October 1, 2023
In loving memory ~
In sadness we announce the world has become less. Less kind, less compassionate, less loving, less supportive, less intelligent, less witty with the passing of Mary-Elizabeth Smith on October 1, 2023, at Glacier View Lodge. The daughter of Captain Harold and Ida Patry was born in Kingston. She leaves her devoted husband Phillip, her loving children Karen, Craig, and Matthew, [Sandra], her grandchildren Quinn, Madeline, Barrett, Sam, Ella, Alex, and Zach, along with her great-grandchildren River and Flora, close family members and friends across Canada. She was predeceased by her infant son, Andrew.
Mary Elizabeth and Phil met on a blind date at the Royal Military College, Kingston, Ont. The blind date resulted in a sixty-four-year marriage, filled with love, laughter, skiing, world travel and career accomplishments. When her children reached adulthood, she decided it was time to finish her studies and she completed a degree in Anthropology at Carleton University. She became active in federal politics, working in key positions with the Conservative Party and the Dept. of Veteran's Affairs.
Her work in Veterans Affairs resulted in her being awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Governor General of Canada and an Award for Outstanding Support to the National Aboriginal Veteran's Association. Mary Elizabeth and Phil moved to Courtenay, BC in the late nineties, with the ski runs at Mt. Washington being a major attraction. Mary Elizabeth and her close friend, Betty Emery, with strong support from North Island College, founded the ElderCollege Programme at NIC.
Mary Elizabeth was known for her warmth, enthusiasm, laughter, and graciousness. She loved her family passionately. She loved Phil to the end and was the ultimate mother and grandmother.
The family would like to thank the staff at Glacier View Lodge for the care and compassion shown to Mary Elizabeth over the past two years.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Church, in Courtenay, B.C. on December 1, 2023, at 11 am. Livestream link at www.ctkparish.ca Internment will take place in Kingston Ont. Spring 2024.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the BCSPCA.
www.piercysmtwashingtonfuneral.com