Obituary of Mary Louise Elliott

ELLIOTT, Mary Louise (Martin) Mary passed away peacefully at Eastholme on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. Mary was the beloved wife of the late Tom Elliott, and loving mother of Elizabeth (Garry Hartwick), Charles (Deb Stewart) both deceased, Jane (Bob Graham) and Louise (Bryan Sargent predeceased). She was also predeceased by her sister Margaret (Peg) Lethbridge, and is remembered by her brother John Martin (Norene), and brother-in-law Stewart Lethbridge. Mary leaves behind grandchildren Andrew (Tracy), John (Jenn), Melissa (Ron), Thomas, David, Katie and Ben, and great-grandchildren Katie MacDonald, Sam and Elliott Hartwick, Avery and Harrison Hartwick, as well as many nieces and nephews. Her large family brought her much joy throughout her life. Mary was born in London, ON July 8, 1927 to Eva and George Martin. After training as a registered nurse and a specialized VON nurse, she moved to North Bay in 1952. She married Tom in 1954 and as part of the "Lavery Street Gang" she stayed in the family home until 2012. When her children grew older, Mary worked for both the Ontario Public Health Department and the North Bay Health Unit. She worked in the northern parts of the province, pioneering research into sudden infant death syndrome and working with bereaved families. Many local residents may remember a visit from Mary to help them welcome home newborn babies when she was part of the Public Health Nursing Team. Mary and Tom travelled the world through their work with Rotary International. Mary enjoyed Canadian Club activities and was an avid supporter of both the North Bay Symphony and the Arts Centre. She loved to garden, enjoyed walking, belonged to a curling league until she was 80 and kept fit and active at her favourite Curves gym until she was 83. Mary had a strong faith and was an active member of First Baptist Church, Baptist Mission Circle and the Baptist Ladies Aid. Visitation at MARTYN FUNERAL HOME on Wednesday, Feb. 10th from 6-9 pm, and at First Baptist Church (1250 Cassells St.) Feb.11th from 10-11 am immediately prior to the funeral service. Spring internment at Terrace Lawn Cemetery. If desired, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Polio Plus Programme c/o North Bay Rotary Club, or the Nipissing Serenity Hospice.