MacLENNAN, Elizabeth Jane

Born 23 June 1939 in Toronto; died 25 June 2026 in Elora with family by her side. 

Liz’s life was characterized by her spirit of generosity, kindness, optimism, and innate curiosity. Her home -- filled with works by artists and artisans, antiques, books, and the ever-present CBC radio -- was a frequent gathering spot for friends and family and represented elements of life that brought her joy. Her project of creating a naturalized garden at the front of her house was her passion in her final years and she loved to share that beauty. Liz believed that she lived through the best of times and her love of family and friends, music, the arts, travel, and the natural environment lit the path of her life. 

Liz was born in Toronto and grew up in Lawrence Park, attended John Ross Robertson PS, Lawrence Park CI, Victoria College and Teacher’s College at the University of Toronto. While at Teachers’ College she met and married Ken MacLennan who would be her loving and beloved partner until his death almost 50 years later. Their first child, Alexandra (Sandy), was born in Toronto and their second child, Andrew, was born in England during a year in which Ken was an exchange teacher in St. Alban’s. Upon return to Canada, Liz and Ken moved to an old farmhouse on Fraserdale Farm in King Township where they lived for close to three decades. 

While in King, Liz returned to university part-time to complete her BA at York University and MEd at OISE. She began her career as an elementary school teacher and moved to post-secondary education, once her children began school, with a long and varied career at Seneca College. This was followed by post-retirement work as a consultant in a variety of other local colleges. 

In retirement, Liz and Ken moved to Elora, Ontario, where Liz became an active member of the arts community, a member of multiple book groups, a community advocate, and, after Ken died in 2019, a patient-family representative on several provincial health care committees. In addition to being an educator, Liz was a life-long learner, always continuing to engage in new activities and stay active in her community – always curious about politics, new technologies, places, people, and the wider world. 

Liz and Ken’s early years were peppered with camping journeys across Canada and the USA. When they no longer had children in tow, their travel adventures shifted to cycling, sea kayaking, and hiking holidays in Europe and the Americas; and then small group tours and river & ocean cruises in Asia, Africa, and Europe. 

Liz also enjoyed several trips in Europe and North America with friends from childhood, her time at Seneca, and her chi-chi group, as well as her daughter, Alex. Liz also loved the performing arts and regularly attended theatre, music, and dance performances both at home in Toronto (King) and the Elora area, and when travelling. This appreciation lives on in her family with early trips to theatre and music performances forming strong early memories in her children, nieces and nephews. She was also an avid reader and supporter of literary events. 

Liz was predeceased by her parents Alice (née Dawson) and William Chater; siblings Barbara Fraser Zacour (Wally), Nancy Wickett (Howard), Bill (Sue Schafeitlin), Doris Reddick (Bill); and husband, Kenneth. Liz leaves behind her loving children: son, Andrew MacLennan, Elora; and daughter, Alexandra MacLennan, & son-in-law, Eric Edquist, Toronto. As the baby of her family, Liz was the final member of her generation in the Chater family and will be deeply missed by many nieces and nephews from both the Chater and MacLennan sides of the family. 

A celebration of Liz’s life will be held in September. In Liz’s memory, donations may be made to Dying With Dignity, the Elora Centre for the Arts, or a charity of your choice.