Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Longo
A truly selfless soul left her family suddenly on May 31st. Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Longo (nee Cameron) always believed she was put on this earth to care for others. As a registered nurse, she cared for palliative patients with endless compassion. As a mother, she was fiercely protective of her two sons. Nothing was more important to her than her family. In every relationship she was more interested in what she could do for you, how she could help you, even if it often meant not doing something for herself. For nearly 84 years she was loyal, determined, and loving.
While her loss leaves an immeasurable hole in the hearts of those who loved her, Liz is now reunited with her “honey,” the love of her life, the late William “Bill” Longo and her parents, William and Aileen Cameron.
Liz leaves behind two devoted sons, Sean Charlebois and Chris Charlebois, and one devoted dog, Puff. She is mourned by her sister Carolyn Tytler (the late Don) and was aunt to Bill, Jack, Curt, and Marilyn Custers, and to Randolph King.
She is remembered by many members of the Longo family, especially Paul and Wendy Longo and their children, Derek, Kevin, and Michael, sister-in-law Marge Longo, and many of Bill’s family and friends who embraced her.
Liz spent her life caring for others but ultimately found it difficult to accept care for herself easily. She did not enjoy becoming more reliant on other people to care for her, but she indulged her family as they surrounded her with the best possible team to achieve her wish to live in her home until the very end. She was strong-willed and fought an increasing onslaught of ailments with grace and equanimity but always insisted she was at peace and ready for what her strong faith told her awaited her.
Our family would like to thank all the health care professionals involved in her care over the years, including Dr. Bertley, Dr. Lagrotteria, and Dr. Zayed, the support of Home and Community Care Support Services Niagara, the compassionate personal support workers and staff from Care Partners, the incredibly responsive team at Henderson’s Pharmacy, and the indefatigable kindness and friendship of Diane Bittles.
A special thank you to Father Janusz Rodinski at Holy Rosary Parish in Thorold for his spiritual guidance.
Final arrangements have been entrusted with the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place.
Immensely private to the very end, Liz requested no visitation or funeral service, however, a Mass intention will be said in her memory on Saturday, June 22 at 11AM at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 21 Queen Street South, Thorold, for those who would like to attend. A private interment will be held at a later date.
If wished, donations to the Canadian Lung Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society, or the Kidney Foundation of Canada in her memory would be appreciated.
