WILKINSON, Mary Elizabeth (nee HOWELL) Passed away peacefully on January 3, 2021, just weeks after her 87th birthday. Mary was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. Predeceased by her dear husband, Carl, and her cherished son, Greg.
Mary is survived by her devoted son, Lorne, and youngest son, Glen, as well as Greg’s wife, Josephine, and her five grandchildren, Andrea, Alex, Megan, Sara and Emily, and two great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Liam. Mary was born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia to John and Mary Howell (nee O’Brien) and grew up there with her siblings, John, Paul, Barbara, Rose, Emma and Michael. Following in her father’s footsteps, Mary joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as a fighter control operator in 1952. It was during an RCAF stint in Montreal that she met Carl. After their marriage in 1955, Mary and Carl raised their three sons in Toronto, Peterborough and Phoenix (albeit briefly), before settling in Mississauga. Later, Carl and Mary lived near downtown Oakville for many years.
Among other things, Mary enjoyed travelling, cooking and the theatre. In her later years, she worked in a daycare after she received her ECE designation. A survivor of both cancer and heart disease, Mary was a strong and independent woman, especially following Carl’s death in 1996. Mary will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren. Trips to the library, playing dress-up, crafting, tea parties and annual Christmas shopping trips were just some of the wonderful memories she helped create. Mary will be greatly missed by family members in Ontario, Nova Scotia and PEI. They are thankful that she is free of her dementia, which deprived her of her passion for reading and the enjoyment of her growing family. Cremation will take place and Mary’s ashes will be brought back to Yarmouth, as were her wishes.
In lieu of flowers, if desired, please make a donation in Mary’s name to MSF Canada, a cause which Mary supported for many years. Online condolences may be left at www.glenoaks.ca