It is with much sadness that the family of Mary Fawcett announce her passing at the Dundas Manor Nursing Home in Winchester on Monday, September 14, 2025, where she was a resident for the past 9 months. She was 86.
A former elementary school teacher for 30 years at area schools, Mary also worked for a time at Upper Canada Village after retiring from teaching.
Born to Franklin and Ruth Milne (nee Samson) on the family farm at Mountain on November 13, 1938 she was educated at area schools and was a graduate of Ottawa Normal School. A former Dundas County Dairy Princess she married Ralph J. Fawcett on July 4, 1959, at Hallville and she returned to teaching in 1970 after her 4 daughters were in school full time.
She is survived by her 4 daughters Kimberly Fawcett (late Martin) of Cornwall, Joanne Shay of South Mountain, Colleen Merkley (late Steven) of Ault Island and Maureen McLean of Ault Island. Dear sister of Douglas Milne (Phyllis). Dear sister-in-law of Jean Milne and Joan Milne. Mary will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren Shannon McLean, Alana McLean (Reto Wolfensburger), Marissa Merkley and her great-grandson Felix Wolfensburger.
She was predeceased by her parents Franklin and Ruth Milne, her husband Ralph Fawcett, her brothers Arthur, Allan (late Shirley), Frank (late Betty) and Bob Milne, her son-in-law Steven Merkley, her grandson Matthew Merkley and all of her Fawcett in-laws and their spouses. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Arrangements
A public graveside interment service will be held at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Chesterville on Thursday, September 25th at 11 a.m. followed by a reception at the Royal Canadian Legion in Chesterville. Donations to the Dundas Manor Building Fund would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. If you are making your donation online or by cheque directly to the charity, please include the following note with your gift “Please notify the family.” Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.
