Mary Winifred (Grimes) Spear

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Winifred Spear.  She was born on December 30, 1928 in Valetta, Malta, moving to England when she was 3, and Canada in 1975.  After 10 days in Huntsville hospital with family beside her, she passed away peacefully at the Huntsville Hospice.  She is predeceased by husband Julian, married for 56 years, and survived by loving daughters Rosemary (Jim), Diana (Steve) and Patricia (Martin); cherished grandchildren Christopher (Kelly), Jessica (Eric), Cassandra, Julian, Olivia, Ben and Meredith; great grandchildren Emily and Claire.

In every town they lived, Mary made a home for the family to return to, made good friends and contributed to the community with her tireless volunteer work.  Mary's energy was amazing and she always completed what she signed up for.  She received her Outstanding Service Pin in 1996, her Hospital Auxiliary Life Membership in 2002, the Ontario Service Award in 2010 and a Life Membership with the Anglican Church Women.

In Fort Frances, she was an educational assistant for children with exceptional abilities at W.J Walker Public school; she organised Girl Guides and made trifles for Culturama for many years.

She was also active with Girl Guides in England; she knit teddy bears for charity and blankets for Huntsville and overseas; made cookies for Cookie Delight in Huntsville; she volunteered for the Huntsville Public School breakfast program and was a lunch supervisor;  she was food convenor in the Huntsville hospital shop and volunteered as a receptionist for the Chiropody service; she helped at the Blood Donor clinics and collected for Tag Days (Animal Shelter, Cancer)

She loved her dogs, always a Golden Retriever and enjoyed the support from her dog walking companions. When Honey passed away, Mary sold her house and moved to Roger's Cove Retirement Home where she continued to volunteer and help others. The family appreciates the care and respect Mum was given by all the staff and especially we thank Stephanie, Amy and Linda.

Her final days at the Huntsville hospital were made comfortable by some special people including Nancy, Maisie, Hannah, Justina, Dr O'Halloran, Dr Small and Dr Correrria.

She will be missed by all her friends including Joy, Irene, Ruth, Bernice, Peggy, Nicole and Thomas.

She will be forever loved by her family and never forgotten.

The funeral service will be held at All Saints' Anglican Church on Friday, February 24, 2023 at 11:00 a.m,  reception to follow at the Church.  Mary will be laid to rest with beside her husband at All Saints' Anglican Cemetery in the Spring.  As an expression of sympathy memorial donations can be made to All Saints' Outreach Program or the Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary.