Loved mother of Angela van den Broek of Vancouver, John van den Broek & wife Jen of Waterdown and Jessica van den Broek of Dawson City, Yukon. Loved daughter of Gladys Raftis of Mount Forest. Loving sister of Joe Eckert & wife Lisa of Kippens, Newfoundland, Carol Morrison & husband Dennis of Fort St. John, B.C. and Jackie Anderson & husband Mark of Barrie. Mary Ellen is also survived by Ben 's brothers, sisters and her many nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by her father John'Jack' Eckert, step father John Raftis and step sister Yvonne Raftis. Mary Ellen 's life has touched so many people in so many ways. Her beautiful smile and vibrant personality will be missed by not only her loving family, but by her colleagues, students and many friends. Visitation at the England Funeral Home, Mount Forest on Thursday from 1:45p.m. to 4:00p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00p.m. A Prayer Vigil will be held on Thursday at 1:45p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary of the Purification Church on Friday April 20th at 11:00a.m. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorial donations to Cancer Patient Services or to the Oncology Department of Louise Marshall Hospital would be appreciated by Mary Ellen 's family. On line condolences may be made at www.englandfuneralhome.com

Condolences

As the 1 yr anniversary approaches, I'd like to send my thoughts and prayers to your family. May she watch over you always! Love Ashley Maas-Storrey

— Ashley Maas-Storrey, April 9, 2013

What a shock to hear of Mary Ellen's passing. It was only a few weeks ago I came across a work related picture online and have often thought of all of you over the years. Angela and John, you could not have had a more devoted and loving mother and Ben a more dedicated wife. One of the most outstanding things to me about Mary Ellen was her dedication to her faith. She often talked of it and eagerly paid attention to any news that came on. As a teacher she inspired so many and I admired her dedication to her school and the entire region. Eager anticipation was always evident as she followed closely every event at the school, every sport, everything her students did. No one was a better cheerleader. Angela and John you won't remember me. I babysat you for one school year when you were only 3 and 6mo but I know I will always remember your mother and her love for you. I know that you can be no less of an inspiration in your lives as well. My deepest sympathies on your family's great loss.

— Charlotte Dean (Jefcoat), April 26, 2012

To Jackie,Mark and family, My sincerest condolences and sympathies at the loss of your sister. Although i did not know your sister, i am thinking of you during this sad time. Loving thoughts Cheryl

— Cheryl Stow, April 24, 2012

Dear Ben and family, We were saddened to hear of Mary Ellen's passing, our thoughts are with you and your family. Frank and Sandy Van Dongen

— Frank and Sandy Van Dongen, April 21, 2012

Mary-Ellen was a mentor to our whole family having been my teacher her first year at St.Mary's, Garys her second year and my children her last 2 years at St. Mary's. She never forgot us as students and always wanted to keep up with where we were going. Gary will always remember the day He invited the class to go tobogganing and Ben hurt his back ( he still feels bad about that)and how much fun it was, Mary- Ellen being the leader of getting the whole class to come. She was their when my Dad had cancer to meet him on his walks around the block and encourage him on, to bring him meals when he was down. She touched us in so many ways through our lives I could go on. You will always have good memories to hold on to please hold them tight and write them down. My she rest in peace.

— Linda & Gary McLean, April 21, 2012

My sincere sympathy to both families. Your loss is shared by many.

— Patricia McGee, April 21, 2012

Dear Ben & Family So Sorry to hear of Mary Ellen's passing. We know, she is with God. She was a very special person & will be missed. Are hearts are with you today and the days ahead of you.

— Cheryl & Wayne Allen, April 20, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of Mary Ellen. May her soul rest lin peace, she will be forever remembered , she is such a sweet, kind and happy person. To the family of Mary Ellen, may the Good Lord comfort you in the loss of your love one. God bless you all.

— Ruth Naidas and family, April 20, 2012

good-bye to one of the best. Thank you mary ellen for not only teaching my children but holding a place in your heart for them. You definately had the gift of making children treasure their school and education.For coming to their hockey and soccer games and taking a genuine interest in their lives, thank you. safe trip up to the sky my friend,.

— julie gordon, April 20, 2012

Dear Ben and family,Ron and I wish to extend our sincere condolences on the death of MaryEllen,shw was a wonderful person who will be truly missed.

— patricia brogna, April 20, 2012

I have such great memories of Mrs. Van Den Broek as a teacher! She was always so kind and caring. She would often let some if us non-winter lovers stay in on cold days and help her organize. I loved it. She was an amazing person and touched so many lives. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

— Karen Lombard (Heffernan), April 20, 2012

Dear Gladys and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. Cherish the memories. May God show you the way to new hope and peace.Sharon

— Sharon Weber, April 20, 2012

Dear Ben, Angela, John and Jen, Jessica. Mary Ellen has come home into Gods garden. She went ahead of all of us. Remember her smile into your eyes. Remember her voice into your ears. Remember her love into your heart. Remember her strength into your hands. Remember her peace into your mind. Remember her hope into your future. Thoughts in love from Teije, Rinkje, Jane, Wayne.

— Teije, Rinkje, Jane, Wayne, April 19, 2012

Dear Ben & Family, So sorry to hear of the loss of Mary Ellen. She was such a lovely lady and such a beautiful spirit. May God Bless and comfort you all at this time of sadness and sorrow. May it be a comfort to know that others care and are thinking of you Ben and your family.

— Linda Ross (Watson), April 19, 2012

Our warmest heart felt sympathies for you all in this time of sorrow.

— Peter & Lori Wells, April 19, 2012

We will always remember the great kindness shown to us by Mary Ellen as our sons grade one teacher. Going above and beyond her teaching duties, by coming to our home, to visit Luke when he was sick. She will live on in our memories forever.

— Steve & Lee Hilliard & Family, April 19, 2012

Mary Ellen and I did a play called "the Odd Couple" the female version. It was the same year that she went out to see her nephew in the Olympics. She brought in all the newspaper articles and was very proud of her family. In the play we spent quite a bit of time together. there were alot of laughs on set.. I'm very sad to hear of her passing.. My sympathies are with her family and friends. She was the best "Vera"...

— Amber McCraney, April 19, 2012

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Mary Ellen. We attended high school together and when we saw each other over the years we caught up on each others lives. She was so proud of her family and enjoyed her teaching career, and she always had a smile on her face. Gods blessings to you all during this difficult time.

— Roseann Weppler (Dahmer), April 19, 2012

Many fond memories of Mary Ellen from grade school and childhood. She always had a smile and a greeting when you met her. My deepest sympathies are extended to her family.

— Julie Rhodes (Clarke), April 19, 2012

Ben And Family So sorry to hear about Mary Ellen.It has been awhile .Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.

— Vicky And Jim Woods, April 19, 2012

We will always remember Mary Ellen for her beautiful smile and her warm and loving, friendly personality

— Roy and Debbie Botma, April 19, 2012

Dear Ben and family, we were so sorry to hear about Mary Ellen's passing. She taught both Christian and Anthony and I can say she was their favorite teacher. Always a smile on her face and such an amazing teacher and person. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

— Tom,Lee,Christian & Anthony Matthieu, April 19, 2012

It's been several years since we've seen you Ben and Mary Ellen, however, we want you to know that our thoughts and our prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Sincerely Donna & Ken

— Donna Langdon & Ken Brohman, April 19, 2012

Ben and Family, our hearts and prayers go out to you. Our children were privileged to have had Mary Ellen as their first grade teacher. We have wonderful memories and we will miss her warm smile and gentle heart. Take care

— David, Christine, Emma & Jacob Arsenault, April 18, 2012

Ben and family Our deepest sympathy with the loss of your wife,and mother. We wish God's blessing during this difficult time.

— Adrian and Joan Verburg, April 18, 2012

BEN,DEAREST FAMILY....OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF MARY ELLEN. MY HEART IS HEAVY AS I THINK BACK TO THE LOVELY MOMENTS DURING MASS AND ESPECIALLY CHRISTMAS EVE MASS, ALWAYS SMILING, SHE GENTLY USHERED THE LITTLE ONES TO THEIR SEATS. I DO THANK GOD FOR HER FRIENDSHIP AND GOODWILL TOWARDS MY FAMILY AND TO SO MANY OTHERS.SHE TRULY EMBODIED THE MOTTO BE GOOD TO EACH OTHER AND OTHERS. THANK YOU BEN AND FAMILY,GLADYS FOR YOUR LOVE AND DEVOTION TO THIS TRULY "BEAUTIFUL" LADY. HER STRENGTH WILL LIVE ON THROUGH HER OWN PRECIOUS FAMILY AND HER "LITTLE ONES". I AM TRULY SADDENED TO LEARN HOW MUCH THIS LOVELY, GENTLE LADY SUFFERED AS DID HER FAMILY. ALL THE BEST, GOD BLESS AS YOU SAY "GOODBYE" ON THAT DAY AND ALWAYS. THE BELLI FAMILY XXXX

— LU, LOUISE, DEANNA BELLI, TORONTO, April 18, 2012

I am honoured to have crossed paths with this warm, loving compassionate human being. The world has lost a star as a contributing Christian, teacher, mentor, wife and mother. I have never heard Mary-Ellen speak negatively about anyone, she alway's found the good in people. She emulated everything that is good, this world could use many more Mary-Ellens!

— Robert Plamondon, April 18, 2012

Dear Ben and Family, Mary Ellen was such a wonderful lady. She taught our children and they will always remember her,with fondness, as the tooth fairy. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult and sad time. The Greene Family

— Ken, Jo-Anne, Aaron and Rachel Greene, April 18, 2012

Ben and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you make this difficult journey together. May the memories of your life together bring you strength.

— Alannah Bell, April 18, 2012

Dear Ben & all the Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I had not seen Mary Ellen in years but I recall her friendlyness and her beautiful smile in grade and high school.

— Gary Walsh, Calgary AB, April 18, 2012

Our family was very saddened to hear the passing of Mary Ellen van den Broek. We did not know her for a long time, only our youngest had the privilege of being one of her students, but she was a positive influence. She was one of the really good ones, and will be greatly missed my many.

— Felsbourg Family, April 18, 2012

Ben,Angela,John & Jessica and Ekert family, we are very sorry for your loss, Mary Ellen was a beautiful person inside and out, she has touched so many lives,she was alway our childrens favourite teacher, "Mrs. van den Broek was always the BEST" we were all very lucky to have known her, will miss her smile, Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Rest in peace Mary Ellen, Jerry, Valerie, Maddy, Zach & Ali Arthur

— Jerry & Valerie Arthur, April 18, 2012

WE WERE SADDENED TO HEAR OF THE NEWS OF MARY ELLENS PASSING. YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

— DON AND DEBBIE SMITH & FAMILY, April 18, 2012

Dear Ben and Family Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Mary-Ellen was a wonderful person, loving and kind,in her many years as a teacher I'm sure she made a real impact on many young lives. May you be comforted by your memories in the days to come. Take care.

— Patti and Lyall Lytle, April 18, 2012

To Angela, John and Jessica: Very sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. Thinking of you during this difficult time.

— Melissa McQuarrie (Wells), April 18, 2012

Ben and family. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of a great lady. May you find comfort in each other during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy to all the family.

— John and Cheryll Vandepas, April 18, 2012

Ben and Family, What a great lady, so sorry for your loss.

— Craig Martin, April 18, 2012

Ben and family I met MaryEllen has my Grade 5 teacher {Miss Eckert}at St Marys. I have fond memories of that year and helping at their wedding a year later. She then taught my children. We will miss her and always remember her kind loving spirit. Treasure your memories, and then your menories will become a treausre. Sincerely Diane Bill Grant Clayton And Allison Dineen

— Diane & Bill Dineen, April 18, 2012

Ben, Angela, John and Jessica; My deepest sympathies go out to you during this rough time. She was an amazing women, teacher and friend! I will miss her.

— Ashley Maas-Storrey, April 18, 2012

Dear Ben and Family - Murray and I are saddened to hear of your loss. We know that Mary Ellen was a wonderful wife and mother, teacher and friend, and you will treasure your memories of her. We will continue to keep you in our prayers.

— Murray and Brenda Teeter, April 17, 2012

Mary-Ellen you are a amazing woman and we are going to miss you very much. God has wrapped his loving arms around you and took you home to be with him. Ben - John - Angela - Jessica we are so sorry for your loss of a very loving women and we are lucky to have know her. She will always be with you and everyone that she has touched. I am going to miss her smile and laughter.

— Dave - Connie Goetz, April 17, 2012

Dear Ben & Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

— Rick & Joan McEwen, April 17, 2012

Our deepest sympathies in the loss of your beloved wife, mother, daughter and sister. She will be missed by many many people. She touched the heart of everyone she met.

— RUTH TRUAX AND RICK YOUNG, April 17, 2012

Dear Ben, John, Angela and Jessica, I am very sorry to hear of Mary Ellen's passing. She was a terrific teacher and I have very fond memories of my grade 4/5 years. She was also a terrific woman and I know she will be missed terribly. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Stephanie x

— Stephanie Mills, April 17, 2012

Our most heartfelt sympathy to the van den Broek family. Mary Ellen was always such a kind, generous and fun-loving woman. We will miss her. May you rest in eternal peace, Mary Ellen.

— Laura Douglas & Rick Vaine, April 17, 2012

Dear Ben and family. We offer our sincerest condolence's on the passing of Mary Ellen. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Joe and Faye

— Joe and Faye Meulensteen, April 17, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I will always remember her kindness and smiling face. Sandra West Edmonton, Alberta

— Sandra West, April 17, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ben and your family.

— Shelly, Richard, Kyle & Rachel Bray, April 17, 2012

To Ben, John, Angela and Jessica Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Mary Ellen will always be remembered for being so kind and caring of others. Even though how sick she was she was always concerned about others who were sick. She would keep a prayer list of the sick. I will miss you as friend, as teacher to my children and as well as a mother to one of my daughter's friends. Cherish your memories. Paul & Elaine, Natalie & Tessa-Shae Love

— Elaine & Paul, April 17, 2012




Contact Info

294 Main Street South
P.O. Box 38, Mount Forest
Ontario, Canada N0G 2L0
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