Mary Elizabeth Ennis

With a tender hearted sadness, and yet full of gratitude for the beautiful life and love of our Sweet Mom, Mary Elizabeth Ennis (nee Rowbottom), we announce her passing on February 10, 2024 at Hillside Pines Home for Special Care in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.

Born on Little Bay Islands, Newfoundland on December 2, 1944, Mary was one of eleven children born to John Rowbottom of Long Island, NL and Mavis Rowbottom (nee Locke) of Little Bay Islands, NL.

Mary will be remembered by all who knew her for her infectious cheerfulness and her beautiful smile. Her life’s purpose was rooted in attentiveness and kindness towards others. Always a true hearted friend, Mary nurtured her relationships with devotion, eager to bond through visits, phone calls, and all those beautiful handwritten letters. If you shared a connection with Mary, know that she cherished you and thought of you often.

Mary was well traveled and so grateful and in awe of all she experienced and saw throughout her worldly adventures, but was even happier when she was driving and exploring the Annapolis Valley and shores of Nova Scotia, often with her sister Rita and friends aboard.

More than anywhere, Mary loved and longed for her childhood home of Little Bay Islands returning there again and again. All her life she shared the stories of her birthplace with such fondness and gratitude particularly for the kindness and love of her parents and the wholesome upbringing her life on that beautiful island with all her cherished friends afforded her.

Mom’s spirituality was practiced out in nature where she remained in child-like awe of the profound beauty of exploring by the ocean or being amongst the trees. She appreciated the simple moments in life of being in good company and good humor. Her heart connections with others were always authentic, and with devotion, she cultivated the love of her friendships. Mary was that friend who always made the effort to let you know how special you were to her.

We, her children, are so grateful to have been raised by such a warm and compassionate Mom who ensured we always felt deeply loved and supported. She was an incredible role model of how to be appreciative and graceful and strong, even when life was hard. Thank you, Mom.

Mary is survived by her children, Marshall Ennis (Tamara) of Calgary and daughter Tara Ennis-Beals (Mark) of Lunenburg as well as her six grandchildren, Kayley, Ryerson, Matthew, Taryn, Corbin and Jessie and great-grandsons, Beauden and Elias.

She is survived by sisters, Rita McAdie (Ted) of Greenwood, NS and Shirley Weicker of Tavistock, Ont, and brothers, Max (Dianne) of Norris Arm, NL, Gord (Kathy) of Gander, NL, Albert and Brian, both of Lewisporte, NL and Bill of Victoria, BC. She was predeceased by brothers, Karl of Victoria, BC and Lloyd and Jimmy of Little Bay Islands, NL.

Our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Hillside Pines Home for Special Care in Bridgewater for the compassionate care, attention and love they bestowed upon Mom since her move there in March of 2018.

Honoring Mary’s wishes, cremation has occurred.

For those who feel inspired to make a memorial donation, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mahone Funeral Home, P.O. Box 200, 32 Parish St., Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0 (902-624-8241). Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.mahonefuneral.ca