Martha Ellen Tarasiuk May 4, 1937 - February 12, 2025

Peacefully at her residence in Princess Court, Ellen passed away. Ellen was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, the fourth of five children born to Raymond and Rena Morris. Spending her early years in the Prince Albert area she met and married Jim Tarasiuk in 1960. Daughter Tara was born in 1961. Her family was complete with the birth of her granddaughter Christina in 1986 and great grandson Sawyer in 2015. Jim Tarasiuk was employed with Macleod’s which meant the family would frequently be transferred to new communities. Ellen held numerous jobs and tried several home-based businesses throughout this time. After Moose Jaw, Yorkton and Brandon the family finally settled in Dryden in 1974. Upon arriving in Dryden, Ellen successfully full filled many secretarial positions, with the Dryden Board of Education, Dryden High School Attendance Office (to make sure Tara stayed in school) and Kenora-Patricia Child and Family Services, until her retirement in 1999. After retirement she worked at Walmart as a greeter and with Dryden Police and Ontario Provincial Police as a detachment guard.

After her marriage ended, she met Jim Wodham. Together they could be found either at the Royal Canadian Legion or Loyal Order of the Moose. Although Ellen was a private person that did not stop her from enjoying time with family and friends, with music often the common link. She enjoyed gardening or just quietly sitting with a good cup of coffee and reading, as well. She was a supporting member of many Dryden organizations. By far her most favorite were the Dryden Horticultural and the Dryden Entertainment Series, which she attended regularly with Tara. Together Jim and Ellen travelled within Canada East and West to visit family and friends during their time together. Ellen’s passion for helping people, that contagious laugh, and bountiful energy kept them going through some health issues until Jim’s passing in 2009. Those same qualities and determination kept her going through her own health issues.

Left to treasure her memory are Daughter Georgina (Alan Taraschke) born in 1958 and adopted at birth, Daughter Tara (Greg Barton), Granddaughter Christina (Matt Martin), Great Grandson, Sawyer (Felix Martin), sister-in-law Pat Morris, brother in law Jack Long, step sons James Wodham and William Wodham, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, their families and friends. Ellen is now reunited in heaven with her father Ray, mother Rena, brother Bill Morris, sisters Hazel Acorn (Edgar), Isobell Riddell (Jack) and Joyce Long and Jim Wodham.

At this time the family would like to thank the staff and management at Princess Court, all departments alike, Dr. Cortens, Heidi (Alzheimer Society), CMHA, OT and Wendy and Charlie Barton who joined and supported Tara and the family on this journey. This was a team effort, and we are forever grateful. Ellen supported many charities over the years. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of your choice. Donation notices for family can be made at the Dryden Community Funeral Home.

Ellen, Mom, Gramma, GG, Miss Ellie, Ellie, ET, Granny T, Granny or Kokum, however you knew her, we are grateful that you were a part of her life and still a part of ours. Mom, you left us to carry on with a treasure chest of memories. May you rest eternally in peace, knowing that we loved you, until someday we shall meet again.

A per Ellen’s wishes, there will be no visitation, and cremation has taken place A memorial gathering will be held at a later date. Interment of ashes will be in the Dryden Cemetery.