We sadly announce that Mary McKinnon passed away at home with family by her side on May 11 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Mary was born in Port Arthur on March 25, 1937. She was a lifelong resident of Thunder Bay. Family was her number one priority. This summer she would have celebrated 67 happy years of marriage with her loving husband, Tom. Her home was always open to extended family, friends and her children's and grandchildren’s friends. Everyone was always welcome and well fed. She was a great cook and baker. Also, she was an excellent sewer, knitter, and many of her crafts decorated her well-tended home and camp.
As a member of IODE, St. Paul’s Women’s Church Group and a variety of bridge clubs, she enjoyed socializing and chatting with people. She loved to strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. She kept fit over the years walking her beloved dogs and taking part in activities at the 55+plus Center.
In their early years of marriage, Mary and Tom especially enjoyed curling and golf and were lifelong members of the Port Arthur Country Club. She was a devoted volunteer and parent with the original Thunderbolt Swim Club, welcoming swimmers from around the world to live in her home for extended periods of time. She most thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her family, caring and cooking for them, especially at Trout Lake where she spent as much time as possible since the day she was born.
Mary is lovingly remembered by her husband Thomas (Tom) McKinnon, children Sharon (Bill Brend), Liz, Carolyn (Brad) Johnstone, grandchildren Mitch (Devin) Johnstone, Nikki Johnstone (Brad Young) and was thrilled to finally have a great granddaughter Rylee who was born last summer. She is also survived by in-laws Caddie McKinnon, Joan Slipetz, Bruce (Elaine) McKinnon, Donna (Glen) Knox, Donnie (Elaine) McKinnon, Brian (Bev) McKinnon, Sharon Charnesky, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Fred and Elizabeth Bickford, brother Albert Skinner, parents-in-law Joe and Mabel McKinnon, brothers-in-law Peter Slipetz, Jim Charnesky, and Ron McKinnon, and recently by close cousins Fred Bickford and Joan Bickford.
Mary’s remembrance of life will be held on Tuesday, May 17 at 11 AM, in St. Paul’s United Church, Waverley Street.
Donations, if desired, may be made to St. Paul’s United Church, a local animal rescue, or The Dew Drop Inn. Arrangements are in care of the Sargent & Son Funeral Directors, 21 N. Court Street. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to all those involved in Mary’s care during these last weeks, especially Amanda and Rob, for outstanding care and compassion.
