BERTHA MARY MILLS (née ELCOCK) We mourn the peaceful passing of Bertha Mary Mills (née Elcock) on May 17, 2009 at Scarborough General Hospital. We appreciate the dedication of caregivers like the Crockford Wing nurses, medical staff, and longtime attending physicians, but most particularly and especially, Mary's adored husband of 67 years, John Clifford Mills. His devoted and tender care during her long illness, and his determination to always put Mary's needs first, allowed her to continue living in the home they loved until her death. They had fun together every day, and she will be sorely missed. Born in 1922 to Gladys Shapter and Frank Elcock, who emigrated to Ontario from England, Mary is survived by her beloved sister Joyce (but not by brothers Dudley and Ronald). Mary was proud of her association with Riverdale Collegiate, TGH nursing, and being a wartime bride. As an active, capable, and purposeful woman, Mary's abundant creative energies were not limited in focus to her children Michael (Sue), Donald (Dianne), Peter (Sue) and Anne (Barry) and grandchildren Alison, Ryan, Trent, Sandra, Karen, Stephen, Brian, and Daniel. She was always making special things and special moments through her oil and batik painting, weaving, rug hooking, singing and keyboarding, and garden and house design. She relished working in clay and gave instruction in pottery. An avid golfer, Bruce Trail hiker, a lifelong paddler and nature lover, she built a beautiful cedar strip canoe in which she enjoyed canoe tripping. She always yearned for a cement mixer of her own so she could fully unleash her remodeling urges. Mary lived by her ethos that it is important to contribute to society, and she did volunteer work for the Red Cross and the Altar Guild of St. George's Anglican Church in Pickering. Mary fiercely loved John, her family, and Canada. Her life will be celebrated and her death mourned on Thursday, May 21, 10:00 a.m. for visitation, 11:00 for service, at St. David's Anglican Church, 49 Donlands Ave., opposite Donlands subway station. Interment will be announced after the funeral service. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's memory to the Stephen Lewis Foundation or the Alzheimer Society would be deeply appreciated.