Mary Ellen Hayhoe

July 8, 1935 – October 8, 2026

Mary Ellen Hayhoe passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of loyalty, a passion for learning, and a lifetime of charting her own adventurous path.

Born on July 8, 1935, Mary Ellen was the second daughter of the late George and Louise (nee Clarke) Hayhoe. She grew up in the High Park neighbourhood of Toronto, where she attended Humberside Collegiate, then the University of Toronto for Teachers’ College. She returned to her studies later to obtain a Master’s Degree in Education. Driven by a love for early learning, she enjoyed a remarkable career as an elementary school teacher. As an avid and dedicated educator, Mary Ellen held a deep interest in reading and writing literacy for children. She made significant contributions to her field, authoring several educational texts and training fellow educators to inspire the next generation of students.

Mary Ellen’s faith was a significant driving force throughout her life. Upon her retirement from teaching, Mary Ellen directed her talents towards a volunteer role with the Community Bible Study (CBS) program, where she served on the leadership team for several years.

Retirement also brought Mary Ellen greater freedom to indulge her love of adventure and travel. She travelled globally and loved to visit any family living abroad, journeying to see her nephew in Hong Kong, brother in Moscow, and niece in France. Alongside her late dear friend, Irene Snodden, she charted countless adventures in their travel van, traversing Canada - and its shops - from Newfoundland to the Yukon, as well as many parts of the US. The duo was never content to stay put for long, and almost as soon as they returned home, they would be plotting their next adventure, leaving detailed itineraries in their wake and returning with beautiful photos, numerous gifts and purchases, and memories to last a lifetime. Mary Ellen also treasured her many summer months at a cottage in Madoc with Irene and her family, as well as visits to Muskoka to spend time with her own extended family.

In her later years, Mary Ellen helped care for her sister Ann, and for Irene. She later fought her own battle with dementia, but never lost her endearing sense of humour, or free spirit. Her unyielding independence and desire to live life on her own terms characterized her entire adult life, and it is this spirited autonomy that her family and friends will forever remember and celebrate.

Mary Ellen was predeceased by her siblings, Ann (d. 2023) and Caleb (d. 2025). She is survived by her brother Edward, his wife Eleanor, and her sister-in-law, Amy. She was the fun-loving aunt of Caleb, Janette, Anita, and Mary Jane. She was the great Aunt of Caleb and Luke Hayhoe, Amy and Cecily Binning, Elias and Andrew Shurr and the great great aunt of Addie and Autumn.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at The Village of Arbour Trails, and special thanks to Kari, Tanya, Deepika, and Somiyah for their exceptionally devoted and compassionate care.

The family will receive their friends at the Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Dublin Chapel, 252 Dublin St. N., on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 1-2 p.m. A Celebration of Mary Ellen’s Life will be held in the Chapel at 2 p.m. A reception will follow in the funeral home’s Fellowship Lounge.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary Ellen’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Donations and condolences may be left at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com