Elizabeth Caroline Ascher

Elizabeth Ascher, born in Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1869, was a local reporter for The St. Catharines Standard and active in many regional charitable and social organizations.
During the War, she became an advocate for the Polish Relief Fund, raising money, clothing, and hospital supplies for the Polish soldiers in Europe and the civilians living in war-torn Poland.
During the influenza outbreak, Elizabeth risked her own safety to care for the soldiers. For her attentive nature, she was nicknamed the “Angel of Mercy” by the ailing men.
In 1922, Elizabeth became the first Canadian civilian decorated with the Chevalier’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta in recognition for her kindness towards the soldiers and her devotion to the Polish cause. She also received several other Polish medals and distinctions including the Medal of Haller and the military Medal for Long Service; she was named an Honorary Colonel of the Polish Army.