Mary Catherine Smith

It pains me to admit it but apparently I have passed away.  I told my daughter I wouldn't live to be a hundred. She argued I might. I was right! Story of my Life.

Speaking of the story of my life...

On February 21, 1932 my parents John and Christina Evans (nee Gallagher) welcomed me into the world.  I nearly didn't make it.  A home birth on Agricola Street in Halifax, N.S. nearly ended badly. The cord was wrapped around my neck. Being the sixth of seven children, my experienced father jumped into action. Removing the cord and blowing air into my tiny lungs. He was my favourite person thereafter.

Now I get to see Him, my Mother, my brothers, Clarence (Catherine), Reginald (Jean), Jack, Clyde (Janet) and my beautiful sister, Margaret (Emmett). Good thing I'm a good listener, as our reunion will be loud and full of laughter. My younger sister, Shirley is still with all of you.  Although, George her late husband will hold her a good seat until she and Jack's wife Bernice decide to join us.

In April of 1953 I met my tall (well to me tall from my 4'11'' point of view) dark and handsome husband, David Frederick. We married six months later on September 12, 1953. Henceforth, I would be known as Mrs. Mary Smith, Diva of all things Domestic. We decided we would have two children, a boy and a girl. Miraculously, it only took ten years but we did just that.  We were first blessed with our beautiful boy, David Charles in 1964 and then later our daughter, Deborah Catherine in 1966. 

This might be a time to mend fences...

David, I'm sorry I yelled so loudly at the ref at your hockey game that they gave ME a three game suspension.

Deborah, I'm sorry for curling and styling your hair like Pebbles from the Flintstones and putting you in that frilly purple number for picture day. Apparently each of these things was humiliating to them but both were able to rise above their shame and become successful adults.

I'll also apologize to Shirley here, for borrowing her brand new dress, hemming it, and wearing it to the naval dance before she could.

Just when I thought I was too old to fall in love again I became Nanny.  Philippe, Taylor and Rebecca have enriched my life more than words can say.  They're treasures that are irreplaceable and will go with me wherever my journey takes me. Thank you Pierre and Sheila for loving my kids so we could know these kids.

Speaking of Titles, I've held a few in my day...

I've been a devoted daughter, a loving wife, a comforting mother, a spoiling grandmother, a true and loyal friend, a skilled dancer, a beautiful singer and a hugger extraordinaire.  Whether I knew you 45 yrs or 45 minutes, I was coming in to hug your troubles away. If you don't believe me, just ask me...Oh wait, I'm afraid it's too late for questions, Sorry.

So I blinked and I was gone. One little (or big) stroke will do that. Bowling one day, saying goodbye the next. I did have the chance to know and love each and every friend. As well as my many nieces and nephews.

I'll leave you with this... Please don't cry because I'm gone; instead be happy I was here. (or maybe cry a little bit. After all, I have passed away)

Today I am happy and I am dancing (maybe naked)

All My Love Always,

Mary 

Thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff of the Elisabeth Bruyère Palliative team.  You never once missed a thing in my seven week journey from there to here.  Thank you to the Dubuc family for sharing your love with our family while your family was also traveling a hard road. Thank you Anne Roberts, for helping my daughter navigate all the difficult decisions. 

A Celebration of Mary's Life will be held on Friday October 6th, 2023 in the Borden & Fleming Suites of the Beechwood National memorial Centre from 1 to 3 p.m.