MORRIS, Mary-Ellen (Maria) F.MD, PhD, FRCP(C)January 2, 1932 – March 16, 2014Mary, known as Maria to many, died peacefully in palliative care after a long and valiant struggle with cancer at the Ottawa Hospital General Campus on Sunday, March 16, 2014.She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years George Weber; her twin brother Robert; brothers-in-law Jimmy and Douglas; sister-in-law Carolynne; and cousins David Morris, Mary Jones, Anna Walker and Lois Munch.Mary attended Queen's University Medical School direct from high school at the age of 17 where she was one of a few women students in a class with a number of post-war veterans. She graduated in 1955 and went on to specialize earning a fellowship in anaesthesia. While practising medicine she developed an interest in neurophysiology, and not having enough of school, went on to obtain a PhD at McGill in 1971.Mary had an extensive and noteworthy career in clinical care and medical research, most of which was spent in research and teaching at McGill, the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa. A full professor since 1982, her research interests included neurotransmitters, epilepsy, brain trauma, and neuropharmacology. In 2001, she received the annual research award from the Canadian Anaesthesiology Society for her career contributions to science.Not one to retire for a minute, Mary retained her University of Ottawa connection as an adjunct professor and went on to join Health Canada in 2003. She worked right up until her final days as a medical advisor and senior scientific evaluator assessing the safety and efficacy of progressively more complex cardiovascular devices for clinical use.Mary had a sharp mind as expressed by her quick wit and precise language. Always curious and keen to learn, she brought lots of common sense and a strong sense of self to any subject or challenge. Mary always wanted to do the right thing.An indomitable spirit in the face of increasing adversity in her last few years, Mary had a zest for life and lived each and every day to the fullest.A gourmet and fabulous cook, Mary loved to entertain and was always a gracious host with an open door. While an intensely private person, she was devoted to her many friends and to her students, always helping and nurturing with a thoughtful, small gesture or when required, providing strong support and sage, practical counsel for someone truly in need. Throughout her personal and professional life, Mary's compassion and kindness touched so many people in so many different ways, and regardless of their station, Ottawa panhandlers benefited from her generous donations and kind words. She will be sorely missed by her beloved husband George Weber, the rest of her family, friends, and colleagues alike.Mary's family would like to extend thanks to Dr. Richard MacLean and his nurse June Charlevoix, and to Dr. S. Verma and the fabulous care teams at the Cancer Care Centre, the ICU, and on 7 East of the Ottawa Hospital-General Campus.Friends and colleagues are invited to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street (at O'Connor) on Sunday, March 23, 2014 from 3-5 p.m. and on Monday, March 24 from 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Red Cross Society, the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health, or the charity of your choice. Condolences / Tributes / Donations atwww.mcgarryfamily.ca613-233-1143