Mary Ellen Guptill

Mary Ellen Guptill (Colpitts) passed away peacefully at home in Halifax, February 13, 2012 in her 95th year surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of Henrietta and Sherman Colpitts and predeceased by her beloved husband, Dr. Gerald Guptill. Mary Ellen was devoted mother of David (Hazel Carson), Toronto; Bryson (Colleen Walton), Charlottetown; Dr. Elizabeth Guptill, Mahone Bay; and Dr. Joni Guptill (Dale Fox), Halifax. She was the loving grandmother of Emma (Colleen Walton), Christie and Jamie (Sandi London), Laura and Erica (Paul Newton) and four great grandchildren. She is survived by her brother Ian Colpitts (Marion Harrison), Stittsville, Ontario, and cherished nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her adopted cousins Larry McFadden, Jean Saunders, Dotte Doak, and Eleanor McFadden. Mary Ellen grew up in New Brunswick, completed her BSc at UNB and embarked on a teaching career. She raised four children, did volunteer work with young people and cared for her elderly mother. At the age of 50 she went back to university and studied special education at Mount St. Vincent University. She taught remedial reading in Newcastle, NB. Her students credited her with development of their self- worth and academic success. Upon retirement (and until her early 80’s) she continued to devote much time to tutoring. Mary Ellen created innovative educational aids and founded and funded a remedial reading training program for teachers. Mary Ellen was cherished by friends and family. Her compassion, empathy and joy in giving was demonstrated throughout her life. Special thanks to her loving caregivers, Sandy, Carole, Judy, Denise, Angie, Val, and Rose.

Funeral Services will be at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax (902) 455-0531 on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 2pm. Donations in her memory may be made to Medecins sans Frontieres, the Learning Disability Association of N.S., or Operation Eyesight. Please visit: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com