We Remember
RUTHERFORD, Elizabeth Lavinia
October 1, 1932 — April 6, 2023
Elizabeth Lavinia Rutherford passed away peacefully at the age of 90, surrounded by family, on April 6, 2023, in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.
Liz was predeceased by her son, Richard Ian Rutherford, and her husband, Dr. Peter Rutherford, as well as her parents Richard Gordon Lawson and Mary Lavinia Lawson (née Tyson). She is survived by her son, Martin Rutherford, and daughter-in-law, Jill Cochrane; grandchildren, Ian of Kelowna, BC, Susie of Calgary, AB, and Julie of Toronto, ON; great-grandchildren Elijah and Charlotte; and her siblings, Richard of Spain, and Lyn of England.
Liz was born and raised in the Lake District, Cumbria, England. In her earlier years, she loved the mountains and hiking. She married Dr Peter Rutherford in 1954, and helped manage his medical practice, including fielding patient phone calls at all hours of the night.
In 1973, they moved to Gander, Newfoundland, where they fell in love with the easygoing and friendly environment. They were both lovers of golf. They lived in Gander with their sons, Richard and Martin, for 10 years before moving back to England in 1983. After Peter’s passing, she returned to Canada to be closer to family.
Liz loved cards and was a highly competitive and skilled duplicate bridge player. She was witty, quick on her feet, and enjoyed socializing, games, and travel. Although she was clever at bridge, she could never fool anyone at poker dice and was terrible at bluffing!
Family and friends were most important to her, and she spent the majority of her time with those she held dear. May she rest peacefully.
Liz’s family sincerely thanks all the staff, as well as her friends, at Chartwell and Sandalwood retirement homes.
In keeping with Liz’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. She will be honoured in the hearts of those who had the joy of knowing her.
Donations may be made to the Canadian Red Cross or Canadian Cancer Society.
GALLERY (Photos of Liz)
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Canadian Red Cross or Canadian Cancer Society Link: www.redcross.ca, www.cancer.ca
Condolences
While we never had the pleasure of knowing Martin’s mom, we know how much she meant to the whole family and how much fun and “divilment” she passed on to him. Our deepest condolences to all. May your wonderful memories keep her ever close.
Dear Jill, Martin and family; may you take comfort in all your memories. Big hugs 🤗
So sorry Martin to hear that your mom has passed Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers❤️🙏
Dear Jill, Martin and Family,
We are so happy we had the opportunity to get to know and spend time with your mom, grandmother and great grandmother.
Thinking of you all at this difficult time . Hope you have comfort in the many years of great memories and chuckles!
Love,
Linda, John and Family
My deepest condolences to Martin, Jill and family
on the loss of Liz. Thinking of you and remembering the good times. Love Tess
Dear Martin, Jill, Ian, Suzie and Julie,
We were very sorry to hear of Liz’s passing. It was so nice to have our visits with her over more recent years. Sending our sincere condolences and love to all.
Paul, Brenda and Bryan and Mihal
It was such a privilege to have known Liz and all family members and to have shared such great times with them, both in the Lake District and latterly in Canada. Our condolences to all the family.
Malc & Mary Armstrong
I always looked forward to seeing Liz at the bridge table, always smiling and ready for a good game.
Faye Pollhammer
Dear Martin and Family, we were so privileged to have known your Mom and Dad. We send our condolences and may you treasure the happy memories.