Mary Elizabeth (Liz) Boileau

BOILEAU, Mary Elizabeth (Liz) (nee. Whaling) – Born in Chatham Ontario, 63 years ago, Lizzy will be missed immensely by Marc, her partner in life (Oct. 15, 1971).
“She was my soul mate for 45 years and I admire her beyond all who I have known. She endured her Herculean burden of cancer like the many challenges we faced together. She made it look effortless like the grace of an albatross sailing inches above the ragged grasp of the sea.”
Her sons, Deric and Michael and their families will also miss her deeply. She has five grandchildren: Zachary and Jordan sons of Deric and Dianne (Whitehouse Tennessee); Mitchell, and twins Rene and Vanessa, children of Michael and Kirsten (St. Jacobs Ontario).
She was predeceased by her father (1996) mother (2011) and brother Richard (2003). It was, however, the fun-loving spirit of her grandmother, Rhona “Nanny” DeHetre (1898 to 1991) that Lizzy embodied most.
She is also survived by three brothers: Michael Whaling (Austin Texas), Jerome Whaling (Chatham, Ontario) and William Whaling (Naaleu, Hawai’i)
She loved her “Boileau” parents (predeceased: Geraldine, 1979; Roland 2012) and Maxine. They all loved her and bonded her into our family too. Marc’s sisters Michele, Lisa, Colette and brothers Andre, Bernie, JP and all their spouses and children are mourning her loss.
Her pluck was admired by her colleagues and the employees alike at Teutech Industries, which capped her 25+ year career as a human resources professional. She was humbled when they donated more than seven thousand dollars in her name for cancer research (London Health Sciences Centre) and treatment (Grand River Regional Cancer Centre). She had also been previously employed in HR at Cornell University, Conestoga College, Zepf Technologies and Waterloo Maple. She had also been active in quilting and craft guilds in Ithaca, NY and locally.
On her behalf, the family thanks the surgeon at LHSC and her oncologists at GRRCC and Princess Margaret Hospital for their care and efforts to extend her life.
Her final end on July 6, 2016 was peaceful in the company of her husband, son and sisters-in-law. In the weeks before she was pleased to enjoy the company of her family and by her best friends and work colleagues from the Guelph and Chatham-Kent areas.
Memorial visitation will be held at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, Wednesday, July 27 6-9 p.m. A second memorial visitation will be held in the Chatham-Kent area on October 15th location to be announced in Chatham.
Memorial donations to Grand River Regional Cancer Centre in lieu of flowers are appreciated.