Ellen Haberer

Ellen Rhodes Haberer was born on June 17, 1935 in Syracuse, New York and died peacefully surrounded by her children on September 29, 2025 in Kingston, Ontario. Ellen was the eldest child of Foster and Josephine Rhodes. She was raised in Fayetteville, New York and attended Vassar College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She treasured her time at Vassar and remained close to many roommates and friends.

After graduating from Vassar, Ellen moved to Boston and worked at New England Life. While there, an office romance blossomed into a 64-year marriage to her beloved husband, John. Together they moved to Lawrence Park, Toronto, where they raised a loving family. Ellen was the devoted mother to Sarah (Craig), Stephen (Nancy), Elizabeth (Timothy), proud Nana to Charles (Rebecca), John (Lily), Maggie, Joshua, Emily, Vaughn, Alyssa and Great-Nana to Camden. She was the caring big sister of Stanley (Hilda), and loving aunt to Robin (Todd), Ellen (Mike), Heather (Kenneth), Mark and Anne.

Ellen did numerous volunteer activities throughout her life. She was most passionate about her work at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and was a champion for ensuring that adults and children of limited sight would have access to books. During her 50 years of work as a Braillist she produced thousands of books. She specialized in formatting illustrated children’s books so that blind parents could read to their sighted children. In 2018 she was the proud recipient of a CNIB Century of Change Award. She cherished her relationships with her fellow Braillists and was a mentor to many other volunteers.

Ellen was a competitive bridge player. She was an accomplished gardener known for her towering delphiniums. She was always working on a knitting, crochet or needlepoint project. An avid reader, Ellen found interesting books to share with her book club and gave great book gifts to friends and family.

Ellen loved spending time with her family at the beach. Favorite destinations included Hawaii, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Sanibel Island and Grand Bend. She liked to wade out to the sand bar, get up at sunrise with John to collect seashells and enjoy a glass of Pinot at happy hour.

Ellen will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, compassion and her sharp mind. She will be greatly missed. A small private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (www.cnib.ca).