Mary was such a kind, compassionate, sweet lady who was loved by everyone and in her own quiet, pleasant way made all she met feel special and important. Her smile and gentle ways will long be remembered. She will be missed.


Hello family of Mary...I had the pleasure of working with Mary  at CMH  between 1982 and 1987.. As one of several young physios in the department,I was taken under Mary's wing . She delighted in all of our stories, our weddings, our babies and walked with so many of us through many hard times as well. We always knew  we would be greeted with a smile when we walked in to the department each day. This was a special place during these years ,where lifelong friendships were made . We are fortunate to have had many celebrations and reunions throughout the years as people came and went. I know I speak for many when I say we will all miss and never forget our"Mother Mary" My sympathies to all of you. Sheila Forler Bauman

We will miss Mary more than we can say.  She has been a good friend for many years.  We know she is with Gary, in Heaven . 
To Ronda and Lisa, and your families,  God bless you, and we will keep you in our prayers.

Ewart & Doreen Wheeler

We were so sorry to hear of Mary's passing.  Jack and I have memories and family photos from over the years and of more recent lunch dates with Mary and Gary and ourselves, in Cambridge.  We always had such a good time and fully enjoyed our times together. We remember Mary as she worked in the kitchen at Cambridge Corps.  She really knew how to make those luncheons or tea-times come alive for whatever occasion was being celebrated.  I see on her obituary that she had a soloist's voice.  I had forgotten that but now I wish I could hear it and be reminded.  Mary's singing in heaven now, not with a Songster Brigade and not necessarily as a soloist (but maybe!) ...  however certainly in the collective choir that sings praises to her Heavenly Father.   Mary!  Thank you for being the partner and love and friend that you were to Gary.   And for being such a beautiful family member to all of us:  sweet and cheerful, funny and kind, friendly and inclusive.  And thank you for being a precious Sunday School teacher, committed to bringing many children into the Kingdom along with you.  Well done!!  God Bless you, Mary.  Rest in Peace!

I too have fond memories of working with Mary in the "Therapy Services Department". We enjoyed her cheerful disposition and could always count on her for support and encouragement. A wonderful lady! She was so proud of her family!
Sonya

Mary welcomed me when I first came to Cambridge in 1984. She quickly became a part of my extended family.  In 1985 when she and a group of her friends visited Bermuda, my mom invited them to her home for dinner.  From that point on she became a part of my Bermuda family. When Mary and Gary came to Bermuda for their honeymoon and almost annually for their anniversaries they became members of the Nisbett /Wilkinson family.  Their visits were looked forward to each year. Recently my mother was Promoted to Glory as well. The two couples my parents and Mary and Gary are reunited in heaven. Mary taught us as Sunday school teachers  how to show God's unconditional love! Mary you will be missed but never forgotten.  We love you Mary!

I first met Mary at Selkirk Music Camp in 1960, and we have been friends ever since, visiting back and forth between Cambridge and Hamilton.  After Mary and Gary married, Trevor and I took them out for dinner to celebrate.  Even though Trevor and Gary had never met each other before this, we all had a really good time together. So good in fact, that we continued this practice of getting together for dinner, almost every month, for thirty years. These times of fun and fellowship were most enjoyable and we will always  cherish these memories in our hearts.  What a blessings our friendship was, based on a shared Christian values and commitment to God and The Salvation Army.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Lisa and Rhonda and their families; also to Helen and George Howie.  We will miss you dear Mary - and Gary too. 

Shared lots of happy holidays and special events with both Mary and Gary. She was such a kind and generous woman. I have memories of early trips to visit the family in Canada and sitting on their Living room floor playing with Buttons the dog! :-), being taken out for picnics and trips around Ontario. 

In 2007, the day after Holly and I were engaged at Niagara she insisted on taking us for a special lunch in Port Dover and she made sure she never missed the wedding in Scotland also.  We last shared time with her a couple of years ago at David and Emily's wedding.  

Lots of great memories, sorry we can't be with the family to share time together on the memorial day. We'll be thinking about you all. 

Jonathan and Holly French (Scotland)

My sincere condolences to the family,I was saddened to hear of Mary passing.Mary and I were such good friends in our younger years as some of you would know.The French’s were very much like family to me when I lived in Cambridge,I haven’t forgotten their friendship and kindness.Mary may your gentle soul Rest In Peace, To those who knew Mary, we give  thanks for the Christian life she showed and lived. 

Sincere sympathy to Mary's family. I met Mary in the early 80's when working at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Her warmth, caring,  welcoming, joyful personality  and sincere interest in people, is something I think of when reflecting on Mary's many gifts and it was a true gift to have met Mary.  We had a wonderful team and Mary was pivotal in keeping us all organized with her wonderful sense of humour and mentoring us with her humble servant leadership. God bless each of you and may the many wonderful memories of Mary bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.  Jane McKinnon Wilson

You often walk this earth wondering about people who shaped your life and  are  sorry you never told them sooner. Mary to me was one of those persons . I was a shy, scared little girl who happen to have Mary as a Sunday school teacher some almost 55 years ago. She recognized me as a new comer and was kind , warm , and non judgmental . Although I never got over my fear of Sunday school ,and didn't attend it for very long , Mary always remembered my name when passing on the street as I grew to be an adult, we exchanged pleasantries, and then for these many years lost touch  . I am sorry for your loss , but hope this eases your pain in someway . 

I first met Mary as a boy of 8 in 1964, when along with my mum and dad (Frank and Betty French), we moved to Galt from Clydebank. Mary, along with Uncle Robert and Aunt Mary, made us very welcome.
Mary was someone who was very self-assured and I recall her on picnics to Niagara falls on a Saturday,  making sure things were just so, or giving me a lift to the Army.
She was a very good singer both as a soloist and taking her part in the Songsters; she was also a very dedicated Primary Sunday School leader, and took great care to prepare and make things fun for the children.
Her marriage to Gary brought he great happiness and we were able to spend good times on visits either in Canada or Scotland - the last time at David and Emily's wedding in 2018, in Scotland.
Both Janet and I will miss Mary's smile, cheeky laugh and quiet Christian influence. 
Well done good and faithful servant!

Dear Rhonda and Lisa
I was saddened to read of your step-mother's passing.  As you may recall, my wife Doris and your mom Jean used to walk together down to Soper park to play tennis against each other. You could almost draw a straight line from the back of your house through Alison park to our house on Vardon Ave. My wife died from Alzheimer's  in March 2019. I knew your Dad And Grandfather through their positions in textile companies  and night school classes in. Hamilton . I also used to meet Gary's dad and Mary's dad at the Pioner B-B-Q at lunch time. Your dad and Mary also used to put my election signs on their lawns when I ran for Regional Council.  It sounds like Mary and your dad enjoyed visiting their grandchildren . Sincerest sympathies to you both.  Ted Fairless

Mary will be missed.  Many Sunday School choruses and Songster songs will remind me of her for many years to come. 

Mary was a very special lady, always had a smile. She will be greatly missed.  We send our condolences to Mary's family and friends. 

What memories over the years , there are many happy times mostly  from our childhood   with our parents and grandparents, and   you and I when we had overnight stays at grandmas before you left for america, not knowing years later our families would be together again in Canada . I would be married to George and have two children, one of whom would be your god daughter Glynis. and David who was always following you around. We then in our older years had many lovely holidays with you and Gary, hear in Scotland and in Canada .Happy days.may you now sleep peacefully with our lord love always Helen and George.

Mary was a very lovely lady and a wonderful wife for Gary who I new very well.
I'm sure she will be missed by family and friends

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Mary McKenzie French

22 juillet 1940 – 22 janvier 2021

Coutts Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

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