Mom passed away peacefully on May 18th, 2025, in her 91st year. Cherished wife of 70 years to Richard Mangan. Much loved mother of Mary Ellen (Len), Paul (Heather), Peter (Mary), Gary (dec’d) (Kathy), Richard (Nancy), Lesa Marie, Mary-Louise (John), Mark (Joy). Cherished grandmother of Richard, Nikki, Danielle, Salina, David, Luke, Kyle, Connor, Bridgit, Jack, Joshua, Joseph, Catherine, Julia, Laura, Daniel, Jemma, and Nicholas. Beloved great-grandmother of James, Easton, Greyson, Declan, Vincent, Annabella, Liliana, Ava, William, Maya, Nathan, Isaac, Thomas, Violet, and Abigail. Dear sister of Shirley Kirkpatrick (Ed) and sister-in-law of Alice Mangan. Fondly remembered by nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbours, especially Bruce McCalpin. Predeceased by her sister, Sheila, and her parents, Dave and Eleanor Hunter. Missed by her loyal dog, Coco.
Faith and family were the most important things in life to Mom. She was blessed with a great faith and strived to live by her Christian values each day. Mom was a loyal wife and nurturing mother, selflessly devoted to her husband and children.
Born with a big heart, Mom generously shared her love with everyone, not only with family, but with friends, neighbours, and anyone in need of companionship. All were welcomed to her table. Mom was a great cook, even though she always admitted she couldn’t boil water when first married.
Fueled by an insatiable curiosity, Mom developed many hobbies and skills which she pursued with great passion. Having conquered the piano, she took up guitar, recorder, and flute. She composed her own music and loved to sing in the Church choir and at her prayer group. She was interested in many forms of creative expression and took courses on new interests, learning how to draw, paint, rug hook, knit, and work with stained glass. Mom was a lifelong learner and mastered anything she turned her hand to.
In the early 1970s, with seven young children to care for and refusing to give up on her dreams of a career, Mom managed to fit in a year-long course at St. Lawrence College. The next step was an administrative role at Queen’s University. Her curiosity, drive, and work ethic were truly inspirational to her children.
Though born and raised in the big city, Mom was a country girl through and through. Hard work was inevitable on the family farm, but Mom embraced the changing seasons and fortunes of farming life with total determination and commitment. She painted farm buildings equally as well as interior house rooms and tackled any kind of renovating job with enthusiasm.
We will all miss you, Mom, especially your fun and creative spirit, but will be comforted in knowing that you are at peace with our Lord.
In celebration of a long life, well-lived, the family will receive friends at the Tompkins Funeral Home, 63 Garden St., Gananoque, on Friday, May 30th, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Burial Mass will be held at St. Barnaby’s Church, Brewer’s Mills, on Saturday, May 31st at 10:30 a.m. Rite of committal St. Barnaby’s Cemetery following mass. Reception to follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations made to AB Smith Homestead House, Providence Care Hospice (UHKF), or to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Tompkins Funeral Home.
