MARY ELIZABETH LOWETH

MARY ELIZABETH LOWETH

LOWETH, MARY ELIZABETH (nee OCKENDEN) December 6, 1928 – September 27, 2018 Elizabeth died peacefully, surrounded by love, in her 90th year. Born in Massachusetts to the Rev. Albion and Kathrine Ockenden, Elizabeth was the third of five children. She graduated from Smith College in 1950 and in 1955 married the Rev. Gerald Loweth. They moved to Hilo, Hawaii in 1956, where she served as the only woman on the Charter Commission for the County of Hawaii, moving toward legal charter for statehood and as the Founding President of the League of Women Voters in Hilo. During the eight years they lived on the Islands, they welcomed their four children. The family moved to Toronto in 1964.

Elizabeth enjoyed a long and varied career in mental health, human rights and social justice. Her last position before retirement was Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Ethics and Corporate Policy. She was also an active volunteer, particularly with the Anglican Church and in recognition was given the Anglican Award of Merit in 2010. This is the highest honour given to lay people who have contributed to the life and work of the church at national and international levels. But more than career and awards, Elizabeth was devoted to her family. She survived her husband and best friend of 61 years and will be deeply missed by their four children: Doug (Maureen Loweth); Kitty (Jim Danks); Maile (Mark Reeves); and Jennifer. Elizabeth was so proud of her eight grandchildren, who gave her so much joy: Tenney and Aidan; Bradley and Alexandra; Bridget and Connor; and Clara and Charlotte. Elizabeth is also survived by a sister, Kitty Ockenden of New York and seven nephews and nieces, all of whom gave love and support. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings: Johanna Sencak; Edward Ockenden; and Albion Ockenden.

Heartfelt thanks to Elizabeth’s medical team, including Dr. Christine Elser, Dr. Bernard Cummings, Dr. Daniela Costantini, Dr. Martin Strauss, Dr. Bruce Horten, Elena Aviva and Chris Bell for their care. They would also like to thank the wonderful staff at Oak Ridges Retirement Residence where Elizabeth lived for the last month of her life.

Visitation will be held at Marshall Funeral Home located at 10366 Yonge Street in Richmond Hill, on Thursday, October 4th from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The service will be held at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, located at 10030 Yonge Street in Richmond Hill, on Saturday, October 6th at 2:00 p.m. (The parking lot is accessible from Major Mackenzie Drive on the north-west corner.) In Elizabeth’s memory, her family would appreciate donations to the The Anglican Communion Compass Rose Society (www.compassrosesociety.org), or the Yellow Brick House (www.yellowbrickhouse.org).