Livestream of the service will be available here.
Mary Ellen Varney (née Mulhern), passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Hospice Simcoe in Barrie, Ontario. Born on May 20, 1942, in Chatham, Ontario, she lived a life filled with love, learning, laughter, and steadfast determination.
Mary Ellen pursued her passion for education by attending Teacher's College in London, Ontario, and later earning a Bachelor of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University. She enjoyed a fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher and especially loved teaching Grade 4 students. Her dedication and kindness in the classroom left a lasting impression on many young lives.
Family was at the heart of Mary Ellen’s world. She will be deeply missed by her children Carolynne Varney (Anton), Christopher Varney (Peggy), and Andrea Galloway (Jamie). Mary Ellen was known as Nonnie to grandsons Alex and Jack Varney, and Sam and Luke Galloway, who brought her immense pride and joy. As the eldest child of the Mulhern “Fab Five,” Mary Ellen cherished a lifelong bond with her siblings Patty, Bernie, Elaine and Paul.
She is predeceased by her beloved parents, Ida and Wilfred Mulhern, and her brother, Bernie Mulhern.
Mary Ellen had a lovely way of finding joy in life’s sweet and simple pleasures. Turtles, always at the top of her grocery list, were her favourite chocolates to indulge in and share with others, while carrot cake and pumpkin pie à la mode were savoured to the very last crumb. She was an avid reader who delighted in stories that stirred the heart, and was a devoted fan of General Hospital, hardly missing an episode since 1963. She enjoyed being active at clogging dance classes, and in community volunteer work with Grandmothers and Others, Meals on Wheels, Out of the Cold and St. Vincent de Paul, reflecting her generous care for others. She loved spending time tending her garden, and especially adored yellow pansies, marigolds and magnolias for their cheerful presence. Mary Ellen had an adventurous side too, that included travels to diverse locations such as South Africa, Vietnam, and South America, to name a few, fearlessly tackling the CN Tower Edge Walk with grandson, Alex, and taking to the skies in a Cessna with grandson, Sam, as pilot.
A woman of faith and wonder, Mary Ellen enjoyed the sense of fellowship she found at St. Mary's Parish in Barrie. She believed wholeheartedly in signs and synchronicities like “parking angels” helping her find just the right spot, pennies from heaven appearing at just the right moment, and the magical appearance of a hummingbird.
Some of Mary Ellen’s happiest times were spent gathering the whole family around her table for homey feasts at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. She lovingly prepared delicious meals and decorated her home to create a warm welcome for all who entered. Her homemade shortbread cookies, butter tarts, and especially her holiday tourtière — made in honour of her French Canadian heritage — were family treasures. Thoughtful to the core, Mary Ellen liked to keep in touch through handwritten cards with meaningful messages to affectionately mark birthdays, holidays, or “just because” and she enjoyed receiving them just as much, always displaying them long after they arrived.
Mary Ellen leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, humour, and connection that will continue to live on in those who knew and loved her.
May her memory bring comfort to all whose lives she touched. A Visitation will be held at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley Street, Barrie on Saturday, February 7, 2026, starting at 1 PM, with a Memorial Prayer Service at 3 PM. Guests are invited remain with the family for a reception gathering in the lounge.
If so desired, donations in her memory to Hospice Simcoe, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Online memories and condolences may be forwarded via www.steckleygooderham.com