Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Jamieson (née Smith)

The family of Mary Elizabeth (Liz) Jamieson mourns the loss of dear Liz, spouse and partner to James (Jim) for over 60 years, loving mother of Patty and Rachel (Bill), and doting grandmother of Jamie. Liz is also survived by her close and dear sister, Ruth McLellan, and her husband, Rod, of Fredericton, NB, as well as many other family members and friends. Liz was predeceased by her parents, Jane and John Smith, and her siblings, Barbara and Carl.

Liz was born at home on July 28, 1943, in the then-small town of Oromocto, NB, where she lived for almost 25 years. At that time, the town was centred around a lumber mill owned by her paternal grandfather, who was also an MLA and Cabinet Minister in the New Brunswick Liberal government. Oromocto underwent a major transformation to become the largest military base in the British Commonwealth—Camp Gagetown (now CTC Gagetown). This transformation brought significant lifestyle changes, both positive and challenging, for Liz’s family and all others in Oromocto.

Liz earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and German Literature from the University of New Brunswick, where she and Jim first met. She also completed her New Brunswick teaching certification and taught at Oromocto High School and later at Atlantic Memorial School in the Halifax area. Liz was a loving full-time mother, an exceptional homemaker, and a woman of many talents and interests, including sewing, knitting, carpentry, home improvement, cooking, and baking.

Liz, Jim, Patty, and Rachel relocated several times throughout Jim’s Army career, living in Camp Gagetown, Vancouver, Calgary, Lahr, Germany, and Winnipeg. After moving to Ottawa in 1986, Liz upgraded her computer skills and worked for the federal government for many years before retiring in 2004. Throughout her life, Liz enjoyed the friendship of many wonderful people, including friends from her working years and the Notting Gate neighbourhood.

Liz was diagnosed with acute leukemia in early November of last year and underwent a month of challenging but ultimately unsuccessful chemotherapy. She was lovingly cared for by family, friends, the Orléans palliative care team, and her dear PSW, Margaret, over the following months. Liz died on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, after a week of attentive hospice care at La Maison de l’Est.

Those who knew Liz will remember her as a kind and thoughtful person with a gentle spirit and a steady presence. She had a way of making others feel comfortable and valued, and her compassion was evident in the thoughtful way she lived her life. She was strong without being boastful, caring without expecting recognition, and generous in many quiet, meaningful ways. Her life was a reflection of integrity, love, and devotion to her family and the people who mattered most to her.

A Funeral Mass for Liz will be held at Divine Infant Parish at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 3, followed by a reception in the parish hall from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Friends wishing to attend are asked to RSVP by June 28 at: RSVP Form