Obituaries

MARY-ELLEN MARGARET HOGUE (1949-2026)

It is with profound sadness that her family announces the death of Mary-Ellen Hogue (nee Andrew) on October 20th, 2026, in Winnipeg at the age of 77. She was predeceased by her parents Alice and Gowan Andrew, and her brother Allan (Dianne). She is survived by her husband Leonard, children Jason, Trevor, and Derek (Ruth), granddaughter Amy, brother Hugh (Judy), and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Born in Winnipeg, Mary-Ellen grew up the youngest of three in East Kildonan, attending Prince Edward Elementary School, Monroe Junior High School, and then Miles Macdonell Collegiate. As a child, her greatest pleasure was summers spent at the family cottage, first at Toniata Beach at Falcon Lake, and then at Caddy Lake. She held fond memories of her time at Girl Guides camp just across the lake, long days trick- and slalom-skiing behind the boat, and weekly family trips into Kenora to take in the town.

In her later teenage years, she was introduced to her best friend Jackie’s older brother Leonard. A courtship ensued, and within a few years they were married. They recently celebrated their 57th anniversary.

The tradition of summers spent at the lake continued throughout her life, with her own children and her mom. Days were filled with fun, towing the kids around in the boat, sunbathing on the dock, and playing Scrabble or Yahtzee in the evenings. In later years, she would sometimes steal away for a quiet week alone, reading with her coffee on the front deck, doing crosswords, and listening to the birds sing.

After a brief dalliance with nursing school, she changed course for something less emotionally difficult, opting to work in retail throughout her early years of motherhood. Later, she found great fulfillment taking on an administrative role at St. Andrews River Heights United Church, where her talent for organizing people and places bloomed. This experience would serve her well years later when she joined Red River College, leading the Distance Education Office. These would prove to be her most challenging and fulfilling years of work, where she made lifelong friendships that endured after her retirement from RRC in 2014.

Few life events brought her more joy than the birth of her granddaughter Amy. She was a deeply proud grandmother, cherishing every opportunity to watch Amy blossom via dance competitions and vocal performances, telling anyone who would listen about just how talented her granddaughter is.

Mom was a funny, kind, dedicated, and caring woman. She will be missed immeasurably by all who knew her, and especially by her dear family, who loved her with all their hearts.

A celebration of life will be held at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg, 603 Wellington Crescent, on Tuesday, November 10th at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society.