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In Loving Memory of

Mary Lorraine Dow

1929 - 2019

Obituary of Mary Lorraine Dow

Dow, Mary Lorraine (nee Tyson) 1929-2019
Passed away peacefully with loving family by her side on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 30th, 2019 at St. Catharines General Hospital at the age of 90. Beloved wife of the late Norval Stephen (Charlie) Dow. Loving mother to Mary-Mae and Miss Charlie, Douglas and Barbara, and John and Heather. Cherished nana to Christopher and Tara-Lynne, Sarah-Mae and Neil, Jessica and Matt, and great grandma to Gavin, Grayson and Emelia. Sister to Bob Tyson, predeceased by sisters Ruth Wells, Dorothy Kiernan and June Cleverdon, and brother Jack Tyson.

Mary lived many happy years in Gravenhurst surrounded by an outstanding group of friends. She was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, a long standing CWL member and participant in multiple church social events. Mary enjoyed gardening, cooking, frequent theatre road trips, very long telephone conversations with a few special friends, and with the help of Alexa & Spotify a recent devotee of Alt-Country music. She was known for her big heart, her great energy, her sense of humour and her sharp one liners, commenting recently that "getting old isn’t for wussies"!

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, the outstanding PSW’s and nurses at Niagara Gardens and Linhaven retirement home, and a very special thanks to the extremely compassionate and caring nurses at St Catharines General Hospital (5B) for their palliative care of our Mom. Arrangements are entrusted to Essentials Cremation and Burial Services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation, would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Service Information

A Celebration of Life

Date: May 2, 2020
Start Time: 11:00 am
End Time: 1:00 pm
Venue: **Cancelled**
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Catherine Kiernan
4 years ago

I have so many memories of my Aunt Mary – walking out of her front door and watching planes take off or land (not sure if that’s completely accurate), sitting in her yard admiring her beautiful gardens, watching her enjoy my children, knowing she shared the same birthday as 2 of my grandchildren and her sending birthday cards to them occasionally, and the way she said “Catherine”. No one said it like Aunt Mary did. She always said it sounding interested in me and wanting to know what I had to say. I remember thinking at one point in my life that she wasn’t exactly a soft spoken person and it scared me a bit but as I got older I realized she was kind hearted and gentle, just like my mother, but said things with more enthusiasm…and perhaps a little impatience when I mumbled my response 🙂 I grew to appreciate that tremendously. My Aunt Mary was not one to mince words and, to this day, I wish I could be more like her. You knew where you stood with her and that’s something else I cherished…and feared a wee bit as a teenager! She was a wonderful person who loved her family deeply. She will be greatly missed.

Beverley Beaudette
4 years ago

On behalf of my sister Donna and myself Beverley, stepdaughters of Mary, we extend our condolences to the balance of our family. Mary also left behind 5 other grandchildren, Jamie, Pam, Keri-Anne, Darlene and Natalie. Also, 14 great-grandchildren concludes our wonderful family. Life with our stepmother had many treasured memories.

Cindy Andrews
4 years ago

We were so sad to hear of Auntie Marys passing.

I will always remember all the fun times I had at the cottage.
One memory sticks out the most for me, one winter we had gone up and Mae and I decided to do some cross country skiing, well not one to be left out! Aunt Mary joined us.
Laughter followed as Aunt Mary fell over in the snow and could not get up.

I can still hear her laughing and telling us to help her up as she may have peed her pants. ( sorry Aunt Mary, I had to tell )

Aunt Mary will always have a special place in our hearts for all her prayers, letters and phone calls when our daughter Jackie was diagnosed with cancer.

Every summer for 16 years Aunt Mary would visit Jackie at camp Oochigeas. We will never forget her love and support during this time. She was one of a kind and I feel very lucky to have known her.

I know she is now dancing up a storm with her brother Jack, my Father.

Mae, Doug, John and family, my entire family will miss your Mom very much!

With much love,
Cindy and Paul Andrews & family

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Theresa Speicher
4 years ago

Deepest sympathy to Mary’s family. I met Mary through our CWL. What a wonderful person she was. You will be missed for sure, Mary.

Katherine Daoust
4 years ago

My husband and I met Mary almost 20 years ago through St Paul’s Church when we moved to the Gravenhurst area. When I lost my husband 11 years ago Mary became a dear friend to me a
nd we helped each other out. We went to church together, followed by brunch, grocery shopping, trips to the doctor and other events. We had great discussions about so many things. Mary was like a mother figure to me. I have missed her so much since she moved closer to her son and daughter. I will continue to miss her terribly forever. She was a wonderful caring and very generous lady! Love you Mary. May God Bless you and keep you lovingly in his arms.

Ray and Dianna Russell
4 years ago

Sincere condolances to your family on the loss . We have known Mary through St Pauls Gravenhurst for many years . She was always an active member of our CWL who always enjoyed her good wit and energy . My husband loved to tease her and she was always quick to respond in a humours way . We will always miss her ..

Joan Tyson
4 years ago

I was very sorry to hear of Mary’s passing.
When we were young together we had many a great Saturday night at Mom and Dad Tyson!
Roll up the rug!
We would love to dance, Mary especially loved to dance with her brother, my husband Jack!
Mary was always up for a good time.
I will cherish all the good memories we made together as a family.

Ally Crosbie-Cowley
4 years ago

Love and best wishes to you all, she was such a wonderful lady, warm and welcoming. I treasure the time I spent with Auntie Mary and Uncle Charlie always xxx

Naomi Stephens
4 years ago

So very sorry to hear of Mary’s passing, although we know she is at peace now. We have treasured memories of your Mom and also your Dad during their time in Gravenhurst.
We are sending our love and prayers to you all.
Love Will, Naomi and family oxox

Anna Van Dalen
4 years ago

What an amazingly strong woman and friend with the most wonderful sense of humour and the biggest heart! Mary, you were my kind of girl and I will miss you dearly.
My condolences!

angie stephens
4 years ago

Our deepest condolences to you all for the loss of a great woman. There isnt a time that I can recall that Aunt Mary didn’t have a smile on her face and a quirky thing to say to make sure you were smiling. Heaven has gained an angel and til we meet again give all our past loved ones big hugs and kisses as we know they will welcome you with open arms and the card table set ❤ gone but never forgotten always in our hearts ❤

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