Mary Elizabeth Williston (née Stinson) of Chatham-Kent passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Sunday October 18, 2026. Despite a brief battle with cancer she thoroughly enjoyed a final summer of visits, laughter, and love.
Born in the hamlet of Troy to Earl and Maggie May Stinson, Mary was the youngest of six. Marjorie (Ted-predeceased) Wisby, Bruce (Georgette), Walter (RuthAnn), Alvin (Wendy) and Don (predeceased 2026).
While still in nursing school she met Phil, the love of her life. In 1960 they eloped and shared more than sixty incredible years of adventure, laughter, travel, and open-door hospitality.
Mary believed that one person can truly make a difference and she spent her life proving it. A tireless volunteer, Mary gave over sixty years to LaSertoma, serving as International President, and supported the Chatham Goodfellows, ensuring No child Without a Christmas and was named Mrs. Goodfellow in 2004. She actively supported the WISH Centre, and Maple City Baptist Church and many other organizations. A gifted artist, she painted more than twenty-five Little Libraries across Chatham-Kent and was named Chatham-Kent Senior of the Year in 2023.
Mary served over 25 years as Nurse Manager of the Intensive Care Unit at PGH. She was highly respected by her patients, staff and other medical professionals. She mentored countless nurses and left a legacy for problem solving that coined the phrase within the hospital “What would Mary Do?”
Beloved mother of Craig, Scott (Helen) and Cindy (Darrell) McColeman. Already sadly missed by grandchildren Jessica (Chris) Osborne, Stephanie (Patrick), Shannon (Mladen), Phil (Adrienne), Jennifer (Mark) Crawford, Colin (Kate)McColeman, Matt McColeman, Kim (Ryan) Sherman and Dave Sherman, and great grandchildren Christopher (Tori) Jesondra (Micah), Tristen, Stephan, Sebastien, Everly-Jayde, Jackson, Cole, Georgia, Luka and Henry and great-great grandchildren Harlow, Winnie, Oakley and Wesley. Sister-in-law to Janet (Bob predeceased in 2025), Tammy Williston (Wayne predeceased in 2025) and Betty and Bob Swatuk. She will be deeply missed and always lovingly remembered.
Family and friends are invited to the Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington St. West, Chatham, 519-352-2710, on Wednesday October 21, 2026 with visiting from 4 to 8 pm. The funeral service will be held on Thursday October 22, 2026 at 11 am at Maple City Baptist Church, 501 Indian Creek Rd. West, Chatham with Pastor Andrew McCombe officiating. Private family interment at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the W.I.S.H. Centre or the Chatham Goodfellows. On-line condolences may be shared at www.alexanderandhoulefuneralhome.ca
Family and friends are invited to the Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington St. West, Chatham, 519-352-2710, on Wednesday October 21, 2026 with visiting from 4 to 8 pm. The funeral service will be held on Thursday October 22, 2026 at 11 am at Maple City Baptist Church, 501 Indian Creek Rd. West, Chatham with Pastor Andrew McCombe officiating. Private family interment at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the W.I.S.H. Centre or the Chatham Goodfellows. On-line condolences may be shared at www.alexanderandhoulefuneralhome.ca
