Community Builders Awards: Elizabeth Mackinnon left a legacy of leadership, compassion and community service

Elizabeth Mackinnon was a dedicated community leader in Sault Ste. Marie, known for her passion for service and commitment to improving the lives of others. 

Reflecting on her life, her daughter Molly Mackinnon said, “Community and family were always her number one priority.” 

Although she had lived in the United States for decades, she always felt a strong pull to Canada. 

She loved the change of seasons, camping, skiing and held a deep appreciation for the country. She then made Sault Ste. Marie her home.

A member of the Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie for 35 years, Elizabeth played a pivotal role in the club’s projects including serving as president and leading various initiatives. 

One of her most significant contributions was heading the Breast Cancer Comfort Pillows campaign which provided cushions to breast cancer patients post-surgery. 

This project continues today, bringing comfort to many women in need.

Her peers in the Zonta Club admired her leadership, humour and unwavering dedication. 

One member recalled, “Elizabeth was an enthusiastic fundraiser and inspired others to do the same.” 

Others remembered her warm personality and humility. 

Her husband would often suggest she drive their convertible, to which she would reply, "No, no, I’m not driving that car; it looks ostentatious." This modesty coupled with a quiet determination was a hallmark of her character.

Elizabeth’s commitment to service extended well beyond Zonta. 

With a background in social work, she embodied compassion and worked with the Children’s Aid Society before serving as Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

Additionally, she volunteered with organizations such as Meals on Wheels, the Canadian Cancer Society and the United Way.

Reflecting on her mother’s life, Mackinnon shared, “She had a thing about her age. She never told anyone. ‘You just didn’t,’ she’d say. She knew ageism was real and you didn’t just give that information away.”

Her tireless dedication to the community earned her recognition from the United Way and an honour from Business and Professional Women during Women’s Week in 1992. 

A Zonta Club member once quipped, “When I grow up, I want to be just like Elizabeth.” She truly was an inspiration and role model to everyone around her.

Elizabeth passed away on March 24, 2017, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and dedication. 

She grew up in the Depression, where there wasn’t even enough money to develop her baby pictures. 

Her daughter shared, “She was a person who lived through challenges and yet emerged with so much compassion. She was incredibly gracious and always stayed true to herself.”

In the end, Elizabeth Mackinnon’s legacy of service continues to inspire those she left behind, with her memory living on in the countless lives she touched. 

“Truly, my mom’s life in the Sault was always a surprise. ‘You’re doing what, mom?’ She was such a private person and she didn’t share everything she was doing. She would just do these things quietly. That’s how she was raised and she held onto that through all the bumps and lumps in her life,” shared Mackinnon. 

The Legacy Award is awarded posthumously to an individual who has created lasting change and measurable difference in our community through commitment and perseverance. This award pays tribute to an individual’s professional, social or cultural leadership, vision and his or her ongoing legacy.

This award is proudly sponsored by Eye Deal Optical.