Margaret "Liz" Elizabeth Mortimer

Margaret Elizabeth “Liz” Mortimer (née Bamford) was born in Toronto on April 12, 1935, and passed away on June 3, 2026, at the age of 91. She lived a remarkable life and leaves behind a legacy that will continue for generations.

Liz’s fearlessness and determination were evident from a young age. At just 15 years old, she boarded a train from Toronto to spend the summer working in Muskoka. It was there that she met Donald “Don” Mortimer, the love of her life. Together they shared fifty-seven years of marriage, building a family that now spans 59 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Alongside Don and the Mortimer family, Liz helped carry forward a tradition dating back to 1876 of making life a little easier for their summer friends. They operated Mortimer’s Point Marina and Cloud Air Service and owned several businesses on their property at the locks in Port Carling. Over the years these ventures included Portside, a service and retail business, a Confederation Log Homes sales outlet, and eventually Morty’s. They also enjoyed developing properties around Mortimer’s Point.

While raising six children and supporting the family’s many business ventures, Liz built an accomplished career of her own focused on community service and leadership. She worked in education and real estate, eventually operating her own brokerage. She served as a Muskoka Lakes Councillor and dedicated many years to the District of Muskoka Land Divisions Committee, first as a member and later as Chair.

Liz’s talents and interests were as varied as they were impressive. She was a gifted knitter whose creations are treasured by family and friends. She was an accomplished singer and a member of the Elderberries choir for thirty-four years, a licensed pilot, and a lifelong learner. She continued to pursue her passions late into her retirement years. She approached every stage of life with ambition and determination. At the age of seventy-five, she earned an English degree from Laurentian University. She faced cancer with strength and resilience in her eighties. Into her nineties, she continued to live in the home she and Don built together on Mortimer’s Point.

Liz and Don also cherished the second home they built together on Lake Temagami. It was a place of laughter, adventure, and treasured time spent with family and friends.

Of all her personal and professional accomplishments, Liz was most proud to be the steady presence at the heart of her family. Liz and Don taught their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to lead with kindness, generosity, and trust. Their home was always open and welcoming, and anyone who spent time there left feeling valued, and loved. The love she gave so freely was returned many times over, and she remains deeply cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Liz is lovingly remembered by her children: Dean (Sharon) Mortimer, Dan (Sue) Mortimer, Drew (Bev) Mortimer, Donna (predeceased by her husband Scott) McLaren, Debbie Mortimer, and Scott (Sara Nouini-Mortimer) Mortimer; her grandchildren Lindsay (Steve), Stephen (Rachel), James, Jason (Tiffany), Erin (Kyle), Elizabeth (Chris), Thomas, Kari, Katherine, Jonathan (Jasmin), Kyle (Alyssa), Tori (Jason), Nour (Adam), Justin, Nick (Halle); and her great-grandchildren Mya, Alex, Tyler, Carter, Gwen, Orson, Alivya, Sophia, Karson, Owen, Evan, Savannah, Sullivan, Benjamin, Theodore, Dylan, Lily, Raina, Zamaya, Hendrix, and Rania who affectionately knew her as GeeGee. She is also remembered by her sister-in-law Jo, her nieces and nephews, and many extended family members and friends.

Liz was predeceased by her beloved husband Donald “Don” Mortimer, her parents Hugh and Alice Bamford, her brother Raymond Bamford, and her cherished brothers- and sisters-in-law.

A celebration of Liz’s life will be held at her home located at 1914 Mortimer’s Point Road on June 28, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, or The Alzheimer's Society.