Obituary of Ellen Harkness
Ellen Marguerite Harkness (née Filsinger) of Belmore, peacefully at Gilbert Hall Retirement Home, Wingham, on Friday, November 11, 2022, at the age of 91.
Beloved wife of the late Bruce Harkness (2015) and the late Jack Inglis (1980).
Dear mother, step mother and mother-in-law of Laura Mason (Randy), Richard (Heather) Inglis, Doug (Sandra) Inglis, Peter (Wanda) Inglis, Paul (Donna) Inglis, Linda Walker, Leland (Jane) Harkness and Carolyn Harkness.
Loving grandmother of Brendan (Amber) Mason, Chris (Kayla) Mason, Amanda Petahtegoose(Dan), Alex (Jenn) Inglis, Ben (Ashley) Inglis, Kendra Bross (Jeremy), Lisa Inglis (friend John), Mitchell Inglis (friend Becca), Jeremy (Amy) Inglis, Joshua (Amanda) Inglis, Lindsay MacDonald (Greg), Travis (Ashley) Inglis, Warren Inglis, Marilyn Gibson (Blair) and Cheryl Errington (Jordan), step grandmother of Sonya Niziolek, Brad Harkness, David and Brian Walker, Adam and Sarah Harkness, Amy Weber and 34 great-grandchildren.
Fondly remembered by her brother and sisters in-law Mac and Norma Inglis, Dorothy Filsinger and several nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by her parents Alfred and Hilda (née Pross) Filsinger, brother Howard Filsinger, sister Audrey and brother-in-law Delmar Dickert, great-grandchildren Wesley Gibson and Faith Inglis, step son Ron Harkness and step granddaughter Heather Harkness.
Ellen was a Grand lady and served her family and community in a selfless manner all through her life.
Growing up in Carrick township on the farm was where the roots of her work ethics began.
She was known as a stellar third baseman for the Clifford Swing Skirts Ball Team, who won a WOAA title.
Throughout Ellen’s entire life she worked and volunteered endlessly for her church and community. Being a life member of the McIntosh UCW and had many years of volunteering with the Belmore Catering Group as well as private catering with her good friend Rosa. “Their Motto was never run out of food and sprinkle paprika on the potato salad to make it pretty”.
Ellen was recognizable “as the head pancake mixer” with her blue hat and white pompom for many Belmore Maple Syrup Festivals.
Ellen and Bruce lived at Belle Haven apartments in Belmore for many years where she continued to be an ambassador with the residents. Driving folks to appointments making and delivering meals and planning potlucks in the common room.
The big yellow school bus had Ellen at the wheel for 25+ years. Ending her career driving some of her own grandchildren to and from school.
Ellen was a “Matriarch” in the community and the glue for her family. Her great grandchildren knew her as “Grandma Great”
Visitation will be held at the Tiffin Funeral Home, Teeswater on Sunday, from 4 – 9 pm.
The funeral service to honour Ellen’s life will be held at McIntosh United Church, on Monday, November 14, 2022 at 11 am.
Reception to follow at the Belmore Community Centre.
A private family interment will take place at a later date.
Memorial donations to the McIntosh United Church, Belmore Community Centre or the charity of your choice would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
