Marita (Cox) Elliott

Marita Elliott

1926 - 2023

A life with love is a life that's been lived

You were an angel in the shape of my mum

We say good-bye to an amazing woman and a special Mum, Granny, and Sister.  With family by her side, Marita Elliott passed away peacefully at Andy’s House, Port Carling  on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at the age of 97.

Marita was born in Port Sandfield, Ontario to Buell Cox & Daisy (Yatman) on August 28, 1926.  Port Sandfield was her special place.  Growing up on Lake Joseph, she caught crayfish and dew worms, canoed, fished, swam, and skated.  We remember Mum telling us that she would ski and skate from Port Sandfield to get to school  in Port Carling.

Our Mum lived in many places - from Port Sandfield to California to England and back. 

Mum had fond memories of living in England at Lavender Cottage and spending time with her Grandfather at Fernden in Haslemere, Surrey.  Mum and her siblings attended boarding school in Epson, England.  A report card declared Mum to be “too fond of fun and banter” and we fondly remember our Mum’s zest and wit. 

After high school, Mum lived in Toronto and worked at the Commerce bank.  She returned home to Muskoka and worked for Kirk’s in Bracebridge as well as Bell Canada and RBC.  

It was  in Bracebridge where she met Bill Elliott (0wner Elliott’s 5¢ to $1.00 Store Ltd.) and was married September 3, 1949.  Bill predeceased Marita in 1991.  They made their home in an apartment on  Dominion Street and soon after an Aubrey Street house (Diaper Lane).  They then moved to a new build on Ontario Street beside Bill’s family home.  In 1964 they built the first house on Cheese Factory Hill, now Wellington Street North, and people asked “why are you moving out of town”.  Mum made a house a home and enjoyed hosting family and friends for Christmas and cocktail parties.  Mum continued to move around Bracebridge about a dozen more times (a change is as good as a rest).

Mum and family enjoyed cottaging at Stephen’s Bay, Golden Beach, and Cedar Beach.  Mum had a love of travelling and exploring and some of her adventures took her to Florida, Bahamas, Barbados, Aruba, Curacao, Scotland, Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, a Scandinavian Tour, different parts of Canada, and her favourite, England.  Mum shared her exploring with her grandchildren with stories and touring locally pointing out family history.  This fun sometimes included a picnic along the way.   

Mum was a longtime member of St. Thomas’ Anglican Church and volunteered at many dinners, bazaars, good used clothing sales, and more.  She was a member and past President of the A.C.W.  Mum also volunteered for many years with Meals on Wheels.  Mum was generous and kind – always thinking of and doing for others. She was a member of a couple bridge clubs and loved winning even the Booby Prize.  In later years, she enjoyed Bingo at James St. Place and The Pines; often winning multiple games at a time.

Marita was predeceased by her parents Buell and Daisy Cox, and her brother Gerald.  She is survived by her younger sister, Rosemary Reid, of Bracebridge.

Marita was Mum to John Elliott, Susan Heidgress (Hans), and Sarah Patchett (Scott); a very special Granny to Evelyn Batty, Kayla Patchett (Matthew), and Bryan Patchett (Tasha); Great Granny to Simon Stouffer (Emily) and Great Great Granny to Wren Stouffer.  

A graveside service will be held in the spring at the St. Thomas Cemetery.  Memorial Donations may be made to Hospice Muskoka - Andy’s House https://www.hospicemuskoka.com/ .  Personal condolences and memories may be shared at www.reynoldsfuneral.com