In loving memory of Ellen Mary Gorecki, 72 years, passing peacefully on November 6, 2022 in Sudbury. Beloved wife of Stephen for 44 years. Loving mother of Sabine and Megan (Phil Beaudoin). Cherished “Gran” of Connor and Luke. Survived by her sister Anna (Willi Janssen) and her brother David (Colleen McCluskey). Daughter of Hendrik and Elizabeth de Lange (nee Thomas), both predeceased.
Ellen will be missed by many nephews, nieces and cousins scattered across the world.
Ellen was born in Delft, the Netherlands and came to Canada when she was only 2 years old, with her family settling in the Lively area. After high school she went to teachers’ college and became an elementary school teacher, teaching many primary classes for the Rainbow board. Shortly after her children were born, she quit teaching to follow her dream of becoming a watercolour artist. She created hundreds of paintings and was active in the Sudbury art community. As well, she was well known for her crafts, including the Japanese art of Temari.
Ellen’s other passion was travel. Besides visiting every province in Canada, she visited dozens of countries, from Turkey to Tibet, from Norway to New Zealand. She taught the value of travel to her children, taking them on as many trips as possible to see and learn of other countries and cultures.
At Ellen’s request, there will be no visitation or service. Cremation will be followed by a private interment at the Waters Cemetery. Donations in her memory can be made to the Maison McCulloch Hospice or the Walden Food bank. A celebration of life will be held at the Kinsmen Hall in Lively, November 20, 2022 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm The family would like to thank the staff at the Maison McCulloch Hospice for their care and compassion.
Ellen was my best friend from Grade 1 to Grade 5 at Prince Charles Public School. We lost touch when my family moved away from Sudbury. I had many special times with her and her warm family. Sending condolences on the loss of a special person.
July 26, 2024
My condolences to Ellen’s family. I met Ellen and Steve in the Holyhead Maritime Museum in Holyhead and discovered her father was Dutch like mine and we had further discussions about Hendrik de Lange, who was on the same vessel as my father the Medusa escaping the Netherlands in May 1940. Ellen was so passionate in sharing so much information with me and allowing our museum to display a rare video of her father returning to Delft. We kept in contact with each other and met again when Steve joined her in Holyhead with the opening ceremony for a Monument dedicated to the Netherlands Navy and the bond with Holyhead in October 2014. It’s so sad to hear this news.
November 17, 2022
Ellen will be forever in our memories. She was a creative and dedicated artist and a kind and thoughtful person. We will remember Ellen fondly whenever we see her lovely water colour winter
scene, a wedding gift from Steve and Ellen.
Condolences to Steve, Sabine, Megan, and family.
Sincerely, Kalevi and Patti Hannila
November 16, 2022
I was fortunate to meet Ellen several times, both socially and through Artists on Elgin. She was a very interesting and lovely person, and her watercolour artwork was beautiful. My condolences to Steve and all of Ellen’s family.
November 15, 2022
So sorry to hear about the death of Ellen. She was my secretary at Artists On Elgin and I could always depend on her to keep us all correct for those so many years. My best wishes to Steven and the girls.
Muiriel Checkeris
November 12, 2022
Deepest sympathy to Ellen’s family.
November 12, 2022
We were saddened to hear of Ellen’s passing. She will be remembered fondly in the art world. May she rest in peace, our prayers will be with you, Steven, and your family.
Sincerely, Barbara & John
November 11, 2022
My sincere condolences to Stephen and family. I was very sad to hear of Ellen’s passing. I knew Ellen while we were members of the same art club. I remember her as being a very special and warm person. She was very passionate about her art and loved sharing her knowledge with anyone needing her help. I loved her watercolors so very much and I will always remember her beautiful smile.
November 11, 2022
My condolences to Stephen, Sabine and Megan. Ellen was a very special person. I will miss our talks.
November 11, 2022
Our condolences to Steve and Family. We were saddened to read of Ellen’s passing. She was such a very nice person. Our thoughts are with you now and in months to come.
John and Jane
November 10, 2022
Ellen was a kind and giving person whose friendship meant so much to me. She dealt with the trials of the last few years head on and was someone who I will greatly miss. My heart goes out to Steve, Sabine and Megan. Thank you, Ellen for being my friend.
November 10, 2022
My condolences to Ellen’s family. She and I taught for 8 years at Westmount Public School. She was such a great friend and inspiration…thoughtful, caring, funny and creative. Those memories of her will stay with me forever. Good-bye my old friend, may you Rest In Peace.
November 10, 2022
Ellen is an Honorary member of the Walden Art Club. She has been a member for well over 40 years and has given her time and has shared her knowledge of art with the members over and over again as new members joined. Her dedication to the club is part of why the club still exists after 50 years. Thank you Ellen. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Steven and Family.
From all her friends at the Walden Art Club.
November 9, 2022
Ellen – one of a kind. A wonderful friend. Forever in my heart.
November 9, 2022
I knew Ellen through Steve, whom I worked with for many years. I only met her occasionally but immediately recognized her strong support for him and later for both Sabine and Megan. It’s so sad for everyone to lose her this way but hope that her many important contributions to society will conitnue to be recognized for a long time.
Gary
November 9, 2022
My condolences, Stephen, Sabine, Megan, and family. Ellen was the best Godmother that one could ask for. She will be missed dearly.
Stefan
November 8, 2022
My condolences to Ellen’s family.
Ellen and I were in the same Grade 6/7 class at Jessie Hamilton PS beside her childhood home.
I have fond memories of Ellen.
November 8, 2022