Mary Edith Dee

Born in east end Toronto, Mary enjoyed a happy and unspoiled childhood, surrounded by love. Mary was the first woman in her family to obtain a university degree, graduating with a degree in Moderns from Victoria College, University of Toronto. After teaching French and German at Weston Collegiate for a few years, she married Charles, a fellow teacher, in 1955. Mary enjoyed every minute of being a stay-at-home mother to care for their two children, Jonathan and Mary, returning to teach French for a few fun years at Meisterschaft College later in their lives. Charles and Mary shared a love of classical music, with adventures to Tanglewood and New York City to hear Leinsdorf and Bernstein. Finally getting to Paris was one of the highlights of Mary’s life, as was the excitement of travelling to Petra, Jordan, the culmination of a long-held fascination with TE Lawrence and the desert. Despite these events, Mary counts seeing her babies’ faces for the first time as the thrill of her life. A member of the Metropolitan United Church choir in Toronto for 21 years, Good Friday concerts were especially meaningful to Mary. She cherished the love, friendship and laughter of the other choristers and Dr Patricia Wright. Mary was grateful for her relationship with Dr Malcolm Sinclair and the faith he gave her in the love and goodness of God. Mary had a kind and gentle heart, taking a genuine interest in everyone she met. The most loving mother, grandmother and giving wife, Mary always had a twinkle in her eye and an abiding love of life. We are all richer for having known her. Friends are invited to attend a reception at 12 noon and a service at 1pm for Mary at Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St E, Toronto, on Tuesday August 14th, 2018. Donations in her honour may be made to the Metropolitan United Church choir.