Ellen Woodger

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ellen Woodger of Port Carling on Friday October 28, 2022 at  Port Carling’s Andy’s House For Hospice Care after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Ellen was the loving daughter of Joan and the late Edward M. Woodger. She is survived by her partner, Hildo Bolley, her brother, Mike (Barb), her brother Tim (Rose), and her nephew, Jack. She was a great doggy mom to 4 boys and 1 girl, who’s heart was filled with love and her pockets full of cookies and liver treats! Ellen (with her twin Mike) was born on July 1, 1953 – Dominion (Canada) Day - in Simcoe, Ontario which was front page news in the local paper, setting the stage for later endeavours.  At 2 years of age (with the help of her parents) she moved to the Toronto area where she lived, went to school, and worked for many years before moving to Muskoka. She loved to travel and at an early age, backpacked around Europe, Australia and New Zealand.  Later she would travel to Singapore, Venice, London and the Mediterranean in a more sophisticated manner. Ellen had a long career as a publicist for various well known publishing houses, entertainment and music companies as well as industry associations and charities.  She specialized in media relations creating many newsworthy stories about various products, services and events. She conducted promotional tours for books and authors as well as for movies and their star personalities (some of which required a high degree of tolerance and babysitting). Her enthusiastic personality attracted many friends throughout her business and personal life wherever she lived and worked. Her love of dogs and frequent long walks, lead to meeting many neighbours which grew into great friendships. The family would like to thank Dr Krensky and the staff at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge and Andy's House for their kindness and amazing care for our dear Ellen. Our family will be holding a gathering and a public celebration of her life on Sunday November 6th, from 1 – 4 pm at the Reynolds Funeral Home, 1 Mary Street, Bracebridge.  In addition, in the Spring of 2023, a dedication with be held in Hanna Park ( aka “our doggy park”) in Port Carling to provide a permanent tribute to Ellen and her love of Muskoka. As plans solidify, information will be provided via Ellen’s memorial site on the Reynolds Funeral Home website and direct contact where possible. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ellen’s memory to Andy’s House in Port Carling or the SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre in Bracebridge.