Mary Joan (Harwood) Hisey entered the presence of her Lord, and was reunited with her beloved Paul on Tuesday morning, June 17, 2025 while she slept at Fairview Mennonite Home, Cambridge, Ontario.
She is lovingly remembered by her two sons, Andrew (Chandy John) and Jon (Joyce Daly), granddaughters Rachel and Rebecca (Josiah Deroos), and sisters Nancy (Robert) and Patricia, along with many other family members and friends.
Mary was born July 29, 1942 in Toronto, a second daughter to Frederick and Joan (Haynes) Harwood, both now deceased. She grew up on a farm west of Stouffville, Ontario and attended Stouffville District Secondary School, where she was a noteworthy and highly accomplished student. She went on to earn her teacher certification from the Ontario Teachers College and subsequently taught at the elementary school level (Ballantrae, Lemonville) for several years. In middle age, she held jobs at the catalog counter at Sears and as a teller at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
Mary Harwood met Paul Hisey in 1959 at Springvale Baptist Church in Stouffville. They married on April 20, 1962, and eventually settled in St. Catharines where they raised their sons and were deeply involved in the life of Bethel Baptist Church. Mary taught Sunday school, sang contralto in the choir and vocal groups, and occasionally played piano for services.
Mary was devoted to her family and took pride in homemaking. She was a model of organization, effective budgeting, and creative living. She loved crafting, reading, gardening, and baking. She recorded daily life in her diary since 1963 and rose early for devotionals. With Paul, she enjoyed travel across Canada, the U.S., and several cruises.
A celebration of Mary’s life will take place in early August at Springvale Cemetery in Stouffville. Please contact the family at jon.hisey@gmail.com for more details.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Fairview Mennonite Home. The family offers heartfelt thanks to the kind and faithful staff at the Fairview Suites where Mary spent the final 15 months of her life.
Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Corbett Funeral Home.
