Obituary of Elizabeth Lamey

Elizabeth Ann Lamey (Purcell) Mother – Teacher - Matriarch Elizabeth was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia and grew up in Westville. She moved to Montreal to teach where she met her husband, raised her children and spent years inspiring (and occasionally terrifying) students. She settled in Saint-Bruno where she was a strong presence in her parish of Saint-Augustine as a lay minister and by quietly encouraging the clergy to use gender-inclusive language. She followed the radical call of the Gospel with active involvement in the Cursillo movement and as a lay affiliate of the Sisters of the Holy Name of Jesus and Mary. Elizabeth managed to handle the challenges that life threw to her with wit and grace. She got her Bachelor of Education from Concordia as a single parent while working full-time and went on to study theology. She was the Vice-President of her teacher’s union where she advocated for equal pay for women. Elizabeth loved to travel and explore and readily headed off to visit friends and family as soon as they moved somewhere interesting. Although she took a few years off to raise her children, once they were well on their ways, she made up for it with trips to Europe, Australia, Central and South America. On July 31st, 2020, at the age of 89, Elizabeth succumbed to illness under the excellent care of the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow. Predeceased by her father Alex, her mother Catherine (Beaton), her brothers James, Willard, Donnie and Ken, her sisters Theresa, Loretta and her son Joseph. Survived by her brothers and sisters: Mary O’Connor (Don), Celia Millen, Bernie Lamey (Keddy), Larry Lamey (Carol), Leo Lamey (Glenda) and Linda Sorel; her children: Theresa, Anne, Philip (Jon Ann), Mark and Leo (Sara), her 9 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Elizabeth was a fierce and charming woman and she will be missed dearly by those left behind to carry on her legacy of laughter, integrity, and wit. A private funeral service will be held on Tuesday at The Church of the Holy Name, Westville with father Peter MacDonald officiating. Interment will be in the Holy Name Cemetery.