HOUSTON, Mary E.G.

Her family is sad to announce the death of Mary Elizabeth Garth (nee Thomson) Houston at Spruce Lodge, Stratford on Thursday, July 26, 2018, at the age of 95. Mary was predeceased by her dear husband William, and her four Thomson brothers, Robert, David, Murray, and Garth. She is survived by her children William (Mary) of Niagara Falls, Anne Moore (William Pappas) of Stratford, Juhli Ladner (Kurtis) of Creston, B.C., and Robert Houston and Peter Houston of Waterloo. She is also survived by grandchildren Michael Lovelay of Hamilton and Gabriela Houston of Kitchener, her sisters-in-law Jeanne Thomson of Vineland and Patricia Thomson of Kamloops, B.C., as well as a large extended family. As the daughter of a pioneering public health doctor, and the wife of an R.C.A.F. officer, Mary lived in many places across Canada, from Summerside P.E.I. to Victoria, B.C. After her children became adults, she completed her Honours English degree at the University of Waterloo, having started university at Trinity College, University of Toronto, many years before. For several years she worked as a book buyer at the Wilfrid Laurier University bookstore. In retirement she enjoyed reading, gardening and travel.

As Mary wished, cremation has taken place. Her funeral service will be held at St. James Anglican Church, 41 Mornington Street, Stratford, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 11, 2018. Gifts to the Alzheimer Society or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Our family would like to express our thanks to the staff and volunteers at the Anne Hathaway Retirement Residence and the Spruce Lodge Long Term Care Home for the wonderful treatment they gave our mother for the past several years. Donations may be made through the W.G. Young Funeral Home, Stratford.

519-271-7411. www.wgyoung funeralhome.com.