Sydney
November 29, 1963–October 4, 2025
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, our world changed forever as we said goodbye to our beautiful wife, mom, and nanny, Ellen MacKenzie. Her journey with cancer was faced with unimaginable courage and endless grace. She left this world the same way she lived in it — surrounded by love and with her family by her side.
Ellen was born to Jean and Jack Campbell in Sydney Mines and later grew up on Bungalow Road in Coxheath alongside her brothers, Jackie and Terry. From the very beginning, she was the heart of her family — kind, thoughtful, and strong.
“Ellie” was the beloved wife and best friend to Roddie MacKenzie. Together they lived their lives in Halifax, Lochaber, and then completed their dream by moving back home to Cape Breton where they would raise their beautiful daughter, Ashley.
Ellen was so proud to be “Mama El” to her daughter, Ashley Ellen. The bond they shared is hard to put into words — built on love, endless conversations, and a lifetime of support—a mother and daughter who were also the very best of friends. When Ashley met Kyle, Ellen welcomed him as her own and happily embraced the title “Nan” from her boy since day one. The day she became “Nanny” to Neico Ellie, her heart truly overflowed. From that moment on, Neico was her light — her everything.
Nanny would always be found on the side of every soccer field and basketball & volleyball court that Neico was on—proudly wearing her team sweater complete with “Nanny” on the sleeve- cheering loud and proud for her girl.
Ellen spent 26 years as medical secretary for Dr. Martin Abenheimer. She was the smiling face to every patient who walked through the doors. Everyone knew “Ellen- Dr Abenheimer’s Secretary”
El’s happiest days were spent in Benacadie — where the air was filled with laughter, the smell of home-cooked meals, and the sound of her favorite kiddies playing. It was there she made the most beautiful memories surrounded with her friends and family including her “second daughter,” niece, Melissa (Nathan), and “Nanny’s three other kiddies” — Kaiden, Colby, and Elizabeth.
Ellen was blessed with the most beautiful friends- Especially Mickey, Glenn, Melina, Earl, Yvonne & Dan. Special friends Beth, Terry, Dana, Marie and Marion and all her Benacadie friends.
Ellen leaves behind her loving husband, Roddie; her daughter, Ashley (Kyle); her precious granddaughter, Neico Ellie and “Nanny’s boy” Ralph the Dog. She is also survived by her brothers, Jackie and Terry (Alexis); Uncle Terry, Aunt Del, and cousin, Bob. Sisters-in-law Darlene, Cathy (Trevor), Liddy (Kevin), and Wendy; brothers-in-law, Murmie (Diny) and Francis. Her nephews, Matt, Lachlan, Neil, Daniel, Will, and Aubrey; nieces, Melissa, Katelyn, Amy, Mary Carmel, Megan, and Celia. She also leaves behind many cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Our family will be forever grateful to Pollett’s Drug Store, whose kindness and compassion carried Bop through this journey; to Dr. Laith Shimon, for being more than a doctor — a true friend; to her sister-in-law, Darlene, who spent countless precious hours by Ellen’s side; and to her incredible palliative care team, where she was truly in the best hands.
A special thank you to Vicky and Dr. Burns, who were with us every step of the way — at home and in the hospital — offering not only their care but also a shoulder to cry on and the strength we needed to keep going. Their gentle hands and warm hearts guided us through the hardest moments and brought peace to us all in her final days.
“To know her is to love her”
Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of Ellen MacKenzie will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Friday, October 10, 2025. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. with the memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Rev. Sheldon Chant officiating.
No flowers please. Donations in her beautiful memory, may be made to Hospice Palliative Care, Cape Breton.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
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Roddie and family so sorry to hear of Ellen passing,cherish the beautiful memories that you have of the wonderful life you shared 🙏
Roddie & Family. So saddened to hear of Ellens passing. She was a beautiful bright light in the eyes of every life she touched. As a teen, she touched mine immensely. God bless you all and may god cradle you in his arms at this time. Much love and respect.
Our deepest condolences to Roddie and family.
Ellen was a beautiful woman inside and out. She will be missed by the Benacadie community.
Sending lots of love,
Pat and Leighanne
So sorry to all of Ellen’s family and friends,she was such a beautiful soul,may she rest in peace.
Sincere condolences to Ellen’s family. I remember her fondly from our days at Coxheath School. May she rest in peace.
Very sorry for your loss Jack and family.
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Jackie & Terry and family, my heart is with you. I cannot imagine how hurt you must be. Stay strong. Much love.
To Ellen’s Family
So sorry for your loss. Hold tight to the many beautiful memories you have of Ellen.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Sending our very deepest condolences to you all. She was one of a kind. Always had a big hug, and wanted to have a grand ol chat when we saw each other. Always positive, and made you feel like a better person as you walked away. I have a few videos of us at the legion. And I will treasure them more now. Sending the biggest hugs.
Jack and Allison Hatcher
So sorry to read of Ellen’s passing we went to school together and whenever we would see each it was always great catching up. May Ellen RIP, God Bless
Deepest condolences and heartfelt sorrow to Roddie,Ashley,Kyle and Neico on the loss of such a sweet ,caring lady as Ellen.She will be greatly missed by anyone who had the great pleasure of knowing her.
We are so sad to learn of Ellen’s passing. May your memories of her bring you comfort, joy, love and strength everyday. She was a beautiful person and we will remember her fondly. Thinking of you all!
RIP Ellen. Prayers and thoughts go out to family and friends. Taken far too soon.
So sorry for your loss.
My son was a patient of Dr. Abenheimer and Ellen was the sweetest lady. We looked forward to seeing her smiling face. So sorry to hear of her passing. I remember how proud she was when she became a grandmother. Sincerest condolences to all her loved ones.
I was an acquaintance to Ellen when she grew up on Bungalow Road .
RIP Ellen
Condolences to Ellen’s family and friends ….
Our sincere condolences in the loss of Ellen, hold onto the wonderful memories you have of her, and those memories will help you through the difficult times ahead.
I am so sorry to read this very sad news. Ellen was the sweetest person in high school, My thoughts and prayers are with you all, and may she rest in Peace.
So terribly sorry to hear of her passing. She had such a kind, welcoming smile everytime we visited the doctor’s office.
Dear MacKenzie family:
Deepest sympathy on the passing of a wonderful person, Ellen. Her sincere heart, and smile was always evident. She was a master at her job. She will be missed by many.
Mary, Dave French and family
I will certainly miss this beautiful lady in my life. Ellen was so amazing and always a tower of strength for everyone around her. She had the kindest heart and I was so happy to call her”friend”. My deepest condolences to her wonderful family and friends.🙏♥️
Our deepest condolences to Roddie, Ashley, Kyle & Neico on the loss of their beloved Ellen. She was a woman of great courage and grace. May she Rest In Eternal Peace. God Bless
We’re so sorry to hear of Ellen’s passing. Condolences to the entire family. Stan Voutier and Karen Voutier
So sorry for your loss. Sending our condolences on behalf of the family. Adeline and Donat Robichaud
To Roddie and Family,
My Deepest Sympathy on the loss of Ellen.
My prayers are with you.
Johanna Nooyen.
I went to school with Ellen. She was always upbeat and fun to be around. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. My sympathy to all her friends and family
Prayers and thoughts go out to family and friends. Rest In Peace Ellen.
Roddie.Ashley and family, deepest condolences on Ellens passing ,she was a great lady and fought so hard . I know Jean and Jackie were there to greet her arrival, she was a wonderful cousin and we were happy to catch up whenever we met. RIP ELLEN.
Rest in peace Ellen. I know you are in your mom and dad’s arms and they will look after you. You are a warrior …the way you tackled cancer. My sincere condolences to terry and Jackie and Ashley and Roddy and last but not least her precious granddaughter who she loved unconditionally my condolences to all the family
Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to Roddie and Ashley along with her brothers terry & jackie. She was a wonderful person that we had the chance to meet in our lifetime. She had the biggest smile that would lighten up anyone’s day and an even bigger heart. RIP Ellen from your New Brunswick friends (as she called us). You were taken too soon and will be forever remembered.
Our deepest condolences to Roddie and your family at this time.
Our deepest condolences to all the family. Rest in peace Ellen !
Roddie – I’m so sorry to hear of Ellen’s passing. My sincere condolences to you…and all your family…thinking of you…in the days and weeks ahead.
Our deepest condolences to all the family. She was truly a remarkable person full of love.
Roddie and family sorry for your loss. She was the best!!!your in our hearts and prayers at this difficult time.
Roddie, Ashley and family, I am so deeply saddened to hear of Ellen’s passing. She was always so sweet and we had many a laughs during the years of the Run for the Cure years, she was always thereto lend a helping hand. May she rest in peace and May you all take comfort in all the memories she has left behind.💜
So sorry for your loss Roddie & family. Ellen was a special person. Our prayers are with you 💕❤️
Condolences to the family. She was always so sweet and kind at the doctors office. May she rest in peace .
I am so deeply saddened to see Ellen has passed. She was the sweetest and kindest. Mom loved Ellen very much and when she passed, Ellen was heart broken. I will remember Ellen fondly. My deepest condolences to Roddie, Ashley, Kyle, Neico and family and friends.
So very sorry on the loss of a beautiful soul who I came to meet many years ago. Her life was Ashley, Kyle and their daughter Neico Ellie. May you all take great comfort in the many fond memories you all made as a family. To know her was to love her!
Our sincere condolences in the loss of your wife, mother, nanny, sister, in-laws, family and friends. Hold onto the memories you have of Ellen and those wonderful memories will help you through the difficult times ahead.
Dear Roddie and family……I was shocked to read of your sweet Ellie’s passing…please accept my deepest condolences to all who loved her…I know you both had a strong bond so letting go is difficult …trust that she is at peace..and will forever be by your side…her job on this earth is done…she has earned her wings…time to let her rest…
Will be thinking of you all during these difficult times ahead…
Sending love…( Judy from Ganong).
Dear Roddie, Ashley, Kyle and Neico, sending our deepest condolences in the loss of your dear Ellen – a treasured wife, mother and grandmother. Ellen’s warmth and gracious nature were so evident in the few times that we met her with Elizabeth and Kevin. May she rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Liz and Dan Collier (Stellarton)
Sorry to hear of Ellen’s passing
Thinking of you
Karen &Brian Jackman
Our sincere condolences in the passing of Ellen. Hold onto the wonderful memories and those memories will help you through the difficult times ahead.