JAMES, Mary - Passed away peacefully on September 22, 2019, surrounded by loving friends.
She leaves behind her sister Linda (Ivor) Evans, brothers David (Tania) Fennell and Richard (Barney) James, as well as many nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces in England.
She will be greatly missed by her “Canadian” family Roy, Shamir and their children Keyvan and Maya, by her many close friends, and by her Habitat family who all loved her dearly.
Mary’s interesting life began in 1934 when she was born in Lucknow India. Sadly, her mother left the family with father, and shortly afterwards when he died, Dennis Fennell, then the Vicar in the parish, accepted the deathbed wish to look after Mary and Richard, then about 8 and 10. They lived with Dennis and Lorna, with Linda and David in Lucknow and subsequently Nanital, before Dennis and family had to leave for England after Gandhi was assassinated in 1947. After the necessary paperwork was organized, Mary and Richard joined the family in England. Talented in mathematics, Mary qualified as a comptometer operator with 99% In her exams. When she decided to emigrate to Canada at twenty one, this assisted her in her secretarial and PA roles in several construction companies and was indispensable at times of contract negotiating deadlines. Mary has always been much loved by her adopted family and wishes her ashes to rest with Lorna and Dennis in their grave in Malvern, Worcestershire. Here, Mary looked forward to her regular vacations with the family in England, which was always a time of great celebration and recollection of great times in India.
Mary was a happy, carefree and gentle person who put everyone’s needs ahead of her own. She had the unique gift of being able to draw out kindness in others, but no one embodied kindness and love more than Mary. She brought joy and laughter into the lives of everyone she met. She loved a good curry with a glass of wine.
Throughout her illness, Mary required help supporting her wish to remain at home. There was a constant flow of friends and family that came to help and support her during this difficult time. She really appreciated all the love and support. In particular, Linda Fraser, Cathleen Lincoln, Connie La Marca and Donna St. Aubin, her brother David and nephew Tim – thank you for allowing Mary to have the quality of life she deserved in her final months.
Until earlier this year, Mary continued to work 4 days a week at Habitat Services in spite of her generous age. She adored her job and treasured her colleagues. This non-profit organization is a collection of the most supportive, kind and generous people. There wasn’t a day she didn’t look forward to seeing them.
We were all so grateful to have Mary in our lives. She will be deeply missed.
A service will be held at Morley Bedford Funeral Home, Toronto on Sunday, Oct 6, 2019 1:30pm. A reception will be held at the funeral home immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Habitat Services of Toronto or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Thank you to Dr Pierre and Fatima (Thoracic ) at the Toronto General Hospital, Dr Sheppard and her team (Oncology), Dr Bezjak (Radiation), Drs Ryan, Banerjee, Mak, Ryan and Zimmermann, caring nurses and their amazing teams (Palliative) at the Princess Margaret Hospital. To the personal support workers from the local LIN, Hirut, Maria and Eden, a big thank you for allowing Mary to remain in her own home as long as possible.
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