MARY-LEITH ELLWOOD

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MARY-LEITH ELLWOOD Peacefully on September 6, 2018 in her home with her loving family at her side, Mary-Leith left us to join her beloved husband Tom in the hands of our Lord. Left to honour her life and treasure our memories are daughter Laurie and husband Joel; daughter Kathie and husband John; son Ted; grandchildren, Connor, Jessica, Hayley and Alex; sister Doris; brothers, Jim and Neill; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Mary-Leith was predeceased by her father Leith Campbell, mother Olive Campbell and daughter-in-law, Twylla Augustson, dearly loved partner of Ted. Mary-Leith was born on December 17, 1933 in Winnipeg. Her family was resident at Central, Manitoba at the time. They moved shortly after to Beresford Lake and then to Bissett in 1942. Mary-Leith's father ran a general store in Bissett located close to the San Antonio Gold Mines property and it was there where her deep and lasting love for this special area began to take hold. Though she would move on and leave Bissett, Bissett would never leave her. She formed deep lifelong friendships. Eventually, she joined the Bissett and Area Historical Society and became actively involved in recording and sharing the area's unique history. She loved to participate in the Society's activities and social gatherings, and was still the Treasurer of this group at her passing. Mary-Leith first left Bissett to complete her high school education at United College Collegiate in Winnipeg. After graduating in 1951, she returned home to work for the Bank of Montreal. Later, in 1954, she returned to Winnipeg and continued in the working world. Mary-Leith married the love of her life Tom Ellwood in 1957 in Bissett. Soon after, Mary-Leith and Tom began a series of moves around the province, their strong work ethic and good eye for business opportunities in the hotel industry providing a comfortable life for their family. Mary-Leith became a jack of all trades, looking after restaurants, keeping the books, and doing an assortment of other tasks. The first stop was Brandon from 1957 to 1968 where their son Ted and twin daughters, Kathie and Laurie were born. The young family then moved to Pine Falls in 1968, Winnipeg in 1972, and Thompson for five years in the 1980's, before retiring to their Winnipeg home. Mary-Leith's and Tom's love grew throughout their years together and was the foundation of a wonderfully happy marriage and family life. They celebrated their 40th wedding in 1997 in style, in a surprise party attended by many family members from far and wide. During their years together raising their three children, Mary-Leith and Tom made many friends and enjoyed many good times. They took family trips, often focused on curling, a sport they loved to watch. Gradually the trips extended further afield as their three children all became excellent curlers and eventually champion curlers. A highlight was watching her daughters play in the national Scott Tournament of Hearts in 1987 and 1991. Sadly, Tom passed in 1999 and Mary-Leith lost the wind beneath her wings. Her indomitable spirit, however, carried her on and she continued to lead a remarkably full life. She still traveled, took up crafts, maintained her Bissett connections, and made new friendships in her seniors condo. Most importantly, Mary-Leith loved her family. She took great enjoyment and pride in watching the successes of her children and the growth of her four grandchildren into amazing young adults. Her family was the focus of her life. We will never forget her strength and courage, her honesty and feistiness, and her love and support. Her resolve in the last few weeks of her life as she looked death in the eye will always be a special inspiration to us all. She will live on in our hearts and we will think of Mary-Leith and Tom together again, their spirits soaring like eagles. Mary-Leith's family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the helpful and compassionate staff of both Palliative Manitoba and Manitoba Medical Assistance in Dying. Their support made it possible to fulfill Mary-Leith's wish to spend her last days in her home, reminiscing and celebrating a life well led, and then to pass in her home, surrounded by her loving family. We would also like to thank her many dear friends who have been her rock throughout the years and added so much to her final days. A celebration of Mary-Leith's life will be held on Thursday, September 13 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba or Cancer Care Manitoba. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 08, 2018