Mary (Riet) Petra Ehlebracht (née Gerrits)
July 4, 1933 – September 23, 2026
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Petra Ehlebracht (née Gerrits), who passed away peacefully in her home in Guelph, Ontario, on September 23, 2026, at the age of 93.
Mary was a loving mother to Harry, Patricia, the late Michael, and Kate (Richard). She was a cherished grandmother to the late Rachel, and a proud great-grandmother to Jesse and Kylee. Mary will be remembered for her deep faith, commitment and love for her family and her industriousness and ingenuity for a multitude of do-it-yourself projects, renovations, real estate endeavors as well as providing a safe and warm home away from home for numerous University of Guelph Students that lived with her for over 25 years. Mary loved music especially the German music on her radio on Saturday mornings. She also had the biggest green thumb with a long history of enormous vegetable gardens, and her celebrated collection of Clivias that she jokingly said she “smuggled” in from the Netherlands when she immigrated in 1953 as well as several trees that she grew from seeds around her home in Guelph.
Mary will be lovingly remembered by her siblings Matthea (Tilly) (the late Jacobus (Jack)), Joanne (John), and John (Sara), and by her close and dear friend Eileen Bousfield.
Mary was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Herman and Helena Gerrits, and is now reunited with them and her loved ones who passed before her.
She leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories and will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends.
A Funeral Service will be held at Rod Abrams Funeral Home, 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham, 905-936-3477, on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. For those who wish, donations in Mary’s memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Service
Funeral Service
Rod Abrams Funeral Home Ltd.
1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham Ontario L0G1W0
Sunday October 25, 2026
11:00am
Jan and Annete Wintjes says
Dear family of Riet ,
Jan and Annette Wintjes sending their confolances to Riet’ s Sisters Tilly and Anke and her brother john, her children , grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Riet will not be forgotten !
Sanford Jeames says
Kate, I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your dear mother. I am reminded of something I read some years ago when mine own mother passed. It said, “To Live in Hearts We Leave Behind is not to Die”.
Your mother’s spirit lives on in you and others whom she touched.
Lisa Volk says
Kate and family so sorry for u loss
Lisa Volk and Brian❤️
Penny says
Kate and family. May your mom live on in you and the rest of your family. She was so lucky to have you, Kate by her side caring for her as she passed, with your brother Harry close by. I still remember you bringing her with you to the barn, giving me the opportunity to meet her, even if briefly. I appreciate the stories you shared of her strength and independence. I know she will be missed. Hugs and love.
Sean Bayley says
Kate, Jane and I were so sorry to hear about your mom. There really aren’t any words at a time like this, but we wanted you to know we’re thinking about you and your family. We’re so sorry, Kate. Sending you lots of love. ❤️