Mary Elizabeth Haylock

We share, with full hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, the passing of our dearly loved mother, Mary Elizabeth Haylock. Born July 9, 1942, in Halifax to John (“Jack”) and Sarah (“Sally,” née McKeagan), Mary was a force of life—radiant, energetic, and endlessly generous, squeezing every bit of joy from whatever life threw her way, she passed on March 8, 2026.

Mary’s greatest pride was her family. She is lovingly survived by her four children—Wendy (Gaston), Steven (Cindy), Scott (Aileen), and Debbie (Steven)—as well as her three stepchildren, Gabriel (Jill), Tessa (Joseph), and Meghan (Mike). Her presence will continue to be felt through her 13 grandchildren—Nicole, Mark, Ben, Alison, Dan, Lauren, Alexandra, Isabella, Gus, Graeme, Abby, Ty, and Ellie—and in the bright new life of her first great grandchild, baby Luca. She also leaves behind her former wife, Gail Logan, with whom she shared a meaningful chapter of her life.

Mary is predeceased by her first husband, Michael Johnson, her sister, Susan Burchell, and her nephew T-Scott Burchell.

Mary carried a vibrant spirit and a deep, unwavering love that touched everyone she met, leaving a light in every space she entered. If you had the privilege of knowing her, you likely heard her proudly recount the many chapters of her remarkable career: an “old OR nurse” from the Victoria General (class of 1963); an ordained clergy member of the United Church of Canada; a community chaplain supporting women in conflict with the law; and, most recently a psychotherapist, practicing well into her 79th year.

A lifelong feminist, Mary cared deeply for other women. It feels fitting that she passed on International Women’s Day, a day that reflects the very values she lived and breathed. Throughout her own journey, and in the lives of countless women she supported, Mary demonstrated bravery and worked tirelessly to uplift those at their most vulnerable. We all benefitted from Mary’s strength and determination.

In her final years, Mary devoted her heart and energy to what she cherished most: her children and grandchildren. She was endlessly proud of her children and grandchildren, and an avid and gifted knitter, creating handmade pieces for everyone she loved. Along with baby clothes, hats, mittens, and countless sweaters, she discovered a special blanket pattern, and went on to knit more than nineteen of them over the past two years for her family, with two still on her needles at the time of her passing. Creativity was her comfort and her joy. She also delighted in word puzzles and, in her later days, found happiness in all things pink.

In the past few months, Mary faced numerous hospitalizations as she navigated the challenges of pulmonary fibrosis. She met this chapter with the same bravery, optimism, grace, and determination that had carried her through every stage of her life before it. She remained cheerful, curious, and deeply appreciative of those around her, particularly her children who offered her tender care and support.

True to the values instilled in her by her father, Jack, Mary made sure to learn the names of everyone involved in her care. She offered genuine warmth not only to her nurses and doctors, but especially to the housekeepers and care team assistants whose work is often unseen. Her kindness created meaningful moments of connection that brightened the days of those who cared for her.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the dedicated care team on Unit 8.2 at the Halifax Infirmary for their attentive support during Mary’s many hospital stays. Deep appreciation is also extended to the Palliative Care Unit at the Victoria General Hospital, whose compassionate and dignified care provided comfort and peace in her final days.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Snow’s Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life with drop in visitation will be held on Friday, March 20th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather, share memories, and honour Mary’s remarkable life (wear a knitted memory if you have one). Donations can be made in Mary’s memory to the NS PEI Lung Association or the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia.