Elizabeth Mary Mitchell (née Watt)

“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
Emily Dickinson

Our beloved, beautiful Mary left us as dawn broke in Ottawa on May 16, 2024, in her 82nd year, surrounded by her family. We wept her passing but knew that she was free of pain.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband of almost 60 years, Graham Mitchell, her loving daughter Katie and son-in-law Andrew Robinson, and much-loved grandchildren Mara and David Robinson. Predeceased by her brother Tony, her brother-in-law George Mitchell and his wife Diana, her niece Chris Mitchell, her stepsisters Paula Coxon (Howard) and Margot Gualtieri (Roberto), and her dear nanny Ella Imbro. She will be fondly remembered by her nieces Beth (Pascal Ertle), Jane (Brent Foxall) and Daphne (Bill MacGregor) Mitchell, Margot’s children Eric Whist (Linzi), Inger Whist and Dominic Gualtieri (Dasha), and by her extended family and dear friends.

Born August 31, 1942, in Ottawa, to lawyer and soldier James Douglas Watt OBE KC and Florence Elizabeth (Betty) Scarth, Mary excelled at school and loved McGill University (BA 1963), where she fondly recalled lectures with writer Hugh MacLennan perched on his desk. Summers at Meech Lake and later at Camp Wapomeo in Algonquin Park sparked her love of the outdoors and canoeing.

Mary lost her beloved father in 1951 and her brother Tony to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 1960. Throughout her life she strongly supported efforts to solve the mysteries of that disease. She adored her stepfather Paul Peters and treasured her connection with his daughters and their families. In later years, after Paul’s death, Mary was happy when her mother married the Hon. Douglas Abbott, and warmly embraced him and his family.

On January 30, 1965, Mary married Graham Mitchell, the love of her life, and they embarked on a career in External Affairs, which took them to Cameroon, France, Germany, and Norway. Mary was thrown in at the deep end, as they left for Cameroon, with a honeymoon en route, the day after the wedding! Their cherished daughter Katie, born in 1968, joined them on their travels. Through many moves, Mary embraced each new culture, people, and language. From her father, Mary inherited a
strong sense of duty. She worked hard at all the tasks that fall to a diplomat’s spouse, representing Canada admirably and contributing greatly to the success of Graham’s work. At home in Canada, happy times were spent at their beloved cottage in Val-des-Monts and with Graham’s family in Nova Scotia.

Mary’s life was enriched with the study of languages. Before moving to Norway, Mary completed a Certificate in the Teaching of English as a Second Language at Carleton University, where she particularly enjoyed the linguistics classes. Her logical mind, organizational skills, creativity and empathy served her well in teaching newcomers to Ottawa and business English in Norway. Mary was the glue which held the family together; she was loving, generous, bright and open. She was devoted, gentle and kind, with her mother’s sparkling sense of humour. Her guests loved her brilliant smile and lively personality which brightened any room she was in. Her family and friends
cherished her constant support, sense of fun, warmth and thoughtfulness.

When Katie married Andrew Robinson, from England’s Peak District, Mary was delighted and eagerly embraced adventures with his family both in the UK and Canada. She was thrilled to welcome her grandchildren Mara and David. Mary was unwavering in her support of both grandchildren and of the family through David’s challenges with the rare genetic disorder SHINE syndrome (DLG4-related synaptopathy).

Mary read widely, loved painting and sculpture, but particularly loved her family and worked hard to help them succeed. She enthusiastically embraced gardening, creating a beautiful perennial garden at home in Lindenlea and a wildflower meadow at the cottage. She loved playing golf with Graham on their trips to Georgia and Nova Scotia.

A highlight of the last years was the culmination of a lifelong dream to travel to Orkney, where Mary was able to trace her mother’s roots and was warmly welcomed by family.

Although the last two years of her life were increasingly challenging, Mary remained brave, cheerful, and hopeful to the end. We would like to thank the kind doctors, nurses and workers who brightened her days and did everything possible to help her. We are also grateful to the Ottawa Paramedic Service and the staff of the Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus ICU for their expert and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the SHINE Syndrome Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Canada or a charity of choice would be appreciated.

A private family interment at Beechwood Cemetery will be followed by a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.