Mary Ellen Mae Middleton Bass

Mrs. Mary E. M. Middleton – Bass formerly of North Head Grand Manan Island passed away peacefully at the Grand Manan Nursing Home on Tuesday February 16, 2016 with her family by her side.  She was born at Clanwilliam Manitoba the daughter of the late John (Bill) and Mabel (Greenaway) Fowler.  Mary met her first husband Arthur when he was visiting his brother who was serving in the Army in Manitoba.  They married in 1957 and Arthur brought Mary to Grand Manan Island to start their life and raise a family together.  They owned and operated a General Store in Castalia for several years.  Mary’s husband was lost at sea in a fishing accident and she continued to operate the store for a few years following his death.  Later Mary worked in the boning sheds, and also at the Connors Bros. Plants for many years.  Her final job was working in homecare, where she looked after many elderly clients with love and care.  She married her second husband Sheldon in 1984, and they lived happily together on the Whistle Road in North Head until Sheldon’s death in 2012.  She was a faithful member of the Church of the Ascension, and was also active in the Ladies Guild.  Mary was never a person to let life get her down; she could always find the bright side of life, with a warm smile, a glow in her eyes she was always quick to laugh or give a hug, Mary was an inspiration to those who knew her.  Her love for her family was the most important part of her life, and all of her children gave her special joy in her heart.  She will be missed by all who knew her.  She is survived by two daughters; Krista Roode of Castalia, and Mary Middleton of Saint John.   Four sons; Arthur Middleton (Chantal) of North Head, Robert Middleton (Ann) of St. George, Joseph Middleton (Heidi) of Grand Harbour, and Herbert Middleton of Saint John.  Her brothers; Gordon, and Douglas.  Special nieces Lorna Joy Brooks, and Marilyn.  Her special nephews Paul and Howard Jr.  Nineteen grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her first husband Arthur Middleton, one infant daughter Queenie, one son Lawson, second husband Sheldon, and one brother Howard. 

Visiting will take place at Ells Funeral Home on Saturday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm.  The funeral service will take place at the North Head Wesleyan Church on Sunday February 21, 2016 at 1:30 pm with Rev. Steve Bradley officiating.  Donations in memory of Mary may be made to the Grand Manan Nursing Home Foundation, Grand Manan Hospital Foundation, or the charity of the donor’s choice.  Funeral arrangements are in the care of Ells Funeral Home Inc., 1199 Route 776, Grand Manan, NB E5G 1G2. Condolences, messages of sympathy also may be sent to www.ells.ca or (506)662-3116.