Mary Reynolds of Brooklin, Ontario passed away in her 86th year at Oshawa General Hospital on January 12, 2019 after a very long journey with Alzheimer’s. Mary was born in Channel-Port aux Basque, NL on November 22, 1933. She is predeceased by her parents, Samuel and Jennie Melbourne; five brothers; sister, Ada; and twin grandbabies Sierra and Sienna. She is survived by two older sisters, Phyllis (Allan, predeceased) and Roberta (Thomas); children, Deb and Paul; beloved granddaughter, Hailey; and daughter-of-her heart, Shafina, as well as many nieces and nephews on both the Reynolds and sides of the family. Known as “Midge” as a youngster, she may have been small in stature, but she was always strong in her faith in God, believing in His love, grace and forgiveness through both happy and difficult times. At age 13, Mary’s own mother died and she went to live with Phyllis and Allan in St. Anthony, where she finished high school. Her father did not support her desire to become a nurse, but she rose to the challenge, using the library to study as she was unable to buy her own textbooks. She was voted valedictorian and “most likely to succeed” by her classmates. Married in 1955, her triple roles as minister’s wife, nurse, and mother, took her to Change Islands, Lewisporte, Bay Roberts, California, and Toronto. She loved her work as an ER nurse, first at Scarborough Centenary Hospital, and then at Scarborough Grace. Mary was beloved by all who met her. She had the ability to light up the room with her sweetness, her smile, and her generosity of spirit. She loved family vacation time at Stoney Lake, learning to ski with the Burns family, and going to Mexico with the West Ellesmere youth. She survived cancer three times, and stood strong in the face of other medical challenges. She loved forget-me-nots, pansies, and orange tiger lilies. A teetotaler for much of her life, she learned to enjoy a sip or two of port as she relaxed in the evenings. She cracked up with laughter every week at Rick Mercer, even when she couldn’t remember who he was. Her family wishes to thank the staff of Oshawa Extendicare who faithfully cared Mary for the last 10 years. We deeply appreciate the recent care given by the nurses and doctors on the palliative ward of LHO. According to Mary’s wishes, cremation has occurred. A memorial will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or Sunnybrook Hospital.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.wctownfuneralchapel.com.