McCOWAN, Mary Edith (nee NICKERSON) - Mary, whose love enveloped everyone who knew her, passed away peacefully at home, in her 106th year on Saturday, September 9, 2023.
Beloved wife for 66 years of the late Walter McCowan (2012), Mary will be sadly missed, but lovingly remembered by her cherished children, Lynda and Ian (Cora) McCowan, and the grandchildren she adored; Ashley (Elias Katsavrias) and Jonathon (Terri Ann) Dionisi, Erin (Adam Brown) McCowan; precious great-granddaughter, Sunny Lee; and many dear nieces and nephews.
Eldest child of the late Hubert Granville and Freda Edith (nee Cox) Nickerson of Liverpool, Nova Scotia; and predeceased by infant daughter, Mary Elizabeth; her sisters, Jean, Dorothy and Catherine; brothers, Granville and Ronald Nickerson; and dear grandson, Lee Walter McCowan (2016).
Mary was born at Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia, descended directly from the Pilgrim Mothers of Plymouth, MA. by way of her namesake, paternal grandmother, Mary Smith. She grew up in Liverpool, N.S., a top student throughout her school years despite having severe respiratory asthma.
It was while home in Nova Scotia for summer holidays that she met the love of her life, Walter, a young naval lieutenant.
They were married September, 1946 and lived in Kitchener, London, Toronto, Montreal and finally settled in Toronto.
Mary devoted herself to caring for, and uplifting everyone she came in contact with. She was the embodiment of wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker, gardener, community worker, gracious lady, and friend.
A passionate worker at Parkwoods United Church, and the United Church of Canada for more than 60 years, Mary volunteered in membership, teaching, pastoral care, and finance.
The family would like to extend very special thanks to the staff of Delmanor Wynford and her faithful personal caregivers, (Iris, Nevi, Ashli, Ami) who provided loving support and comfort during the final years of her life. Mary will always be remembered for her generous and compassionate outreach to others, and her strong, spirited values in a life well lived.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life at Parkwoods United Church, 85 Parkwoods Village Drive on Monday, September 18th from 1:00 p.m.; Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m., with a reception following at The Donalda Club, 12 Bushbury Drive. Private family interment.
In lieu of flowers, donations to The Lung Association of Canada or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
