I am a first cousin to Mary, and feel badly that I was unable to come to the funeral.  My mother,( Mary) was a sister to Jack, and although we never visited often, I regret the loss of those early years and wish we could have known each other growing up.  We met at Kathy's funeral and I liked Mary so much.  My condolences to her family.  Barb McLean (Rowan)

I attended your Mom's memorial today.... what a wonderful lady..... I first met Mary in 1988 when I worked as HR Manager at Dana Canada in Cambridge, and we quickly formed a lasting friendship.  I remember the great times with her and Brenda and of course Robert........She was a such a wonderful mentor to this new kid on the block... and inspired me to continue to work with United Way for many years.  She was such a support to me when my husband passed away in 1996 at a very young age.

Your mother has certainly left a wonderful legacy to be very proud of.  I will miss her.

Joyce Bennett-Birnstihl

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mary's children and their families. My first stint as a Loaned Representative in 2000 was with Mary as my staff partner at the Guelph United Way. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Mary as she had a great sense of humour and was a true inspiration to me.  I am so glad that I had the opportunity and honour of working with her. 
Isabella Barretto - Guelph, United Way.

I will always be grateful to Mary for her knowledge, insight, guidance and friendship while we worked to ensure a successful United Way Campaign in Oakville in 2010.  My condolences to the entire family.  She always spoke lovingly of her children and grandchildren. I will always remember her with great fondness.

My most sincere condolences to Mary's family.  I had the pleasure of meeting her at United Way of Oakville. She was a wonderful person.

Bertha Juarez

Mary - So many fond memories! The Santa Clause parade, George's cottage, camping at Osler, Sunday dinners at the farm, cutting hair at the kitchen table(When I had it!), typing my essays and laughing.
You were always a bright light in our family!
And now peace to you for a life well lived. So many will miss you. My best to all those who will forever have you in their heart, especially Cherri,Brad, Paul and their families.
You once wrote a note to me.
Beginnings:
The waters as they roar to sea
A song of triumph sing.
Strange to think great rivers start,
With just a tiny spring.
May the spring of your life flow through us all forever!

Please accept our condolences for your loss. It was a sad day when I heard of your mom's passing but I am sure that pales in comparision to the emotions you are all going through now. 

Mary was a terrific woman whose life impacted not only those around her and in her community but flowed outward to multiple communities as well. She will definitely be missed so I hope your heart can be filled with great memories as we reflect on the good life she lived. 

Mary's spirit may have left her earthly body but she will still be watching over you all.

My thoughts are prayers go out to the Park family.  Your Mother was a true community leader and I can see that her children are following in her path.

Paul and family - My condolences during this trying time. I never had the pleasure of meeting your mother, but if the care and devotion and love that you gave when it was needed is a reflection of your mothers character and love for you - then you should count yourself lucky for having such a great mother.

My heartfelt condolences to the family.  I had the privilege of working with Mary at United Way of Oakville a number of years ago.  She was a wonderful and caring person and I know that she will be greatly missed but never out of our thoughts.

My deepest sympathy to the Park family on the loss of your mother. She was an astonishing woman and each one of you has been blessed in equal measure with her strength and love of family.

Mary assisted the Brant United Way at a time when it was most needed. Her humour and knowledge helped to put us on track and build a strong foundation that has been built on. Her memory will live on in her contributions.
Kathy Weidhaas (Previous Board Member, Brant United Way)

It is always difficult to lose your mother ,our condolences go out to Cherri our daughter-in-law,Ron,the grandchildren ,and her brothers Brad and Paul and their families

My condolences to the Park family in the loss of a great mother, grandmother and friend. I had the priveledge to work with Mary for many years as she served with the United Way of Guelph. She was truly an inspiration! Although I have never met the rest of her family, Mary was always sharing her stories of those she loved. We had always remained in contact and I will miss her dearly. She gave me strength when I lost my brother to cancer 1 & 1/2 years ago. Her legacy will continue in the hearts of all she touched with her passion for life and helping others.

Sending your family much love. 
Janet Krueger Gick

My heart breaks for all of you.  Mary was a mentor and friend. I'll never forget her.  Thinking about you all. Alex Lippert

My condolences go out to the Park family in the loss of a dear Mother & Grandmother.  I had the privelege of working with Mary in 2007/2008 at Brant United Way.  I have very fond memories of the time she spent with us.  Her love of family and her passion for fundraising and United Way will be her legacy.  She was a wonderfull lady and will missed greatly.

Your Mom meant so much to my family.  For me growing up, all of you were an everyday part of our lives.  The funny games, the water fights, camping at the Pinery will and have always been memories that have never left my mind.  We spent endless summers hanging out of the front lawn, just having fun...........although times changed, these values from your Mom have always been a part of me.  Love and thoughts to all of you, Tee

Our condolences to the family in the loss of Mary.  We are long term friends of Paul and Carley and we know by the way Paul talked about his mother that she was a wonderful woman.  Our sympaythy goes out to you.

Sincerely   Glen and Betty Lou Brough, Wiarton.

My condolences to the entire Park family. Brad, Rebecca and Family I am thinking of all of you.

WHITE  ASHES

In silently contemplating the transient nature of human existence, nothing is more fragile and fleeting in this world than the life of a person. Life swiftly passes and who among people can maintain his or her form for even a hundred years?
Whether I go before others, or others go before me, whether it be today or it be tomorrow, who is to know?
Those who leave before us are countless as drops of dew. Though in the morning we may have radiant health, in the evening we may return to white ashes. When the winds of impermanence blow, our eyes are closed forever, and when the last breath leaves us, our face loses its colour. 
Though loved ones gather and lament, everything is to no avail. The body is then sent into an open field and vanishes from this world with the smoke of cremation, leaving only the white ashes. There is nothing more real than this truth of life. The fragile nature of human existence underlies both the young and the old. 
By so understanding the meaning of death, we shall come to fully appreciate the meaning of this life which is unrepeatable and thus to be treasured above all else. By virtue of true compassion let us together live with Mary in our hearts.

I had the privilege of working with Mary for a very short period of time when I started with the UWO. I found her to be a  wonderful, funny and charming woman who spoke fondly of her children and grandchildren and was dedicated to the United Way and what it stood for. She will be missed by many and I'm thankful for the opportunity to have met her!

My thoughts and prayers to all. Mary touched the lives of many people within the United Way movement and the communities in which she worked. Although I never worked with her directly, her lessons in fundraising were passed down to me through those she taught. 
Thinking of all of you during this very difficult time.

My hearts go out to the Park family.  I did not know Mary Park but I worked with both Brad and Paul and they are great guys.....so their Mom had to be great lady.  My heart goes out to you at this sad time.  Hold onto the happy memories, they will get you through this tough time.

OBITUARY

Mary Joanne Park

9 November, 1940 – 9 April, 2012

T. Little Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

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