Mary Elaine Waring O.M.C
(December 16, 1932-December 23, 2021)
Elaine passed away suddenly but peacefully with her son Laurence and daughter Krista at her side. Elaine was born and raised in Arnprior/Antrim and, in 1967, settled in Thunder Bay after shorter stays in Toronto, Chatham and Winnipeg. With each move, finding an Anglican Church was one of the first priorities. Elaine married Ken Waring in 1955 and had 3 children. She graduated with a Home Economics diploma in 1953, and worked as an assistant dietitian in a test kitchen, cafeteria and hospital settings. Throughout her life, Elaine always had a craft of some sort on the go.
Mom had a long and full life with a variety of roles but after moving to Thunder, her career was all about making connections and building community. She was a Hostess with Welcome Wagon (14 yrs). In 1975 was named the national ‘Hostess of the Year’. Elaine served as a Trustee on the Lakehead School Board (5 yrs), Board member of the Thunder Bay and District Health Unit (6 yrs), and Executive member for Duluth/Thunder Bay exchanges of youth & adults in sports, educational and cultural activities (10 yrs). In 1995, at the request of the Mayor and City Council, Elaine was asked to bring together the representatives of each of Thunder Bay’s eight Sister Cities and then chaired the Sister Cities Committee. This role involved travel, as well as, hosting delegations from each of the Sister Cities and established lasting relationships. Elaine’s commitment to building community was recognized with numerous awards including the Ontario Medal for Citizenship (1992) and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Commemorative Medal for Community Service (2002).
Mom and Dad loved to travel and particularly enjoyed their winters in Panama City Beach Florida. Elaine was predeceased by her husband and travel partner Ken, parents Garnet and Muriel, brother Grant (Betty), in-laws Fred and Annie and brother-in-law Dennis.
Elaine was mom to: Rick (Molly), Laurence (Erin) and Krista (Pierre), Grandma to: Jason, Cody, Jeremy (Tansy), Brett, Daniel (Nicole) and Nadine, Great-grandma to Abilene and Sister-in-law to Penny and Betty, and Aunt Elaine to many nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to folks who cared for Elaine in her final years: friend Erminie, PSW Tammy, Dr. Kelly, her long time neighbours, and the staff at Chartwell on Arundel.
Memorial Donations may be made to Magnus Theatre, EMAS Canada (Haiti) or a charity of your choice.
Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mary Elaine Waring Thursday December 23rd 2021..
sargent and son funeral directors
Death notice for the town of: THUNDER-BAY, Province: Ontario