Obituary of Mary Munro

Mary "Maisie" Jane Munro was born July 18, 1921, in Portadown, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, the third daughter born to Thomas and Emily Clarke and passed away at Killam Long Term Care Centre on February 11, 2013 at the age of 91 years. She emigrated with her family in 1927 to a farm south of Sedgewick in the Merna district where she resided for most of her life. She attended public school at Lawn Hill, high school at Merna, and later attended the Vermilion School of Agriculture. She grew up on the farm, loving the outdoor life, working with her father and learning about hard work and its rewards. As a schoolgirl she loved all kinds of sports, especially softball in the summer and skiing and skating in the winter. Mom met Dad in 1941, and a year later they were married and became truly life partners for 52 years. To this union four children were born: Doug, Darlene, Barry, and Darcy. Their partnership extended to their farming and cattle operation—together you would find them in the hay meadow at haying time, or combining and baling straw. They involved each of us in 4-H learning experiences. And supported us in all our activities, driving us to hockey and softball games, watching us play. Mom liked to do handicrafts of all kinds, entering her work at district fairs—embroidery, knitting, cooking, and vegetables. Later Mom and Dad started a purebred herd called Merna Herefords. She loved these animals, knew them all by name, and could be found many times sitting on the corral fence watching them. In her last year helping with 4-H she received a trophy for her judging and proudly displayed this in her home. Her church played the most important part of her life. She loved working with the children in Sunday School, the girls clubs, and Vacation Bible School. Nothing made her happier than to see them grow up and continue walking with the Lord, and serving him in the church. In 1973 they sold the farm and retired to Killam. Now she had time to further her artistic talents in oil painting, ceramics (which she also taught, proud of her teaching certificate, first at home, and then later in the Rec Centre), paper tole and quilting. She taught many local girls crafts in GMG, and many also received a handmade wedding book to treasure. During their retirement years, Mom and Dad took many trips abroad. They loved traveling, camping and rodeos. In 1990, due to Dad's health they sold their large home and moved into Parkview Manor. In 1992, Mom and Dad celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with all their children and grandchildren home for it. After Dad passed away in 1994, her family encouraged her to take one more trip. It had always been her dream to see the Holy Land, and when she returned, she shared her experiences with many groups. She continued to live in the Manor and loved volunteering at the Auxiliary Hospital where the residents were very special to her. Later due to declining health, she moved into Flagstaff Lodge, and then Killam Long Term Care Centre. Now once again she has a robust quality of life with her Savior and reunited with Dad. She is survived by her children Doug (Dianne), Barry (Sally), Darcy (Shelley), grandchildren Susan (Shinji), Julie (Dallas), Diana, Kathy, Kirk (Wendy), Karen (Marty), Natasha, Tiffany (Ryan), Mike (Hailey), Warren (Melissa), one brother Doug, 15 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Maisie was predeceased by her husband Henry "Harry", daughter Darlene, parents Thomas and Mary, brother Tommy, sisters Olive and Winnie, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Margaret and Len Dutton, Helen and Guy Tomilson, Robert and Agnes Munro, Arley and Annie Munro, Nell and Don MacKenzie. Sister-in-law Olive Clarke passed away on the same day as Maisie, February 11, 2013. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 16 at the Killam Baptist Church. Interment will take place in the Killam Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Maisie can be made to Killam Long Term Care Centre, the MS Society, or a charity of the donor's choice.