It is with deep sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Elizabeth (also known as Betty and Liz) at the age of 83 on November 28, 2016 at Central West Hospice in Ottawa. Daughter of the late Charles and Jean Bates and beloved wife of 63 years of Allan Kenneth Gardiner. Loving mother of Kathleen of Breslau, Jill (Debra Valentine) of Vancouver and Joyce (François Lemelin) of Lévis, Québec. Cherished grandmother of Sarah Tieleman (Kyle Cherry) and Nicolas Pouliot and great- grandmother of Zackary and Tyler. Predeceased by her brothers Charles Bates (Lorna) and Ron Bates, and sister-in-law Margaret Patenaude (Raymond). Survived by her sisters-in-law Lois Heaslip (John) and Joan Price (Ed).
She was fortunate to have many wonderful friends and she will be fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews. Elizabeth was born in Belleville, Ontario and raised in Melrose and loved her years on the family farm. She attended the Ontario Business College in Belleville and worked for the Hastings County School Board for many years. She met Allan at Christ Church in 1951 and they raised their family in Belleville. They moved to Ottawa in 1984.
She gave of herself to her family and community and will be remembered for her love of gardening, her work with the Liberal Party, her involvement with Beta Sigma Phi, her commitment to Christ Church Belleville and Christ Church Bells Corners and her support for social justice and LGBT inclusiveness.
Visitation will be held at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Road, Nepean, Ontario on Friday, December 2, 2016 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Bells Corners, 3861 Old Richmond Road on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 2 p.m., followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to Christ Church Bells Corners, Central West Hospice, JDRF or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. The family is deeply grateful to the health care professionals and volunteers at Queensway-Carleton Hospital and Central West Hospice for their compassionate care. Condolences, donations and tributes may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com
Published in The Ottawa Citizen on Nov 30, 2016