Elizabeth (Liza) June (nee Chadburn) Samuel passed away peacefully at her home Sunday, March 16, 2008, with her family by her side, after a long, heroic battle with cancer and emphysema. She was the first love, beloved wife and best friend of Canadian Industrialist Ernest L (Ernie) Samuel, OC (Deceased). Loving and proud Mom of Kim Samuel-Johnson, Tammy Samuel-Balaz, (Deceased), and Mark Chadburn Samuel. Beloved daughter of the late William Roy and Constance Chadburn of Toronto, Ontario. Elizabeth was the devoted and loving Grandmother to five amazing Grandchildren, Caitlin Samuel-Johnson, Lisa and Michael Balaz and Emma and Griffin Samuel who loved their Gramma very much.
Elizabeth was a graduate of Trinity College, University of Toronto. She loved her family, her company, her sailing, her Museum, her gardens and her dogs. She cherished her friendships and always had kindness and humour to share in abundance.
Elizabeth was a director and former chairman of the 153 year old family steel service centre business, Samuel, Son & Co., Limited and was a director and former chairman of the publicly-traded industrial products company, Samuel Manu-Tech Inc. Elizabeth shared her love of horses with her children and along with her husband, Ernie, founded Sam-Son Farm, one of North America’s leading thoroughbred breeding and racing operations. A strong believer in giving back to her community and her country, she was a significant philanthropist through the Samuel Family Foundation to the health care, cultural and academic sectors. In 2002, she was the recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal.
Elizabeth was a former Chairman of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) Board of Trustees and former Co-chair of the ROM Foundation Board of Governors. Elizabeth will be missed by a wealth of friends but her energy, enthusiasm, tenacity and loving nature will live on in all who knew her.
Visitation will take place at Glen Oaks Memorial Chapel, 3164 9th Line, Oakville from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Tuesday March 18th and from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19th. All are welcome. There will be a private family funeral on Thursday March 20th at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to her beloved Royal Ontario Museum or to the cancer care organization of your choice would be appreciated.
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