RICHTER, Ella Jean (Mac Kenzie) - May 17, 1947 - May 27, 2018 - It is with deep sadness that the family of Ella Jean Richter announces her passing on Sunday May 27, 2018. Her professional and community accomplishments made her an invaluable member of the Sault Ste. Marie community she loved so much. Ella Jean enjoyed a long career at Bell Canada serving in multiple positions beginning as an operator, transitioning to engineer, and finally serving as Regional Director of Community and Indigenous Relations. Through Bell she chaired and sponsored many community events such as the Bell Celebrity Skate and Youth Action Summer employment initiatives. She proudly served in roles for many organizations within the Sault including: Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, PUC Distribution Inc., Rotary North, Sault College Board of Governors, Group Health Center Trust Fund, Ted Nolan Foundation, Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, the Sault Ste. Marie Liberal Association, and Hospitality and Travel Sault Ste. Marie. Her contributions to the community have been acknowledged in her receiving the Bell Canada HERO award for outstanding service, Rotarian of the Year, the Chamber of Commerce ATHENA award as an exceptional female role model and the 2016 Sault Ste. Marie Medal of Merit. Ella Jean was also a loyal and caring family member to those in her life. She will be missed by many. Daughter of the late Dorothy Margaret (Moore) MacKenzie and Kenneth Carr MacKenzie of Bruce Mines and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Sister of the late Kathryn Susanne. Proud mother of Michelle & Lisa and loving grandmother to Danielle and Jada. Niece of Carl and Dorothy Moore. Special Cousin to: Shelley Blackmore (David), Brad Moore (Marlene), Lisa Moore (Mike), and Chris Moore. Lorraine Silk (Ab), June Parlow (Randy), Fred MacKenzie (Donna), Jane Vienneau (Brian) and Dorothy Bourgeois (Norman), Ian MacKenzie (Nancy) and Carl MacKenzie (Lynn). Lifelong friends of the Lugger and Bowen families: Beth, Phil, Jeff, Sara and the late Jonathon, Patti and Lee. Ella Jean had many friends who provided comfort and support over the last two years. Thank you to Beth and Phil, Patti and Lee, Gayle Phillips, Gillian James, Tom Selvers, Kristen Breckenridge, Sarah Nelson, Dave and Mary Ellen Johns, Jenny and Albert Groskleg for the frequent visits, flowers, food and conversation. Thank you to the nurses at Bayshore (Brandi, Dawn and Leo) as well as the nurses and support staff at ARCH (Cheryl, Kristen, Erika, Lisa, Nathan and many others) for providing excellent care and a peaceful transition. At Ella Jean’s request there will be a small family service at Cloudslee Cemetery in Bruce Mines followed by a Celebration of Life for friends, family and colleagues at the Water Tower Inn (360 Great Northern Road) on Friday June 1, 2018 from 7-9 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to ARCH or your charity of choice would be appreciated. (Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel – 492 Wellington St. E. – 705-759-2522.) Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com
