Mary Elizabeth Devoe Fry

March 27, 1920 – July 7, 2014

Florence

It is with deep sadness that we the family regret to announce our mother Mary has completed her earthly journey to enter her eternal home on July 7, 2014.

Mom was born in Little Bras D’or. She was the daughter of the late Fred and Henrietta (Doucet) Devoe.

She was a very active and devout member of St. Stephen’s parish, Florence, Nova Scotia. She was a founding member of the St. Stephen’s Catholic Women’s League in which she served as president for a number of years and various other positions for over thirty years. She was also a founding member of the St. Anne’s Society. She was also a member of the parish council for a number of years during which time she served as secretary. Mom accompanied the church choir to Halifax where they sang at mass during the visit of Pope John Paul.

One of Mom’s happiest moments was when her cousin, Rev. Richard Devoe, from Taiwan visited and had Mass in her home.

Mom volunteered as a religious teacher for over fifteen years. She dearly loved the children and they always looked forward to the little treat she would have for them.

Mom was a kind benefactor for many aspirants that were candidates to enter the religious and priestly vocation of the Salesians of St. John Bosco Savio Juniorte in India for over fifty years. During that time she sponsored three young men for the priesthood. She also sponsored a young girl in the Dominican Republic through World Vision for many years.

She also volunteered with the Affiliation for Literacy Advancement.

Mom was one of the first volunteers at the Northside Guest Home. She organized a bingo game once a week for the residents and with what little finances she had, provided prizes for the games. She also suggested to staff that they arrange a Happy Hour once a week with entertainment such as music and singing.

She was very interested in politics and always kept informed of current events. She served a term as secretary for the Cape Breton North Democratic Party in the early 80’s.

While raising her 12 children and volunteering, she found time to write and have published a book of her poems. Mary’s Bedroom Poems. She wanted to leave behind a legacy for her children and grandchildren. She also wrote 2 songs, one of which her son Bill recorded.

She is survived by her daughters Linda (Lawrence MacPhee), North Sydney; Margaret (Rob Blokland), Victoria, BC; Bonita, Florence; Eileen (Shelly Brennan), Florence; daughters-in-law Mary, Winnipeg, Man.; Linda, Ottawa, ON; sons, Bill, Toronto, ON; Eugene (Joan), Halifax; Edward (Faye Comeau), Halifax; Earl (Lori), Winnipeg, Man.; Brian (Sheri), Halifax and son-in-law Donald Mulley, Florence; sister Mary Ough, United States; brothers, Clarence, Alder Point; William (Gertie), Sydney and Thomas (Rita), St. Catherine, ON. She also leaves behind many grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. She loved them all.

Besides her parents, Mom was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Jim Fry, daughter Ethel and her husband Bennie Manuel, daughter-in-law Judy; sons Stanley and Arthur, sisters Sebina, Della, Margaret, Mary, Edith, Elsie and Bernetta; brothers, Russell, Charlie, John Albert, Hubert, Ernest and Elmer.

Mom loved to chat with her friends of many years, Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Snow and Margaret ‘Margie’ Bugden. Mom will be missed by her two special nieces Gale Devoe and Nancy Anthony.

Visitation will be held at Fillmore & Whitman Funeral Home on Friday, July 11 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm with the funeral mass on Saturday, July 12 at 10 am at Holy Family Church, Sydney Mines with Father Thomas John Valearieetil officiating.

As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Train Station children in care of Father Thomas Valearieetil or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.fillmoreandwhitman.com