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
Margot Brown
Sofia Tavoularis
Dear Liz, My sincere condolences. Your mom was a remarkable person who lived an exceptional life to its fullest. She was a great role model for you and I can see many of her qualities in you and you have been such a devoted and supportive daughter to her.
Melanie D'Alessio
Dear Liz,
I would like to offer my sincere condolences to you and your family.
Although I had never had the privilege of meeting Mum, I somehow feel I had through our stories and conversations over the years. Mary was truly blessed to have such a supportive daughter like you, you are in my thoughts. xx
Mel
Helen Rodney and Emma Rodney Drouin
Dear Liz,
What a remarkable person your Mother was! Truly an example of how to live a rich and interesting life. All our sympathy, most affectionately,
Helen and Emma
Elizabeth, I will miss visiting your Mother when I come to Ottawa. She was remarkable in old age... good memory, thoughtfulness, appreciation and genuinely interested. A good role modal for all of us. Please accept my condolences. Margot