Ellen Beth Gould

Ellen Beth Gould

October 8, 1944 - July 19, 2025

Passed away peacefully with family on July 19, 2025, in the loving care of Hospice Muskoka at Andy's House in Port Carling.

Ellen Beth was born in the village of Fergus Ontario. She was the beloved granddaughter of William George and Jean Austin Norris Beatty. Ellen Beth's grandmother instilled a love of playing the piano and guided her towards earning her Grade 8 level at The Royal Conservatory of Music. Ellen Beth often spoke of fond memories spending time with her grandmother and playing in her beautiful gardens. Ellen Beth's grandfather was her hero. With his love and encouragement, Ellen Beth became an accomplished swimmer and earned her Award of Merit. Under his mentorship, Ellen Beth overcame physical challenges caused by childhood illnesses.

Ellen Beth spent her summers on Gull Lake in Gravenhurst at the family cottage (Ne'er A Care). As a teenager she ran the Waterfront Program at Boulderwood Camp across the lake from the family cottage.

She met her husband, Jim Gould in Fergus. Jim had just begun his career working for the Imperial Bank of Commerce, which later became CIBC. Ellen and Jim married and had two children, Theresa and John. Job promotions took their family to new communities.

Ellen Beth was a devoted wife and mother. With each move to a new community, Ellen Beth helped her family establish roots and connections. Ellen Beth worked and volunteered in various organizations dedicated to helping others. She worked in nursing homes in Newmarket and Seaforth, was a volunteer with the Catholic Women's League and a Girl Guide Leader in Thessalon. She also ran a community swimming pool at the Vanastra Recreation Centre.

Ellen Beth put forth a diligent effort and high degree of care to every endeavour she took on. The work that she was most proud of was being a Palliative Care Volunteer. She became involved in the program when it was just beginning in Seaforth. She also volunteered in the communities of Strathroy and Temiskamlng Shores. When she and her husband Jim retired in Huntsville, Ellen Beth volunteered for Hospice Muskoka. Over the years, Ellen Beth provided much support and comfort to many individuals and families.

Ellen Beth shared her love of Muskoka with her family. Her children were blessed to spend their summers at Ne'er A Care where they learned to swim, appreciate the beauty of nature and spend magical summers with extended family. Ellen Beth cherished spending time with her mother (Ging). Evening meals were true celebrations. The long dining room table was filled with family and guests; Ellen Beth's homemade pizzas were a favourite menu item.

Ellen Beth valued education. She was an avid reader who regularly made trips to the local library and was often seen with armfuls of books that she read and returned in remarkable time. She was also an amateur photographer who amassed a vast collection of photographs chronicling milestones and memories.

Ellen Beth obtained her High School Diploma as a Mature Student. Although she had aspirations of further education, she put aside her ambitions and ensured her children, Theresa and John, had opportunities to pursue post secondary education. She always encouraged them to follow their dreams.

Ellen Beth was very proud of her Grandson, Johnathan and treasured her times with him. She often recalled special memories of UNO card games, playing video games, spending time together at the cottage and family celebrations. She always looked forward to his visits and hearing about his accomplishments.

As her physical health declined, Ellen Beth put forth a valiant effort to persevere and heal. In her final weeks, Ellen Beth was under the care of South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, Closing the Gap and Muskoka Hospice at Andy's House in Port Carling.

Ellen Beth was predeceased by her father Elmer Weafer (1972), her beloved brother Bill Weafer (1997), her mother Jean Marguerite Weafer (1998) and her sister Jean Marguerite Weafer (2014). She wlll be forever remembered by her children Theresa and John, her precious Grandson Johnathan, Jim Gould and Bonnie Greer, her In-Laws (who called her their sister) Joan and Howard Sandles, Barb Cooper, Shirley Misener, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Her family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to those who supported Ellen Beth. Special thanks to her primary care physician Dr. Mclinden and the staff at Lakeview Physicians. Thank you to the staff at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital especially Dr. Gleeson as well as the nurses and PSW's who cared for Mom. Thank you to the numerous Closing the Gap staff who supported Ellen Beth these last two years especially Elizabeth and Kenny. A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Andy's House who provided much comfort, support and care to Ellen Beth and her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Muskoka Hospice Andy's House in Port Carling.

A private family Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.