Mary Ellen Boomgaardt

Boomgaardt, Mary Ellen L.

September 18, 1947 – May 12, 2020

It is with immeasurable sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Mary Ellen succumbed to her 3.5 year-long battle with cancer on May 12, 2020. She was at home, surrounded by husband Riemer Boomgaardt and children Najma (Richard Keindel), Mary Rachel (Paul Canning) via FaceTime, Aisling, and William Bram. She cherished her role as Grandmary to Isla, Kyra, and Fraser Canning and Evan and Logan Keindel.

Mary Ellen lived her life to the fullest and her last years were no exception. Hers was a life of love and service to God and her neighbours. She loved her extended Jessup family in the Renfrew/Quadeville area, the extended Boomgaardt family in Canada and around the world, and her lifelong friend Carol Scott and her family. Mary Ellen will be greatly missed by her St. Andrew’s church family, whom she loved dearly. In her travels around the world she made enduring friendships in Washington DC, Bangladesh, and Trinidad. Among her many accomplishments Mary Ellen started and ran two successful businesses. She chaired the Christian Education Committee at St. Andrew’s, co-edited the Foreign Service Community Association newsletter, and delighted in bringing people together, especially at the annual Christmas caroling party at her home in New Edinburgh, where her talent as a chef was apparent. She was devoted to her mother, Mary Greene, who passed away at the age of 102 only one year ago.  Mary Ellen’s joy in her last few days was her beautiful garden, which was admired by all.  If Mary Ellen’s will had been enough to keep her alive, she would have lived forever. We trust that God will wipe all tears from her eyes.

Our sincere appreciation to Dr. Garth Nicholas, Dr. Kayvan Amjadi, Dr. Fahad Alkherayf, and Heather Booth, RN, whose kindness and skill gave great comfort to Mary Ellen. We are forever grateful.  A small family service will be held at the Munster Union Cemetery on Thursday, May 21, 2020. A proper service of thanksgiving and celebration will take place later, as time and travel permits. Memorial contributions may be made to Lung Cancer Canada.