MARY ELSIE SUTER (née KERST)

January 28, 2019

Mary Elsie Suter (née Kerst) of Kincardine, died surrounded by family and trusted friends, Monday, Jan. 28, 2019. at the age of 96. Beloved wife of the late Harry Suter (1999). Dear mother of Crystal Pace (Steve Kirk) of Mississauga, Ellen Suter (Bob Mitchell) of Bentley, Alberta, Janine Millman of Ottawa, Harriet Suter (Bob Walker) of Kincardine and Scott (Cathy) Suter of Newmarket. Cherished by her grandchildren, A.J., Shelley, Michael, Christina, Britney, Bill, Emily, R.J. and Cory; as well as her great-grandchildren, Jade, Bobby, Logan, Damian and Kelsey. Predeceased by her parents, Leo and Mary Kerst; sister, Leona; brother, Bill; and sons-in-law, Albert Pace and Steve Millman. Mary was born in Toronto and raised with her beloved siblings, Jim, Leona and Bill, in Richmond Hill, where she lived until 2017. She became the office manager of her father's tool and die shop in Toronto. After the Second World War, she fell in love with a dashing young aircraft mechanic, Harry Suter, who had just returned from England and who was impressed that she knew what a micrometer was, as well as admiring her kindness and fashionable good looks. They married in 1947 and built their house on Langstaff Road themselves, with the help of family members, buying the building materials paycheque by paycheque. They did not want to be saddled with a mortgage. They raised five children and innumerable pets at Langstaff, and Mary stayed in her beloved home even after Harry died, until the age of 91. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the many relatives who visited and her good friends. Next to the people she loved and her pets, her favourite things were her trees, her perennial and vegetable gardens (where many a time she strolled with visitors) and her African violets. In 1966, Mary and Harry bought a lot on Twelve Mile Bay and built a cottage that gave all of the family many good times and fond memories of swimming, sunshine, and wonderful steak barbecues. They also enjoyed travelling to the Barbados, Florida, Alaska and the East Coast. Two years ago, Mary moved to Trillium Court in Kincardine, where she enjoyed a rich life and got outdoors often with the help of family, most recently to the 2018 Santa Claus Parade. She enjoyed field trips, entertainment, touring the gardens in the area, and just sitting outside enjoying the sunshine. Mary loved visiting the home and garden of Harriet and Bob in Kincardine, the company of her dear best friend, Jean Campbell, and the wonderful staff at Trillium Court who truly became her trusted extended family. She always had a smile on her face, a joke on her lips and a kind word for everyone around her. Heartfelt thanks to Trillium Court staff, especially the wonderful, caring nurses and personal aids, Kincardine hospital staff, Dr. Gary Gurbin, Retire-at-Home, and Kincardine Palliative Care volunteers. A private family service will take place. Final resting place, Zion Lutheran Church in Maple. In lieu of flowers and to honour Mary’s way of life, please be kind to someone who is lonely or needs help. She would have appreciated such a gesture.