It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to a loving wife, mother and grandmother, who passed away, peacefully, on February 5, 2009 at A.R. Goudie Eventide Home, Kitchener, at the age of 73. Mary is survived by her devoted husband of almost 50 years, Andrew; and three daughters and their families, Wendy Shaw, her husband Darcy and children Andrew, Casey and Megan, Karen Van Loon, her husband Marcian and children Mikaela and Matthew, and Janet Van Den Brink, her husband Brian and children Vanessa, Brent and Owen. Mary was predeceased by a son, Wayne, in infancy; and brothers, Joe and Adrian. Mary was born in Best, The Netherlands, and immigrated to Canada in 1953 with her parents and nine brothers and sisters. She was a hard worker, doing any farm work that was available, to support her family, while enjoying going out to dances and socializing with friends. At some point, a serious young man named Andy asked Mary out for a date and eventually they married, in 1959. In time, they bought their own farm in Wardsville, Ontario, where she continued to work with her husband running the family farm. She also worked for over 25 years at Beattie Haven, a retirement home where she was well-loved by the residents for her care and compassion. Mary and Andy moved to Kitchener almost 10 years ago, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Mary seemed comfortable and at home at A.R. Goudie for the past several months, fitting into the same type of environment with which she was familiar for so many years, and where she received the same compassionate care that she used to give to others. Mary will be remembered by her family and many friends for her love of gardening and baking, her walks and visits with neighbours and friends, and her sharing of stories of her beloved grandchildren. She was also involved in many church activities, most recently at St. Francis Parish, where her friendly and generous spirit will be remembered. Mary's family will share memories and condolences with relatives and friends at Westmount Funeral Chapel, 1001 Ottawa Street South (at Westmount Rd.), Kitchener on Sunday, February 8, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 49 Blueridge Avenue, Kitchener on Monday, February 9, 2009 at 11 a.m. A reception will take place following the funeral service at the St. Francis Parish Hall. Cremation and interment will follow at Williamsburg Cemetery, Kitchener, at a later date. As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of KW would be appreciated by Mary's family and can be arranged by contacting the funeral home at (519) 743-8900.
