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Peter Kedwell posted a condolence
Thursday, December 28, 2023
I remember Stella from my earliest days on the faculty of Trinity College School. She was the pastry chef hired by Elemer Bogyay and her creations in her little shop are legendary. She was well respected by the boys, staff and faculty. I was often late to the dining room in the winter term because my basketball coaching slot was more often last. She saved me dinner including a piece of pie, usually apple. May Stella rest in the eternal peace of Christ and rise in glory. An incredible life well lived often in service to others.
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Kaye Torrie (Bogyay) posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Heartfelt condolences to Stella's family. She is such a huge part of my early memories, especially around Christmas time. She and Phil would come by every Christmas eve for a drink and a visit. Christmas pudding and Stella's hard sauce will never be duplicated! Her honey garlic wings the same! But most of all, she made the kitchen at TCS a safe place where we could be kids and she would spoil us in a way that didn't happen anywhere else. The last time I saw here would have been 7 years ago where it seemed she was going to live forever. A wonderful, unique and kind woman I will never forget.
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Peter Smith posted a condolence
Sunday, December 17, 2023
Tom and Family;
My deepest sympathy to you all. Stella was a wonderful lady and was always a source of encouragement and inspiration to all of who grew up on Elgin Street. She was also a dear friend and treasured neighbour to my parents Bill and Gert for more than 50 years.
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Jane Harrison posted a condolence
Monday, December 11, 2023
I grew up in the same neighbourhood as the Bullen family and I remember what a remarkable woman Stella was. I send my condolences to her loved ones.
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neil palmer posted a condolence
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Our deepest condolences to Tommy, Kathy and Families. What a wonderful neighbor she was growing up. Plenty of childhood memories. A great cook and baker who loved to share with us all.
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Will Bradley uploaded photo(s)
Friday, December 8, 2023
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After days of reflection, I finally found some words to honour the tremendous life of my grandmother.
Understand that this story picks up some 65 years after her birth. I’ve chosen not to speak to those “early” years, that’s for others to do.
Nan retired in 1981, about a year before I entered this world. Relatively quickly, it was arranged for Nan to came live with my parents and I. We had just built a new home north of highway 7 between Acton and Georgetown.
During those early years, with my parents working in Toronto, Nan was my nanny. She would be with me most of the time while periodically travelling back to Port Hope.
There are stories of Nan taking the GO Train through Union Station. I have my doubts but then again she somehow survived in China, England and Germany with her own young children.
As I said, Nan was my nanny. She cared for me, fed me, took me on walks down our long driveway, changed my diapers, played with me; all the while helping to shape who I would later become.
By the mid-80s we had moved to Port Hope, buying a house conveniently located around the corner from Nan’s home. This allowed for our relationship to continue to grow. We took trips on the town bus, walking the streets, visiting her friends and old stomping grounds at TCS. She would start taking in my baseball and soccer games.
We would spend time together before school, at lunch and after school. Most days I would eat three meals with her.
I would steal the occasional cookie as well.
Spending so much time at Nan’s Elgin Street house allowed me to creat long lasting friendships with two specific people, Matt Bisson and Shaun White. Both were in attendance for her 100th celebration back in 2016 and were two of the first friends I notified of her passing.
In my early teens I went to live at Nan’s house for a short period. I imagine I was some pain in the butt back then. When she found my cigarettes under the bed there was real disappointment. Nan had developed strong convictions, she didn’t drink (maybe the odd sherry) or smoke in my lifetime. She quite honestly frowned upon it.
When I left for university, we kept in contact with weekly calls on Sunday. If I was visiting Port Hope, I always had care packages to take home with me. Those lasted well in to adulthood as well.
Nan made it to 102 before needing to enter a retirement home that provided round the clock care. To my joy, we moved her in to Telfer Place located less than 30 minutes from me. We had almost come full circle now from when I was born. Now I got to take part in her care, cleaning her room, spending time with her, making sure she had enough of her own snacks.
I embraced it as best as I could.
We went months without seeing each other during COVID. Thankfully I was able to become one of her essential caregivers allowing for our visits to continue.
2023 was a tough year, the hardest one. Cousin Julie and I counted five trips to emergency, the last resulting in a two month stay at Brantford General Hospital. She suffered from infections, a broken arm, stitches, pneumonia and the eventual loss of her speech. You can throw in failing eyesight and hearing for good measure.
At the end of August I was with Nan when she was put into a patient transfer and relocated to the Golden Plough in Cobourg. It was bittersweet. I knew she was going home but I also knew that our story together was effectively ending.
Nan always bounced back, we called them “her miraculous recoveries”. We knew though that at some point her 107 year old body just wouldn’t recover. You have to be realistic when someone is at that age.
In November she began her final decline. The one with no miraculous recovery.
My Nan lived 107 magnificent years and I was fortunate to share the last 41 years with her. She went on her own terms, peacefully and in the presence of my Uncle Tom
I will miss you deeply, with never ending love,
Will
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Liz Scotland Posted Dec 11, 2023 at 9:33 AM
Sending heartfelt condolences to you Will, and the whole family. I will always remember the stories - the ones to laugh at and ones to just shake your head at. She lived a long and wonderful life, and you should be proud of all you helped her accomplish in her life, as well as how she shaped you into being the person you are today. Your tribute to her is lasting and so well said.
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Bill Hubbs posted a condolence
Friday, December 8, 2023
What a long wonderful life Mrs. Bullen had, the things she experience and the new things she saw.
But regardless the age it is difficult to lose a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and I offer my sincere condolences to all the Bullen family.
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Lydia Bradshaw posted a condolence
Thursday, December 7, 2023
No condolences! You LUCKY DUCKS! You all look great in the group picture (even bendy girl ;-). Stella was my favourite adult, she "got" me or I felt she did. That inscrutable look might have misled a kid but I don't care I loved her dearly. I think my whole family did! My memories are flooding my mind right now and the brown paper bag full of cookies for my Gages Crick hike are in my left hand. Thank you Stella for many happy times in my childhood XOXOX
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Greg Daniel posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, December 7, 2023
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Chris, Grey and Julie,
So sorry to hear of your grandmother’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Yogi
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Kaye Torrie posted a condolence
Thursday, December 7, 2023
I have so many childhood memories of Stella.
As a child she felt like one of the family.
She was in incredible woman!
Condolences to the family and all who loved her.
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Tom Tanaka posted a condolence
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Tom, Chris and Grey - so sorry to hear about your loss. Wow what a life well lived though!!
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Marilyn Finbow posted a condolence
Thursday, December 7, 2023
A remarkable lady, witty and kind.
Enjoyed working with her at TCS.
May she rest in peace.
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Peggy mcginn posted a condolence
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Lovely soul! I enjoyed her spunky hardworking lessons she tried to teach me at trinity College one upon my young age!
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Barbara and Neil Pemberton posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Our thoughts are with you all after hearing the lovely Stella had passed. Always the hardest to lose your Mom. You were all so lucky you got so many years with her. Your memories will keep her close.
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Al Walsh posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Tommy so sad to hear about the passing of your mother. What a great age to live to. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Al Walsh
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Lynne Kerr posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Stella was a truly amazing woman!!!
I remember her from the days she worked at TCS and later when she was a neighbour across the street from me.She was always smiling and had kind words for everyone she met
She was unfailing in her work ethic and set a standard that was hard to match,My parents and I adored her and appreciated her more than we can ever explain.Sadly I have not seen her for many years and wish I could have told HER how much we admire her.I hope Tom and the rest of you realize how very fortunate you are to have such a wonderful lady as the head of your family for such a long time.She will long be remembered by many people with a smile and gratitude for all she did.
Lynne Kerr
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Roger and Deana Palmer posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Mrs Bullen was a lovely neighbour to my in-laws and husband !! She was very kind woman who made the best tarts and Chinese spaghetti!! We have a lot of great memories of her! I totally believe my mother in law Marj and her are catching up in heaven !
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Lori Andrus posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
So sorry to read of the passing of your mom..She was an amazing lady and lived a long full life..I know you will have so many wonderful memories of your mom and will hold them close now and in the coming days..
Thinking of you…Lori Everson Andrus
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Jayne posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Wow
108 that is amazing
I don’t personally know Stella but (looks like she was surrounded with love
Godspeed Stella
(The lady behind her in the family photo looks very familiar - St Johns maybe)
Jayne
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Grey Bullen uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
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We Put Families First.
D.E. Allison Funeral Home Limited
103 Mill Street North, Port Hope, ON L1A 2T3
Phone: 905-885-5611 | Fax: 905- 885-2206
Phone: 905-885-5611 | Fax: 905- 885-2206
Email: porthope@rushnell.com