Mary Margaret Meredith
It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Margaret Meredith (Sanderson) announce her passing in her 93rd year on February 20th, 2022 at Hospice Huntsville. Mary had been struggling the past few months with congestive heart failure, and her death ended that suffering.
Mary is survived by her sister, Betty (Don) Walker. Predeceased by her husband, David Meredith in 1994. Mary leaves behind her daughter, Lynda Melnyk, and sons, Lloyd (Jan) and Jim (Colleen) Meredith. Predeceased by son-in-law Bernie Melnyk. Mary was blessed with 10 grandchildren, all of whom will miss her greatly: Chris (Amanda), Mark (Amanda), Katryna (John), Jay (Steve), Bobbi (Todd), Brooke (Matt), Tori, Georgie (Graeme), Teagan (Madi), and Kyra, in addition to 6 great-grandchildren: Mykola, MaryAnn, Arwyn, Mackenzie, Griffin, and Maeve. Predeceased by great grandson, Gavin. Mary also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins, who will remember Auntie Mary’s love, sense of humour and laughter.
Mary was born in Toronto on December 16, 1929 to Percy & Babe Sanderson. She married Dave in July of 1952 in Toronto, and raised their 3 children in Rexdale. Mary founded the Rexdale lacrosse Women’s Auxiliary and often talked of her neighbours on the street and their morning coffee dates.
In 1968, Mary and Dave bought Walker’s Lake Lodge and moved their family to Huntsville.
Mary was an extremely hard worker. After her retirement, she had more time for her many hobbies and participation in organizations close to her heart. It was often difficult to keep track of what Mary was doing on any given day, as she seemed more busy during retirement than in her working years. She was a member of the Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary, where she styled the hair of patients. Mary received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award in 2011 in honour of her dedication to the Auxiliary, and was granted a Lifetime Membership in the Hospital Auxiliary Association of sOntario in 2010. Mary was also an active member of the Pioneer Memorial United Church in Hillside, where she was a member of the community and UCC.
Mary also tore up the lanes in her Seniors’ Bowling League and was an accomplished card player. She loved her Euchre games with her friends Marilyn, Bea, and Kay. Over the years, Mary enjoyed her long-lasting friendship with Orma as well. Even during her last weeks, she was out-scoring some of her grandchildren in Scrabble and jokingly asked one for “some better competition”. She was an accomplished story teller with an impeccable memory, who loved to recall the antics of her sister, Betty, or recall fond memories of her nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family. Mary was the keeper of the history of her family.
Mary also loved to craft, and was gifted in her ability to create knitted and crocheted heirlooms for her family and friends. Mary made many keepsake pieces for her family to mark important life events that will be forever cherished. Soon after the birth of her first grandchild, Mary began the family tradition of crafting a handmade Christmas ornament each year for each of her grandchildren. This continued for the next 43 years. Once Mary reached her ninetieth year, she attempted to discontinue the tradition, stating that she was “too old” to carry on, however new ornaments continued to be given for the next two years.
Mary passed from this life surrounded by the love of her family, with her children and grandchildren at her side. We would like to express our gratitude for the care provided by her son, Jim and daughter-in-law, Colleen during Mary’s later years. We would like to thank her neighbours, especially Linda & Pat Russell. Lynda, Lloyd and Jim would also like to give a special thank you to Georgie for opening her home and taking such loving and compassionate care of Mary over the last 2 months until her passing. They are also greatly appreciative of the support Georgie received from Bobbi, Kyra and Jay in assisting with Mom’s care. Appreciation is also extended to Lynda West for providing Mary with such warmth and compassion in her later years and while in hospital. Many thanks also to the LHIN HCC palliative care team, including Norma, Sarah, Paula and Dr. Mathies and Harrold. We would like to thank the team at Hospice Huntsville for making the last few moments of her life peaceful and graceful, we appreciate the care and compassion you showed her during her final moments.
Visitation will be held on Thursday February 24, 2022 between 2-4pm at Mitchell Funeral Home, 15 High Street, Huntsville. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary or the Pioneer Memorial United Church.
Masks must be worn to enter the funeral home. A receiving line will be formed to speak with the family without physical contact and long delays.
