A year ago, her husband of 50 years, Bernie, also passed away very unexpectedly. After 50 years of marriage this was devastating for Mary and she found the intervening year difficult.
Mary was born and raised in Oshawa with two younger siblings, George and Margaret (Le Gassick). Both predeceased her, as have her parents George and Ivy MacGregor (nee Burr).
Following high school in Oshawa, Mary attended university in Kingston, then moved to Toronto to work in her graduating field, social work. Her career followed a varied path, working at community centres, social agencies and the board of education, from which she retired.
She was a prolific knitter, but in later years severe arthritis robbed her of the ability to enjoy this craft. Her items are adored by family members and will be a fond memory of a devoted aunt. For many years, she also liked nothing better than weekends at the cottage and spoiling her loved ones with peanut butter cookies.
She was very close to her nieces and nephews (and their families): Gary, Barry, Keith, Karen and Jeffrey, as well as Julie, Keith and Glen. This fondness extended to the great nieces and nephews as well. Until the last few years she knew the names and birthdays of all of them. Also close to her were Lorraine and Fred Colbourn (Bernie’s sister and her husband).
Her memory will be cherished by friends and family.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at the Jerrett Funeral Home (6191 Yonge Street, North York) on Friday, Dec. 28, 11 a.m. Interment at Highland Memory Gardens. For those who wish, donations may be made to the CNIB or the Canadian Arthritis Society.
I'd like the memory of me
To be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an afterglow
Of smiles
When life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo whispering
Softly down the ways.
Of happy times and laughing times
And bright sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve,
To dry before the sun
Of happy memories that I leave
When life is done.
- Helen Lowrie Marshall -
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