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Obituary

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Mullen, of Ballygowan Co. Down, Northern Ireland, the daughter of William Keery and Elizabeth (nee George). A loving person, daughter, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, mother-in-law, and most importantly a friend. Elizabeth passed away with her family present in person and in spirit, on the evening of July 23rd at St. Joseph Health Centre in Toronto at the age of 82. Elizabeth put forth a valiant 40-day and 40-night fight to live, after suffering a severe stroke on June 13th.

Elizabeth is survived by her adoring husband and best friend Vincent, survived by her loving children Michael (Nadia) and Lisa (Chris), and her beloved grandson Ryan (Yulia). Elizabeth is also survived by her sister Eleanor (Jim), and her nephews and niece, Raymond (Nikki), Heather (Craig) and George (Heather) from Scotland, and their children, along with her nephew Denis (Linda), and her grandnephews Craig (Cynthia) and their family, and Todd. Forever in our hearts are her brothers and sisters who have gone before her, John, Peg (Jim), William, George (Frances), along with her loving reunified family members from Belturbit Co. Cavan.

Elizabeth consistently demonstrated great love for her family. Vincent, Michael, Lisa and Ryan learned how to persevere through difficult times, to challenge themselves when things seemed difficult, to seek hope when there was despair, to participate instead of staying idle, to be fair when the world seemed unfair, to maintain self-control when chaos seemed real, to give more than you take, to be loyal to family and friends, be kind to strangers, and most importantly to give your best at everything you do, especially when no one is watching. With love and admiration, Elizabeth was blessed to be at her daughter Lisa’s wedding, in Edmonton, to the love of her life Chris, in August of 2017. Elizabeth was so happy to see her son Michael marry his lovely, caring wife Nadia, in Toronto, in August of 2018. Grandma was very happy to see Ryan grow up to be a hard-working, caring, loving young man. From her hospital bed, Grandma signed Ryan’s recent 23rd birthday card with multiple kisses, nine days before her passing. Grandma was so impressed with his smart, caring, beautiful friend Yulia.

Elizabeth is deeply missed by the many family members across Canada, the United States, Ireland and Britain. Elizabeth had an infinity to be part of family social events wherever they may be, especially if they involved her grandson, Ryan. Elizabeth cherished family gatherings in Mississauga, Brampton, Kitchener, Collingwood and Toronto over the years, especially with the “Kitchener and Brampton Mullens”. She always enjoyed her annual summer trips to Myrtle Beach to see the “Myrtle Mullens”. Elizabeth made sure that her family participated in the many “Western Mullen” weddings and gatherings over the years, in places throughout Alberta and British Columbia. Family reunions to the “old sod” were always explored and enjoyed with Elizabeth over the years, especially if they involved seeing the “Delvin or Dublin Mullens”. Connecting, celebrating, and sharing laughs with the “Belturbit Georges”, “Co. Down Keerys” and the “Port Glasgow Weirs” gave her a deeper connection to family.

Elizabeth was a friend to most and kept long term friendships alive with her positive and loving attributes. Locally, Muriel & Tim, Gloria & Matt, Rosemary & Joe, Tammy and Bill (R.I.P.) Helen & Tom, Glennie & Geordie, Lorraine & Dermot, Jackie & Peter, Niall & Dympna, Gabriel & Monica, Liz & Frank, Patsy & Brian R.I.P., and Margorie & Maurice R.I.P. to name a few, were friends through the many years. Elizabeth had many friends within the Irish-Canadian Community in Toronto, especially in the Co. Down and Co. Westmeath Associations.

In her early years in Toronto, Elizabeth continued her tradition of celebrating the Orange Day Parades throughout Toronto. She also marched proudly with Co. Down in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Elizabeth enjoyed skiing, bowling, and travel with her many friends. She met many friends as a “hockey/soccer/golf/dance mom” and loved the friendships made over the years. She had many friends at Canadian Standards Association, CCM, and at Canada Post, where she worked tirelessly for many years. She had many friends in the Heritage Club associated with Canada Post. Elizabeth enjoyed her Bible Study group over the years, along with her friends connected to the parishes of St. Margaret of Scotland (Toronto), St. Patrick (Miss.), St. Christopher (Miss.), St. Mary’s (Collingwood). She also had many friends in the parent-teacher associations over the school years for Michael and Lisa.

Elizabeth’s unofficial family extended to Drogheda Co. Meath, with over 52 years of deep friendship with Pat and Mairead Haigney, and their children Patricia (Shane), Paula, and Kevin (Kathy). Elizabeth and family members always knew there was always a Big “Failte / Welcome” at the Haigney home. Deep bonds were made over years with a joy of watching and hearing about Pat and Mairead’s grandchildren grow up. But the biggest loss that will be missed, is the singing of “The Sash” that Elizabeth and Pat sang at the beginning of every phone call.

Having lost her mother at the age of two, and her father at the age of ten, was a challenge that is hard to comprehend, however, that is what Elizabeth had to live with. Having to live in a foster home at such a young age with her brother and sister was a difficult predicament in which to find herself. With such a challenging way to grow up, she lived a life full of love, care, and humble strength. Elizabeth wanted to give back over the years and became a foster parent, fostering well over 30 children, mostly teenaged girls. For over 35 years she did her best to provide love, inspiration, and hope for all who entered her home. Up until her passing, Elizabeth still had a strong bond with young women like April, Joanne, Melissa and Lori, who were fortunate to have entered Mom’s home.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mackintosh for his great care for Elizabeth over the many years at Applewood Hills Medical Clinic in Mississauga. The family would also like to thank the doctors and nurses for Elizabeth’s care at St. Joseph Health Centre during her final weeks.

Elizabeth,
You have fought the good fight, You have finished the race, You have kept the faith.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.
May her soul be with God.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Peel Children’s Aid Society www.peelcaf.com