ELLIOTT, Catherine Maxine (née Reed) —

Peacefully and surrounded by family in her 97th year. Beloved wife of Clifford Samuel Elliott for 72 years, mother of Janice (Jim Elliott), Mark (Darlene Elliott), Susan (David Israelson) and Anne (Richard Turner). Loved and cherished by 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Survived by brother Barry Reed (Beverley Reed); predeceased by her parents Bert and Jean Reed and six brothers and sisters.

Maxine was born in Whitechurch, Ont. and grew up in nearby Listowel. She began her teaching career in a one-room school. With energy and positive spirit she and Clifford raised their family in Stoney Creek and Port Credit, Ont. and she led many community efforts throughout her life. They married in 1951, and with Clifford by her side she travelled and worked around the world, including work-related stays in Ethiopia and Ecuador. Maxine radiated joy and infused everyone around her with her love of nature and optimism, making her home and also Minwabi, the family cottage at Clear Lake, havens of happiness for all. She spent the most recent summer enjoying the birds, the wind blowing through the trees and the sun coming over the water.

Maxine combined great kindness with deep perception and compassion. Her strong, relentless drive to make a difference to help others came through in countless ways. It didn’t matter whether she was teaching or was collecting for UNICEF, the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation or simply listening and offering her support and radiating hope. She created beauty wherever she went, whether it was singing in the choir, sewing or simply showing up in her own indomitable style with a sunny smile.

Teacher, volunteer and devoted United Church member whose spirit, insight, caring, sharing and love touched everyone she knew and will continue to inspire us forever.

Visitation will take place on Friday, September 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Turner & Porter Funeral Home, Peel Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, L5B 1M8.

Funeral will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 23 at Christ First United Church, Port Credit Sanctuary, 151 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga, ON, L5H 1G3.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, please donate to The Compass Food Bank (https://thecompass.ca/) or Christ First United Church (https://christfirst.ca/).