Elizabeth McKinlay-Vaillancourt

Beloved wife of Larry and deeply proud and supportive mother of David and Sarah‑Beth. Energetic daughter of Anne (predeceased) and Robert; bossy big sister to James (Becky) and Bonnie (Roy); and doting aunt to Emily and Owen. Life‑long friend to Laurie. Daughter‑in‑law to Elizabeth (predeceased) and granddaughter‑in‑law to Larry (predeceased) and Fran. Granddaughter to Robert and Mary McKinlay (predeceased) and Roy and Edith Kirvan (predeceased).

At an early age, Elizabeth gravitated to her Scottish ancestry through her close relationship with her paternal grandmother Mary. Her prized possession from infancy is Angus, a stuffed Scotty Dog with a tartan hat. Elizabeth has slept with Angus almost every night of her life and he will be laid to rest with her.

Elizabeth loved giraffes. If space and local laws permitted, she would have definitely owned one. If anyone were ever stuck for a gift for Elizabeth, they knew to get her something with a giraffe on it.

And if no giraffe item was available, then something with the Baltimore Orioles would do the trick as Elizabeth was a long-time fan of the team with Cal Ripken Jr. being her all-time favourite player. Elizabeth and her family made numerous trips to Baltimore to see her favourite team in action.

You may not have heard of the television show 240‑Robert, as it ran for only 16 episodes more than 45 years ago, but it introduced Elizabeth to actor Mark Harmon, with whom she maintained a lifelong crush. Alas, she could not make things work and so she “settled” for Larry, who was by her side for 35 years.

Elizabeth always wanted to be a mother, so it was no surprise that her children, David and Sarah‑Beth, were her pride and joy. She was a devoted and hands‑on mother who cheered their successes, steadied them through challenges, and took immense pride in the people they were becoming. Her love for them was constant, generous, and unconditional. Even through illness, her focus remained on them—offering encouragement, humour, and reassurance, and making sure they always felt supported and deeply loved. Above all, Elizabeth was considerate and selfless and always put her family first.

Elizabeth will be lovingly remembered by her family along with a large circle of friends, neighbours, and extended family.

The family will receive guests at Cresmount Funeral Home, 322 Fennell Ave. E., on Wednesday, 13 May, from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. A private burial service will follow.

The family would like to thank the compassionate staff at the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre for supporting Elizabeth throughout her illness, and the staff of the St. Joseph’s Healthcare ICU for their care and comfort during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation or St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation.