In peace at her home, The Edinburgh Retirement Residence on February 13, 2021, aged 104. She was the loving wife of the late Col. Robert Lewis Raymont, and predeceased by her parents Sir Ashley Skelton Ward, Hilda Lewis Ward, her son John and daughter-in-law Lindalee Tracey.
She was born in London, England on January 17, 1917 and educated at St John's School, Bexhill-on-Sea and Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
She was an accomplished equestrian, pianist, photographer, mezzo soprano, tennis partner and a great walker. During the Second World War she served as Sergeant-Major with the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) driving military personnel to varied locations within the United Kingdom, usually in the blackout. She was also trained to fix motorcycles in the dark.
On February 7, 1944 she married Robert Lewis Raymont, and in 1949 they moved to Ottawa, Canada, where her husband continued his military career.
Mary enjoyed the out-of-doors and would lead the family on many day-walks to Gatineau Park and Lac Philippe. She and Rob loved the seaside and took the family to Scarborough Beach, Maine, USA practically every summer. She was a great caddy and accompanied Rob on his weekly golf games at the Royal Ottawa Golf Club, and a keen snowshoer on the course during the winter.
Her work with the IODE (Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire), included support for increased secondary education in northern Canada, and in 2007 she was presented with a Citation by Governor General Michaëlle Jean for her work as the longest-serving member of the Laurentian Chapter. She was a faithful parishioner at St Bartholomew’s Church and her projects for the Church Bazaar were constant for over 70 years. She will be greatly missed by her children Elizabeth (Scott Heatherington), Peter (Nancy Lang) and David (Jane Dinniwell), and her grandsons Robert Ward Heatherington and Liam Tracey-Raymont. During her long and happy life, she was the most supportive Mum and Gran.
Somehow, we always thought she would be there for us - and of course she will still be our 'umbrella in the sky'. The family is most grateful for the caring and superb support of Luzviminda Guerrero, Mulunesh Yimmesghen and the excellent staff at The Edinburgh Retirement Residence.
Farewell, dear Mum- we will be thinking of you as we continue your walks, and every time we find a sand dollar on Scarborough Beach.
A church service will be planned at a later date.
To celebrate her memory, should you wish, a donation could be made to the St Bartholomew's Church Refugee Fund, 125 MacKay Street, Ottawa K1M 2B4.
Digital Guestbook
Joan and Anthony Kellett
June Gibson
So glad to have had the connection with Mary through The Edinburgh. A kind and gracious lady, always thinking of others. A privilege to have known her.
Menna Glyn Andrews
Our hearts go out to you at this sad time. What an amazing woman and such a joy to be with. Sending you our condolences and love. Ron and Menna
Claire and John Schofield
Dearest Liz and family - John and I are so very sorry to learn of your Mama's passing. What a loss to you all and the community as a whole.
You have paid such wonderful tribute to someone who has led an exceptionally full and rich life. She was clearly very accomplished, courageous, giving and so ahead of her time. And what a legacy she has left in you and all your family. Now we know where all that wonderful energy and spirit of "can do" comes from.
She will be so much missed but will assuredly remain with you in spirit. As the last line of Elizabeth Fry's poem goes - "do not stand by my grave and cry, I am not there. I did not die."
Please know that you're all in our thoughts and prayers and send you our sincerest condolences.
John and Claire
Junko Price
Dear Liz. We are very sorry for your loss. Your mother was an exceptional person and had an exceptional life. We see some of her qualities in you. Junko and Gene
Elizabeth Houle
Dear Liz my deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time. Hopefully all your treasured memories will provide solace to you.
Rosalind Weeks
Dear Liz, I am very moved to hear of the passing of your beloved Mum. Our hearts are with you. I can't imagine St. Bart's without her there. She was always such a support , especially for the music. At one of the many wonderful lunches at the Edinburgh, with your Mum, Joyce, Jane and other good friends, Richard was seated beside your Mum. When he asked if she would tell him about her life in England, she became totally animated, describing the war years in vivid detail. He wished he'd been able to record her. Thank you for sharing this most remarkable lady with us, and please accept our deepest sympathy.
Joanne Delamere
Liz and family, Deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother, Mary. She was truly a remarkable woman and will be much missed at St Barts
Tina Aggelopoulos
Dear Liz
I would like to offer you and your family my deepest and most sincere condolences. May her memory be eternal and may your loving memories always bring you comfort.
Art and Leslie Hoole
Dear Liz and Family,
Our deepest sympathies in the loss of your dear Mother.
We send our condolescences and prayers to all of you as well. She has left us with so many wonderful memories of our times together as Parishioners of St. Bart’s. A privilege to have had her in our lives.