Ella Mary Gaffney

elevated fj2HL December 24, 1922 – July 28, 2023

elevated fj2HL With profound sadness, the family of Ella Mary Gaffney (née Belliveau) announce her passing  on Friday, July 28, 2023.

elevated fj2HL She was predeceased by her parents Marc and Marie (née LeBlanc) brothers Cloris and Fidèle, sisters Dorilla, Alma, Lorette and Lorraine. She is survived by her daughter Carmel (Dan) and grandsons Daniel (Christine) and Ryan (Chelsea). She was a loving wife to her husband, James (deceased 2007) who she has now been reunited with in heaven.

elevated fj2HL Born in St. Paul, New Brunswick, she was of Acadian heritage, and her Belliveau family tree dates back to pre-Confederation. She was always a very proud Canadian.

elevated fj2HL She spent her youth and teen years helping out on the family farm, but then she decided to follow her sister Dorilla to Moncton to find work. Eventually she followed her sister Lorette to Toronto in the 1950’s. After a long work week, Saturday mornings would find her dress shopping in preparation for Saturday night dances. It was at one of these events that she met her soulmate James Gaffney. They married in 1959, and their daughter Carmel was born in 1961.

elevated fj2HL Because of her strong work ethic, Ella was able to juggle motherhood and working a job by doing night shifts at banquet halls, then gradually changing to daytime work as her daughter got older. She later made the career change to the greeting card industry, where she was employed at Carlton Cards until her retirement.

elevated fj2HL Her retirement years were spent in both Clearwater and Dunedin, Florida. But in the early 1990’s, she began the most rewarding job of her life – as ‘Blue Nanny’ to her beloved grandsons Daniel and Ryan. She took pride in her grandsons and was present in their lives in every way. Whether it was playing with lego, strawberry picking in the Summer, or watching Leaf and Blue Jay games on TV, she took her role seriously, and enjoyed every moment with them through the years, and she was so happy to be able to be at both their weddings.

elevated fj2HL In December 2022, she celebrated her 100th birthday with laughter and song. That day will always be one of the special moments we remember.

elevated fj2HL Heartfelt gratitude to Spectrum Health (Liza and Shae), Southlake at Home (PSW’s, nurses and physio staff), SRT MedStaff and special thanks to Dr. Eric Grayson for his utmost care and gentle demeanor.

elevated fj2HL A private service will be held for Ella. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice, hug a senior, or enjoy a Frank Sinatra song.