Elizabeth Sarah Mcdermott

Memorial for Elsie Sarah Elizabeth Mark McDermott

July 9, 1927 - May 21, 2021





Elsie Sarah Elizabeth Mark was born in Newarthill, Scotland on July 9, 1927. She is predeceased by her brother Whitelaw, Sons Michael, Mark and Patrick, and survived by her sister Jean, her daughter Maureen, son in-law Brian. Grandchildren, Jessica, Shawn and Sheamus and great Grandchildren, Neveah and Kayne.



In 1945, she joined the Women's Royal British Navy where she served as a steward on ships during WWII. It was during this service that she met her future husband Dennis.



In 1948, Elsie immigrated to Canada with Dennis. In Canada, they started their little family which consisted of five children, Michael, Mark, Patrick, Bill, and Maureen.







During the 1960's Elsie along with her husband Dennis fought for human rights, such as the great Grape Boycott with Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers, as well as fighting against racism, discrimination and other social justices.







Elsie had such a fierce love for her family and friends. She always fought and advocated for those in need and other causes. She would bring people home with her to stay who were in need of shelter and a friend.





She was a fantastic sales woman and also owned and operated her own Ceramic shop and enjoyed sharing her craft with others.



Elsie lived in Keswick Gardens for many years and was always involved in activities and organizing events







Elsie loved her children and devoted her life to them. Her heart would never be the same after Michael, Mark and Patrick passed away before her. We take such comfort knowing they are now all reunited for eternity.





Alzheimer's and Dementia took over and Elsie moved into River Glen Haven in 2019. Here she would develop many loving relationships with residents and especially the exceptional staff.





Elsie adored her Grandchildren, Jessica, Shawn and Sheamus who were her Everything. Elsie played a very large roll in their care and upbringing, which we are forever grateful for. She also was blessed with two Great Grandchildren Neveah and Kayne. Although she never met Kayne, she loved him so dearly. Elsie leaves behind her beloved nieces in Scotland, Jacqueline, Shirley and Shona, with whom she was very close to and all their families.





Elsie and her daughter Maureen, who was also her caregiver, shared an extraordinary loving relationship. They survived so much together and depended on each other to get through the worst and the best life had to offer.





Elsie shared her journey in LTC through her daughter and even in passing, she will continue to fight for Long Term Care Standards in Canada. It was her hope to see it as part of the Canada Health Act.







She was a fighter like no other and because of her tenacity, we nicknamed her Battling Elsie. Although you would never know as Elsie became such a sweet woman who would want nothing more than a laugh and a cuddle with you. She captured the hearts of many people.





We are presently embarking on the creation of a Memorial Foundation for Battling Elsie and as there will be no Public Service, so we ask that there are no flowers sent.



A small private family memorial will take place at a later date in August and her remains will be scattered in her beloved homeland of Scotland as were her wishes.





There is no word invented yet for the gratitude I have in my heart for the frontline staff at River Glen Haven. I watched you for countless hours and the amount of caring you would do. However, you always made the time for me and Mom. You all became my therapists at one point. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart and will never forget you on 1st floor.





"Mom, I don't know how to live without you. But I know that I will continue on with you always in my thoughts. I will continue to fight in your name and do better for Seniors across this country. Continue to look after us, lead the way, and protect us from harm as you always have. Your love will be forever ingrained in my heart and my soul." Love Maureen