1936
2014
After a courageous battle with cancer Mary passed away on Sunday July 27, 2014 at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Mary and Douglas (husband) just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in May along with their children daughter Susan Mary Jean (Matthews) and her husband Richard Matthews of Peterborough, and son Richard Douglas and his wife Janeva Healey of Toronto and grandchildren Connor and Foster Matthews and Keira Lavery. Mary is also the mother of David Irwin currently living in Singapore and the sister to Clark Irwin Forster of Toronto
Mary was an award winning graduate of Wellesley School of Nursing, Toronto. She worked as a nurse at the Montreal Neurological Institute where she received a post graduate diploma in Neurological nursing. She had the great privilege to work under Dr. Wilder Penfield, one of the world's greatest Neurosurgeons.
In 1967 Mary moved to Peterborough and became active in the schooling of her three children and was an energetic member of the Queen Mary School Association for 13 years where she assisted in fund raising, regular volunteer work in the primary division and as a library helper. She simultaneously served as President of the Board of Directors of Family Counselling Service. In the 1980's she initiated and was chairperson of the P.C.V.S Parent's Association, setting up many volunteer activities. She was active in two successful campaigns to "Save P.C.V.S.", the second time she was co-chairperson. For these many involvements in education, she received the Award of Merit as Educator of the year in 1985. She then decided to take one further step into the education world by running as a Trustee for the Peterborough Board of Education. She was elected and served for two terms as a trustee from 1985 until 1991.
Mary was active in many other organizations in Peterborough. She was an original member of the Board of Learning and Leisure, was a director of Peterborough Learning Disabilities Association, served for many years on organizing committees of the Festival of Trees, was a member of the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee that protects the city's heritage architecture and recently was on the organizing committee for Peterborough's Doors Open Day.
With her love of history she became involved with the Peterborough Historical Society and was President for 3 years during which she rewrote the by-laws to bring them into the twenty first century. She then became the Chairperson of the Hutchison House living museum. She was involved with the Peterborough Centennial Museum and archives in the sorting, classifying and identifying glass plates and photographs of the Balsillie Collection of Roy Studio Images, especially those concerning Stoney Lake for which she became quite an authority. Her research skills came to the forefront as she became involved in the writing of two historical books. Mary was a chief researcher for the book "Stoney Lake – Gem of the Kawarthas" and was co-author of the book "Up the Burleigh Road". For her journalistic endeavours she received the Award of Merit from the Ontario Heritage Trust. She also received the Peterborough Betterment Award from the City of Peterborough in recognition of her contribution to the community in 2007 and again in 2009.
Her artistic talents were many as she was a hand weaver, spinner, rug hooker, embroiderer and an instructor in silk ribbon embroidery. Mary combined these skills with further education at Sir Sandford Fleming College to become a Travel Consultant and a part time Professor in Travel at Fleming College she combined her artistic skills together to design, market and conduct tours specializing in hand weaving and other crafts. Over a period of ten years she guided tours to England, Ireland, and Scotland, many countries in Europe, Scandinavia and New Zealand.
She enjoyed vocal music and was an original member of the Jubilaire Women's Chorus and an original member of the smaller Jubilation Chorus. She was also a member of Trinity United Church handbell choir. Mary was Chairperson of the Chancel Renewal Committee of Trinity United Church from 2000 to 2002. She was dining room hostess to many of the church fund raising functions and also served on many other committees at Trinity.
Mary had a great love of lakes, oceans and sand. She relished her time at the cottage on Stoney Lake, surrounded by her family and friends and the memories they made there. Mary loved to stand with her feet in the sand on the waters edge at a beach and watch the diamonds sparkle on the lake at the end of each day.
There will be a memorial service at 2:00pm Thursday August 14, 2014 at Trinity United Church, 360 Reid Street, Peterborough with a reception and visitation at 3:30 pm. Please join the family for the service, reception or both. In lieu of flowers donations to Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Peterborough Historical Society or Trinity United Church would be greatly appreciated.
The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Natalie Whiting and the phenomenal staff in Palliative Care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Arrangements entrusted to the Comstock Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 356 Rubidge Street. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
33 Entries
September 23, 2014
We are so saddened to hear of Mary's passing and our hearts go out to Doug and all the family in their loss of such a precious person in their lives. Mary was a lovely, smiling, gracious person, always interested in the people and things around her. We feel privileged to have known her for the short time she and Doug spent in New Zealand. May God comfort, strengthen and give you peace.
Alf and Win McMinn, Auckland, New Zealand
August 18, 2014
John and Judith Platt
Dear Doug, Rich, and Susan, We are so sorry for your huge loss. Our hearts, prayers and thoughts have been with you. May many wonderful memories help to heal.
August 18, 2014
So sorry for not being aware of her illness and lending support---a disadvantage of being away so much.
Mary was a true friend and I always loved having her help me on any committee. A great asset to Festival of Trees and many others.
I will never forget in one meeting when people were talking and talking. Mary said, "ok, enough of that. Now let's get down to work!" That was Mary.
Cal Taillefer (Peterborough/Mexico)
August 12, 2014
Peter, Sam, PJ & Nicole Wootton
Dear Doug, David, Susan and Bizz,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Mary was a long time family friend who will be dearly missed. We will cherish the happy memories of her. We are sending you all of our love at this difficult time.
xoxo
August 5, 2014
Pat Parnall
I was so saddened to hear of Mary's passing. I do have wonderful and grateful memories of her passionate work for the Save PCVS campaigns and her tireless work to keep the school open for all. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you - you have lost such a special person in your lives.
Wishing you wonderful memories,
August 3, 2014
Nancy Rehder
I was so sad to hear today of Mrs Lavery's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. I have very fond memories babysitting her adorable children and sharing great fun at her cottage. Mrs Lavery was always so joyful and I so appreciated her guidance in my teenage years. I was fascinated by her weaving and her confidence. I will miss her.
Nancy Rehder
August 3, 2014
Barbara McElgunn
Doug and family
Reading the tribute to Mary's full and giving life, brought back memories of when we were nurses on 4 N&E at the Montreal Neurological Institute. Mary was an excellent nurse, and still remembered as a valued friend and colleague.
August 2, 2014
We are so saddened to learn the sad news about Mary
Our hearts go out to you and your family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Renie & Iain
August 2, 2014
Sue McGregor-Hunter
Doug
I was truly sorry to hear of Mary's passing. She was such a wonderful person. I got to meet Mary while I sat on PACAC and she was with the Historical Society and Doors Open. I was fortunate to get to know her better when we sat on the organizing committee for the provincial Heritage Conference. Through our many meetings Mary was a steady hand in making sure we stayed on course and achieved our goal of presenting the best conference possible. I was blessed to become a colleague of this remarkable, dedicated and hard working woman. My thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
August 2, 2014
Donna Southern
My condolences to your family at this time. Certainly, there are many wonderful memories to give you some comfort and happiness as you consider the many positive ways that Mary influenced the lives of others. She was a determined, intelligent and genuine person, who made a positive difference in our community.
August 1, 2014
David & Jill Bryant
My Life is but a weaving
Between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colours
For He works most steadily.
Oft' times He weaveth sorrow
And I, in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper
And I the underside.
Not 'til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Will God roll back the canvas
And reveal the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver's skilful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned
With fondest memories of our visits in Canada and New Zealand.
August 1, 2014
Diane Robnik
Dear Doug, I was so saddened to hear of Mary's passing. I worked with her on several projects over the years and she was always very thoughtful and kind to me and had such a mind and zest for local history. Peterborough is now missing a great historical asset. Thoughts and prayers for your family during this difficult time.
July 30, 2014
Garry and Chris Greentree
Doug and family, we are deeply saddened to hear of Mary's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy. We will never forget the way she took us under her caring wing, especially Christine, when we lived in Peterborough for a year in 1981. We will miss her greatly.
The Greentree Family
July 30, 2014
Like so many I am saddened to learn of Mary!s passing. Although I didn't know her well I was always impressed by what a pleasant and thoughtful person she was. Particularly after I lost my wife Lois.
Cy Monkman, Peterborough
July 30, 2014
Margaret & Allan Dawson
Doug: I was so sad to read of Mary's passing. I have wonderful memories of Mary during our volunteering together. Her commitment, enthusiasm and planning were so infectious
She was a terrific lady and will be missed by many people whose lives she touched. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to you and your family.
July 30, 2014
James, Linton, Colin, and Alex Darling
We are deeply, deeply moved and saddened by Mary's passing. Her warmth and enthusiasm for life always made us “kids” feel so special. We will remember and cherish the way she listened to and cared for us all - whether it be at Christmas dinners, Owl's Nest bbqs, or our many family get togethers over the years. Doug and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
July 30, 2014
Bill Hooper
Doug, I am saddened to learn of your loss. My deepest sympathy.
July 30, 2014
Greatly saddened to hear of Mary's death. We have many wonderful memories of happy times spent with the Lavery family both in Scotland and in Canada.
Colin,Mairi and family. Aberdeen
July 29, 2014
Aynsley Maxwell
Dear Doug, Susan and Rich, I am so sorry for your loss! I have such fond memories of the times I spent with your lovely family. Mary was a wonderful Lady and will be greatly missed by all those who knew her! She will guard you closely.
July 29, 2014
David Fleming
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
July 29, 2014
Kathy (Lavery) & Ted LaBranche
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We are all to familiar with losing someone precious too early to cancer. My mother (Joan Lavery) sends her love to you all.
July 29, 2014
Dear Doug & Family, We are very saddened to hear of Mary's passing. She will be missed in so many ways. We admired her so much.
Enid & David Mitchell
July 29, 2014
Mary was a truly wonderful, giving person and a good friend and mentor to me. We shared so many experiencs over the years with our crafts and our families. She will be so missed but always remembered by those who who knew her.
July 29, 2014
Jean & Jim Chilibeck
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
July 29, 2014
Bill Lavery
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
July 29, 2014
My heart is saddened by your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Astrid Buchkowski(Peterborough)
July 29, 2014
Lois Watson
You learn something from every person you are privileged to know. From Mary, I learned passion, commitment, grace and truthfulness. Thank you, Mary. Deepest sympathies to her family. She will be missed by many.
Lois Watson (Peterborough)
July 29, 2014
Doug and family,Mary's lifetime accomplishments are truly amazing and a great tribute to a full life. But this is no surprise to me. As a high school classmate of both of you, Mary was always a leader and positive inspiration. Our sincere condolences to you Doug, and to all of your family.
lDavid and Cynthia Macdonald , Etobicoke On.
July 29, 2014
Barbara McIntosh
Although I have only known Mary since moving to Peterborough seven years ago, she became a mentor and a treasured friend. I will remember her always. My deepest sympathy to Doug and the family.
July 29, 2014
Kory Stuart
What an amazing tribute to a wonderful life . She will be missed terribly. To Doug, Susan and family, you can go on in knowing that you were there for her and she knew how much you loved her. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Much love to you all.
Kory Stuart and the staff of VanGogh Salon and Spa.
July 29, 2014
Janice Bryant
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Deepest Sympathies,
July 29, 2014
Anne Ashton
I wish to express my sympathy to you Doug and the family.
Anne Ashton
July 28, 2014
Ruth and Jim Babcock
Doug and family,
Mary, what a wonderful woman she was.We will miss her lovely smile and enthusiasm for all things good. We send our love and hugs for you and the family and will remember her always with happiness and the joy she brought to life.
Ruth (cousin) and Jim Babcock, West Vancouver
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