Passed away peacefully in her sleep with her loved ones by her side just shy of her 86th birthday. Beloved wife of the late Elias (Mo). Proud mother of Kim Fewchuk (Nick), Natalie Valela (Fortunato), and Emily Webb (Justin). “Granny” will also be missed by Robert (Jamie-Lyn), Bradley (Victoria), Nicholas (Matt), Christopher (Ashley), Shelby, Morgan (Jack). She will be remembered by her two great grandchildren Peter and Sofia.
Daughter of the late Fred and Bernice Vandewater. Mary is survived by her younger sister, Anne Hawkins (Kent) and brother-in-law Alex Klimoff (Louise) and her nieces and nephew. Born in Wellington, Ontario, Mary grew up near Lake Ontario where she swam, waterskied and skated. Her favourite pastimes were reading, gardening, curling, crossword puzzles and playing cribbage and bridge.
Mary earned her Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University where she met Mo on a blind date. They married in 1959 and enjoyed 61 years together. Consummate entertainers, they loved traveling and spending time with family and friends. Mary’s proud achievements included her volunteer work with the Ontario March of Dimes, her board position with her condominium organization and the establishment of a triennial family reunion which now attracts approximately 200 family members.
A strong independent woman, Mary faced Parkinson’s with incredible discipline and grit for the past 15 years. Her family would like to thank Doctors Joelius Kurniawan and Adam Parent, as well as the wonderful F.J. Davey Home Birch Lane 3 for their compassion, care and patience. A special thank you to Kerri Kennedy.
Cremation will take place, followed by a private family gathering. Memorial donations to Parkinson Canada or the F.J. Davey Home Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). www.northwoodfuneral.com