Obituary of Geraldine Mathieu Elliott

Geraldine Mathieu Burney Elliott

 

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Geraldine Mathieu Elliott on August 6, 2025.

 

Geraldine (Geri) Mathieu Burney was born on June 10, 1929 in Washington D.C. Her family moved to Louisiana and she eventually studied literature at Louisiana State University where she was named the ‘sweetheart of Sigma Chi’. In 1949 she met her life-long partner, Owen Forbes Elliott from Delaware Ontario. They married on September 2, 1950 in New Orleans and soon moved to the “North” where Owen started a career with The Dow Chemical Company. Dow would take the family to Toronto ON, Calgary AB, Sarnia ON, Zurich Switzerland and Houston TX. During this time, they welcomed three children, and with every new place they settled, Geri created a warm and loving home.

 

Tenacious, creative, sociable, and resourceful, Geri was keenly interested in all things, with a particular passion for nature, art, music, playing bridge, puzzles and travelling. In addition to being a loving mother, devoted daughter and supporting wife, Geri was a past member of the IODE and DAR. Geri had a great sense of humor and was a terrific cook. Her insight on politics and world affairs, as well as her intelligent conversation will be missed at family gatherings. In the mid 2000s Geri moved back to Sarnia, and most recently resided at The Village on the St Clair.

 

Geri is predeceased by her husband Owen Forbes Elliott (2000), her father Robert Emmett Burney (1964) of Macon Georgia, her mother Suzanne Mathieu (1981) of Namur Belgium and her sister Elizabeth Suzanne (Betty Sue) Grayson of New Orleans.

 

She will be greatly missed by her family, daughter Karen Suzanne Schaw (John) of Grand Rapids MI, son Robert Owen Elliott (Kim) of Bluffton SC, and daughter Kathryn Norma Elliott of Bright’s Grove ON. Her granddaughters Christine Schaw O’Brien (Jim) and Laura Schaw Pinter (Jeremy) both of Grand Rapids MI. Two great grandsons lovingly called her ‘Gigi’ — Sean and Jamie O’Brien.

 

Cremation has already taken place. Internment at Poplar Hill Cemetery and a private family celebration of life will take place at a later date.

 

The family would like to thank the staff at Village on the St Clair, Bayshore Healthcare, and Bluewater Health Palliative Care Unit for their compassion and care.

 

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to express sympathy may donate to

Alzheimer Society Canada: alzheimercanada.donorsupport.co

The City of Sarnia (Park – Trees & Garden improvements): sarnia.ca/donations

 

Arrangements entrusted to McKenzie & Blundy Funeral HOme & Cremation Centre.