Obituary of Maureen Ellepola

ELLEPOLA, Maureen (nee Salamalay)Died peacefully on February 14, 2018. Born in St. Nicolas, Aruba to Lilian and Walter Salamalay on September 21, 1934. Cherished mother of Peter and Gizella (Gizi). Beloved, doting grandmother of Madeline and Gabriel. Predeceased by her brother, Roy, in England. Maureen was both a registered Midwife and a Nurse, working in London, England and then in Canada (Ottawa, Chatham and Windsor). She chose Windsor as her home, and as a single mother, working at Windsor Metropolitan Hospital, she raised Peter by herself. She retired in 1982. To Maureen, her grandchildren were her world. There was nothing she would not do for them. She never missed an opportunity to see Maddie and Gabe, whether it was a recital, a play, or an awards ceremony. She supported them in their education and was always eager to hear updates on their lives. She loved their visits when they were home and was looking forward to seeing Maddie graduate from Carleton University in June; and was cheering on Gabe who has 3 more years. Every visit ended with, "send them my love" " and even as she struggled to breathe, she made sure to tell Peter to pass on her wishes for a "Happy Valentine"s Day" to Maddie and Gabe and to ask if Gizi had arrived back safely from Toronto. In her later years, Maureen continued to be a voracious reader; as well as doing word search puzzles and Suduko. She looked forward to Peter"s visits and whatever "take away" he would surprise her with. As Gabriel so beautifully said: "She can now breathe, run freely and laugh like never before; please save a couple of rounds of Chinese Checkers for us, grandma". There is a piece of our family missing. Visitation at WINDSOR CHAPEL (Banwell Chapel) 11677 Tecumseh Rd. E. at Banwell Rd. (519.253.7234) on Monday, February 19th, 2018 from 3-5pm and 7-9pm. Funeral Service on Tuesday, February 20th, 2018 at 10:30 am in the Funeral Home Chapel. Procession to Heavenly Rest Cemetery for a prayer service. Cremation to follow. In memory of Maureen, if you so wish, a donation may be made to: A Book of My Own Literacy Campaign, 1168 Drouillard Rd., Windsor, Ontario N8Y 2R1. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com.