Liz passed away June 2nd at Providence Healthcare with her family by her side, after a long battle with cancer.

Born in Toronto on February 23rd, 1939, Liz was the second child of George and Gladys Mercer, and sister to Ruth, Mary and Noel.

Liz met her best friend and love of her life, Bob, in high school. They married in 1963 and had two sons, Geoffrey (1970) and Peter (1971). Liz was also a loving grandmother to Quade (2002) and Shayne (2004).

Lizzy was Bob’s loving partner for more than 56 years. She was a wonderful wife who gave Bob a long leash on which to pursue his passions, including sailing, skiing and ice boating. She embraced it all and became an accomplished sailor and skier in her own right. At the same time, Liz wasn’t afraid to give Bob a nudge when he needed it. Liz was the driving force in their relationship -- getting married; making a home; having a family - all the best things in life began with her. As Bob says, she was his whole world.

Family was always Liz’s greatest passion. There was no better wife and mom. Whether it was a long car trip to Florida, sitting for hours in a freezing hockey rink or a day out on the sailboat, Liz approached everything with a sense of fun and adventure.
As a loving mom she taught us a bit about everything - how to play hockey, how to appreciate all that life has to offer and how to appreciate the finer things. She was a born leader that you didn’t always agree with but you always loved and respected. She would do anything for us and in her last days continued to ask “how are the boys?” as her grandchildren were in her thoughts even as she fought in the hospital. She gave all of herself to us.

Liz was a dedicated teacher who found her passion in her students. She loved teaching and never tired of learning herself. Always up for something new, Liz would try out her ESL students’ recipes from around the world, using her family as guinea pigs. She produced some exceptional cuisine, although we are still recovering from the octopus soup. She was always up for new experiences including travel, writing, entrepreneurship and sports. She was a true Renaissance woman.

Liz loved to entertain family and friends and was known for her annual Canada Day celebrations, dinner clubs and family holiday dinners. Always the entertainer Liz was never happier than when surrounded by family and friends enjoying lively conversation and a glass of wine. She loved to party and have fun, and always challenged everyone to have a good time.

We will miss your ready smile, your laugh, and the love you brought to our lives. Rest easy, love. Rest easy, Lizzy.