Obituary of Elizabeth Mary Savoie
It is with great sadness that the Savoie family announces the peaceful passing of their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Elizabeth Savoie on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Hospice House Fredericton. Born December 3, 1940 in Williamsburg, NB, she was the daughter of the late Galen and Helen (Hossack) Wright.
Elizabeth grew up in the village of Napadogan. She married Ron Savoie in Montreal in 1963. After she later graduated from Teacher’s College in Fredericton, they moved to Hamilton, Ontario. They eventually moved back to NB and settled in Fredericton.
As a young woman, Elizabeth enjoyed softball, fishing, swimming, and camping. Later in life, she developed an interest in watercolours and writing. She completed many paintings, in addition to two published novels: The Long Walk Back and Ship’s Boy in the Arctic: Survivor. To keep active, Elizabeth bowled in the seniors’ league and square danced with the Elm Tree Squares. Her and Ron loved to travel and spent three winters in Florida before deciding to explore Canada, twice driving across the country to the west coast. They also went the other way, taking the ferry to Newfoundland, to complete her visit to all ten provinces.
Elizabeth's deep religious faith was very important to her. She was an active member of Wilmot United Church. She also graduated from the Fredericton Institute of Christian Studies, becoming a Lay Preacher who was welcomed by several congregations in the Fredericton and surrounding area.
Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 59 years, Ronald; son, Mark of Gyeongsan, South Korea; daughter, Joy McQuade (Peter) of Hanwell; grandchildren, Rachel (Cory) and Stephen, and great granddaughter, Cove. She is also survived by two sisters, Margaret Smallwood (Charlie) of Elliot Lake, ON and Myrtle van den Oetelaar (Ferdi) of Brockville, ON; as well as several nieces and nephews; and special cousin Mavis. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Bill Wright.
The family would like to thank all the staff and volunteers from Hospice House, and the home care workers from Bayshore, for the compassionate care they provided for Elizabeth. She especially appreciated Cindy, Jackie, and Lynn’s care over the past year. We would also like to thank the nurses at Four West and the extramural nurses who provided her with home care.
Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive on Friday, February 17, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. The funeral will take place at Wilmot United Church, 473 King Street on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 2 pm with Rev. Mary Tingley officiating. For those who wish, donations can be made to the Parkinson Society Canada or to Hospice House Fredericton. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com
