Obituary of Ellen Rose Rice

Ellen Rose Rice

A devoted wife, mother and grandmother whose long life was guided by faith, generosity and caring for others, Ellen Rose Rice, 97, passed away with her daughters by her side at Markhaven Home For Seniors on April 7, 2024.

Predeceased by her husband Albert George Rice in 2000, Ellen is survived by her 7 children, Peter (Sonia), David, Michael, Beverley O’Leary (Jim), Brian (Sandra), Glen, and Susan Casey (Paul). Ellen lovingly embraced 16 grandchildren, Jennifer, Helena, Joe, Melissa, Jamie (deceased), Amy, Tyler, Kevin, Ashleigh, Michael, Michael, Stephen, James, Christine, Aaron and Sara, as well as 6 great-grandchildren, Dantae, Katryna, Kai, Wesley, Oliver and Zoe.

Ellen was born to Walter and Mary Piotrofsky in Vibank, Sask. on Nov. 25, 1926 and was named Helena Rasie Piotrofsky. After  moving to Toronto in the 1940s she became known as Ellen. She married Albert in 1949 and began a family on Chester Ave. off the Danforth, moving to Gaiety Dr. in Scarborough in 1967. Ellen worked several years at Honeywell while overseeing a hectic household, highlighted by sumptuous Sunday dinners for family and guests.

Ellen moved to Amica at Swan Lake in Markham in 2006 and  transferred to Markhaven in 2022. Her kindness, playfulness and warm personality acted like magnets to attract new friends among residents and staff. The family will be forever grateful to Ellen’s caregivers at Markhaven.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Markhaven Foundation, or to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 14 John Lyons Rd. Markham, L3P 3H4.

Visitation will be held April 10, 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at Dixon-Garland Funeral Home, Markham. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. April 11 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Markham, followed by interment at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Scarborough.