Obituary for Mary Jane Madden (Smith)
MADDEN, Mary Jane (nee Smith)
Passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at 85 years of age. Loving wife of Frank, Devoted mother of Kim (Steve), Michelle, Frank (Patti). Proud grandmother of Patricia, Dylon, Frankie, Josh and great-grandmother to Charlotte and Jade. Dear sister of Jackie and Dagg and their families, and treasured sister-in-law of Anna, Donna, Johnny and their families.
Mary and Frank shared a loving relationship for 60 years where their focus was family, friends and community. Mary was a fierce advocate and support for Frank when he developed Alzheimer’s Disease later in life.
Mary lived a life guided by love and compassion for others. Her sister, Jackie, recently said that the best word that describes Mary is LOVE … compassion and understanding, doing for all living beings, always putting others before herself. Words common in her vocabulary were love, thank you and yes.
Her essence is reflected in her chosen life activities and her career. For many years she was an active member of the Anglican Church and community, she volunteered with community services for seniors and animals. When she returned to school in mid-life, she studied Early Childhood Education where she worked until her retirement. It was a common experience to have former students and their parents approach her in the community to share their appreciation for who she was in their early life. Mary formed a loving life-long relationship with two young people whom she cared for up until her passing. Thank you, Nicola, for remembering the finger salute “best friends forever”. That will stay with us always. Danny, Mary loved you deeply and will always be your protector.
In her last days, our extended family gathered to share their memories of Mom, grandmother and sister. As a young child, her sister recalled her always bringing home injured animals in need of care. Common themes for her grandchildren included spending weekends and holidays in her home, playing bingo and getting dollar store gifts as prizes, playing cards where she’d always let you win in order to see the delight on your face and having a pantry full of all of our favorite foods (Coke Cola). “She was genuine, strong and would never hurt a fly” “I’ll always think of Gram when eating cinnamon and sugar on toast“ “When I say thank you, I hear Grandma reminding me to use my manners” “I’ll always remember spending time with Grandma who let me rant, reassuring me that everything would be OK”. Many extended family members have reflected that she was a great lady who had the BIGGEST heart.
Mary’s love for celebrating was honored in her hospital room the last days by decorating for Christmas, we ensured that everyone who came to the room placed an ornament on the tree. A theme for her children was that no matter what was happening in their lives, they could “Talk to Mom”. She always provided a safe loving haven; for everyone, Mary always made you feel your best.
In lieu of a service, flowers, donations, etc., her parting wish was that we all pass on acts of compassion and kindness to others.
Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca
Passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at 85 years of age. Loving wife of Frank, Devoted mother of Kim (Steve), Michelle, Frank (Patti). Proud grandmother of Patricia, Dylon, Frankie, Josh and great-grandmother to Charlotte and Jade. Dear sister of Jackie and Dagg and their families, and treasured sister-in-law of Anna, Donna, Johnny and their families.
Mary and Frank shared a loving relationship for 60 years where their focus was family, friends and community. Mary was a fierce advocate and support for Frank when he developed Alzheimer’s Disease later in life.
Mary lived a life guided by love and compassion for others. Her sister, Jackie, recently said that the best word that describes Mary is LOVE … compassion and understanding, doing for all living beings, always putting others before herself. Words common in her vocabulary were love, thank you and yes.
Her essence is reflected in her chosen life activities and her career. For many years she was an active member of the Anglican Church and community, she volunteered with community services for seniors and animals. When she returned to school in mid-life, she studied Early Childhood Education where she worked until her retirement. It was a common experience to have former students and their parents approach her in the community to share their appreciation for who she was in their early life. Mary formed a loving life-long relationship with two young people whom she cared for up until her passing. Thank you, Nicola, for remembering the finger salute “best friends forever”. That will stay with us always. Danny, Mary loved you deeply and will always be your protector.
In her last days, our extended family gathered to share their memories of Mom, grandmother and sister. As a young child, her sister recalled her always bringing home injured animals in need of care. Common themes for her grandchildren included spending weekends and holidays in her home, playing bingo and getting dollar store gifts as prizes, playing cards where she’d always let you win in order to see the delight on your face and having a pantry full of all of our favorite foods (Coke Cola). “She was genuine, strong and would never hurt a fly” “I’ll always think of Gram when eating cinnamon and sugar on toast“ “When I say thank you, I hear Grandma reminding me to use my manners” “I’ll always remember spending time with Grandma who let me rant, reassuring me that everything would be OK”. Many extended family members have reflected that she was a great lady who had the BIGGEST heart.
Mary’s love for celebrating was honored in her hospital room the last days by decorating for Christmas, we ensured that everyone who came to the room placed an ornament on the tree. A theme for her children was that no matter what was happening in their lives, they could “Talk to Mom”. She always provided a safe loving haven; for everyone, Mary always made you feel your best.
In lieu of a service, flowers, donations, etc., her parting wish was that we all pass on acts of compassion and kindness to others.
Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca