Mary Jane Dickson

The third child of Grace (Leeming) Collins and Frederick Haultain Collins, Mary Jane grew up in Peterborough, on McDonnell St. with her siblings, Janet, Jim, and Robin. She attended Central School, PCVS, and went on to study nursing, part of the first graduating class of the Peterborough Civic Hospital. She spent 95 summers at Stony Lake with numerous cousins on the Leeming and Collins Islands, and was introduced there to MacKenzie Dickson, whom she married in 1951, at St. Andrew's Church. She and Kenzie moved to Ormstown, Quebec, where Parker was born, returned to Peterborough, sharing a home with Janet and her family, at 194 McDonnell St., where Peter and Hilary were born. They then moved to Toronto where Becca, Amy and Bronwen were born, living there for forty years before returning to Peterborough.

Mary Jane took such good care of her family, but she didn't stop there; over the years she welcomed so many people into our lives. She didn't search them out, but if they showed up at the door, she took them in: "Other mother" to Allison, Collin, Kevin, and Sandy Smith; forever mother to Michele Morgan; and hostess of a safe harbour for numerous friends and relations through the years. Though she gave up nursing to care for her children, when they were older and more independent, she volunteered with Family Services in Toronto and was recognized for her exemplary 10 years of service. She and Kenzie provided loving care to their son Parker, allowing him to live at home until his death from MS.

Mary Jane was a loving and much loved wife to Kenzie and mother to Parker, Peter, Hilary, Becca (Angus MacDonald), Amy, Bronwen (Derek Perks), and Michele Morgan (Ciaran O'Cleirigh). Granny (great) to Rian (Taya, Noa), Eric (Grace), Morgan (Jack, Austin), Hannah, Nicole, Danni (Rowan, Leif, Teddy), Britain (Lilah, Hendrix), Molly (Lee, Kiki), MaryJane, MacKenzie (Caitriona), Ceinwen, Sarah and Joseph.

She was pre-deceased by her husband, Kenzie, her siblings, and three children, Parker, Peter, and Amy.

So many people admired how she faced tragedy and challenge with her quiet strength, dignity, and grace. We are grateful she went gently into that good night.

Memorial service will be held in Peterborough, July 27, 11:00 a.m., at Comstock-Kaye Life Celebration Centre. If desired, donations may be made in Mary Jane's memory to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Online condolences can be made at www.comstockkaye.com