Mary E. Elliott

Mary Elizabeth Elliott (December 10, 1923 – September 10, 1976) was a Canadian plant pathologist and mycologist who spent 28 years with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. She was known for her work on the taxonomy and physiology of the Sclerotiniaceae; she was also knowledgeable in the identification of mushrooms, a service she offered regularly to the public, and served as president of the Canadian Botanical Association.

Career In 1946, Elliott was assigned to work as a technician with J.W. Groves at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa. Her studies on Sclerotiniaceae included her own taxonomic work in addition to physiological and developmental work started by Drayton and Groves. Along with Dr. J.W. Groves, she published a series of articles describing new species of Stromatinia, Streptotinia, and reported the sexual behaviour of other genera in the Sclerotiniaceae. As curator, Mary worked to ensure that the storehouse of mycological information would aid staff mycologists and visiting scientists studying the taxonomy, morphology, life history, distribution, and range of hosts or substrates.

In 1972 Elliott accepted the position of secretary of the Canadian Botanical Association (CBA), she was successively nominated Vice-President in 1974, and President in 1975. She was just beginning her term as Past President at the time of her death.

Death and legacy Elliott died on September 10, 1976, in a homicide by an emotionally disturbed youth whom she had been helping.

The Mary Elliott Service Award is given to an individual for meritorious service to the CBA. It was first awarded in 1978 in memory of Elliott's contributions and untimely passing.