Obituaries - MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel

Dorothy Anne Ells

November 24, 1927 - November 1, 2021

Service Date: To be held at a later date.

Service Time:
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With love and song at Andrews of Stratford, surrounded by her family, on Monday November 1, 2021 Dorothy Anne Ells (nee Dunsford) of Charlottetown, PEI aged 93 years. Beloved wife of Gerald B. Ells, loving mother of Judy Ells (David Whittingham) and Randy (Kathy) Ells. Grandmother to Gareth (Gloria) Whittingham. Auntie Anne to Douglas, Robert and Tom Sear, and Susan (Ells) Leger. Predeceased by her parents Sydney J. and Dorothy A. (Andrews) Dunsford; and adored sister Betty (Dunsford) (Sear) Drysdale.

Anne was born in Campbelton, NB on November 24, 1927. Due to her father’s banking career the family soon moved to Montreal, QC where she and sister Betty spent their young lives with extended family and city living.

In 1941 the family was transferred to Victoria, PEI to the ‘Bank House’. Anne often recounted that there was lots of snow, lots of red mud and lots of fun with friends.

Anne attended Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown and then Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB. That little Bank of Nova Scotia in Victoria-by-the-Sea is where Anne began her career alongside her Bank Manager father.

Yet another bank transfer in 1948 would take her with her family to Canning, Nova Scotia where a whole new adventure would unfold. On a Winter skating outing she met Gerald. Both were great skaters. Their relationship would blossom over the next five years. Always sparkling, Anne was Canning’s Apple Blossom Princess in 1948. Singing was one of Anne’s special gifts. Years of singing in church and community choirs developed her lovely high clear voice which accented many services and events.

Anne loved music and she loved Gerald. When her father retired and her family moved again to Ottawa, Gerald followed, pursuing Anne and a career in photography. They were married in 1955 in Ottawa where they brought Judy and Randy in to the world. Ottawa was home for 16 years where they had many friends and family adventures. Summers were highlighted with vacations to PEI where sun, beaches, sister Betty and three lively nephews were their special hosts.

As Gerald’s career developed the family moved to Bunbury, Prince Edward Island and Gerald began the Photography Program at Holland College in 1971. Anne soon returned to the Bank of Montreal to continue her career. She was often called “Annie” and much-loved by the staff and her many customers.

Anne and Gerald eventually retired to Charlottetown where they fixed-up two lovely homes. Anne always had lots of flowers from Gerald’s beautiful gardens.

The last ten years of Anne’s life has been at Andrews of Stratford where her love of music and singing really shone. She loved the staff, the social events, being close to sister Betty, and of course being with Gerald.

Anne’s life was not without its struggles. She faced many challenges with both her mental and physical health. She had amazing energy and faith. With her love of music, family and Gerald at her side she always sparkled.

“Rings on her fingers, bells on her toes, she shall have music wherever she goes”.

The family would like to thank Dr. Spears and all the staff and caregivers at Andrews of Stratford for all their love, care, and attention.

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. A memorial service was held at Andrews of Stratford on Monday, November 8, 2021. Interment to be held at a later date in her family’s ancestral churchyard, St. John’s Cemetery on the Humber, Toronto, Ontario. If so desired memorials to the Canadian Mental Health Association or PEI Humane Society would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com