EnidScarrow

Enid Wilma SCARROW

(nee WATERLAND)

August 9, 1924 – March 31, 2017

Passed away peacefully on March 31, 2017 with her family by her side. Predeceased by her loving husband of 53 years, Lloyd James, and survived by her sons James Alan (Nancy) and Mark Edward (Pamela), and her three grandchildren Will, John and Fiona.

Enid was born in Hamilton, Ontario, but moved with her parents to Birmingham, Alabama as an infant – her father being told there was work in that southern US steel town that was lacking in the Hamilton steel works at that time. She grew up there until the age of 8, returning to Canada, a “southern girl”, complete with a mild southern drawl. Her recollections of those early days were vivid, but did not include any memory of the heat. However, she felt “the cold” for the rest of her life here in Canada. She attended Westdale Collegiate in Hamilton and then took a certificate in stenography and shorthand at a local business college. She worked in a local commercial real estate office and met Lloyd at a YWCA dance during WW II. Married in 1948, she raised her family, obtained her ARCT in piano and had students coming to her home for lessons for many years. She co-founded Music Scarborough, a long running, successful music festival, that was eventually taken on by the local Lions Club. A “product of the depression”, she sewed all her own clothes, and knitted countless sweaters, blankets and socks for everyone including her beloved grandchildren. She loved, and was loved by her two daughters-in-law and was fiercely protective of her family. Her sense of humour was intact to the end, and she was always looking for a giggle. She was also the primary author of the famous Leonard Lake Lyrics which, to this day, keep the family laughing. She actively participated in the building of the family cottage in Muskoka and as the primary advocate for that project, once received a chain-saw for her birthday. She spent more than 45 summers at Leonard Lake, more recently with her cherished grandchildren coming and going. Enid was an avid swimmer, and was game to take her daily swim regardless of the weather conditions. She was a tree lover long before it was popular and was on constant patrol when other family members went out “trimming”. Opinionated, strong willed, unafraid to state her case, she was a force to be reckoned with.

A heartfelt thanks to Enid’s caregiver, companion and soul mate Brenda Wilson who was with Enid for six years. They had a wonderful happy relationship – every day had fun and spontaneity.

A visitation is to be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Chapel Ridge Funeral Home, (8911 Woodbine Avenue, Markham, ON L3R 5G1). Private burial at Greenwood Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario, on April 5, 2017. In lieu of flowers, donations to Planned Parenthood or the Alzheimer Society would be gratefully received.