A mother, an educator and a generous volunteer, on Monday, May 9, 2011, at home, surrounded by her four loving daughters, after more than a year of courageously enduring the effects of cancer on her body and soul. Born in Nobleton on April 25, 1933, the only daughter of the late Frank and Olive Chapman. Predeceased by her husband and cherished friend Frank C. Ball and her brother Jim and his wife Audrey. Mary’s dedication to family, sense of humour and motherly love and compassion will be remembered by her daughters and their husbands, Barbara and Bob Goddard, Susan and Gino DiFebo, Valerie Ball, and Nancy and Alan Wooldridge; her grandchildren, Adam and his wife Hayley Goddard, and Jared Goddard; Dan, Kyle, Josh and Amanda DiFebo; Megan, Emma and Chris Wooldridge; her great grandchildren Penelope and Amelia Goddard. Her wise counsel and unconditional love will be treasured forever by her brother Larry and his wife Cassie, and she will be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews including, David, Lauren and Olivia. Mary’s wish was to spend her final days in her home surrounded by family. This was made possible by the extraordinary efforts of her daughters Barb, Susan, Valerie and Nancy and a host of other family members and friends, but notable was Natalie Chomyshyn’s compassionate care. As an educator, Mary influenced the lives of many children who experienced learning disabilities. Her sometimes stern teacher’s voice belied her gentle and caring personality and her passionate interest in improving the lives of her students.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Thursday afternoon 2 – 4 and evening 7 – 9 o’clock. Funeral service will be held in the chapel on Friday, May 13 at 3 o’clock. Interment Nobleton Community Cemetery.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to Nobleton United Church, P.O. Box 284, Nobleton L0G 1N0; Canadian Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 26331 Station BRMB, Toronto M7Y 4R1; or Joe’s Team in support of Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, 610 University Avenue, 16th Floor, Toronto M5G 2M9.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.EganFuneralHome.com.
Corinne Campbell
Aunt Mary you will be greatly missed, you will be loved forever. I will always remember the things you taught me and the way you shared your heart and soul. You ensured you gave everyone their own special attention and listened with genuine concern or enthusiasm. Our family will feel your absence in many ways, you will always be a strong pillar forever. Rest in peace
Corinne Campbell
Nancy & Bill Boyd
Your Mom will always be remembered by our family as a cherished friend to our Mom, as a tutor with a gift to teach to our Son, and one of “the friends” that we considered family. We share your loss and will miss her smile. You are in our prayers.
Nancy and Bill Boyd and family.
Shanna Boyde
Barb. I am so very sorry for your loss, My thoughts are with you and your family.
Doug and Marg Hill
Dear Barb, Susan, Nancy, Valerie, and Larry,
It was quite a shock to read of the passing of your mom and sister. We send our condolences to all of you and your families. There is so much to be said about Mary and her kind, gentle, understanding,manner that one could go on for a long time. Remminissing over events in the past and her long successful teaching career, not to mention her community invlovment, could go on endlessly. She was a truly a pillar in the community and will certainly be missed. In additon to all of this, she was such a kind , patient and lovely lady. Truly a rare gem. She will be missed. We regret that we will not be able to attend the funeral as we are in Florida at this time but our thoughts will be with all of you. Sincerely, Doug and Marg Hill
Avril Forsyth
Barb & family, please accept my depest sympathy on your loss., my thoughst are with you all at this very difficult time.
Mary-Kathryn Macrae
My three children were much better for having had “Mrs. Mary” in their lives. In particular my son Justin will always have a special place in his heart for her undivided attention when he was a shy little boy . Madeline and Kathryn will always remember “Mrs. Mary” with fondness because of her loving care and very patient nature.
Donald & Heather Ayres
Your mom was a wonderful woman whose memory will be kept alive by the lives she touched. She will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Pitzschel
Barb and Family , please accept may deepest sympathy on your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Jason Fisher
Barb & Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I am very sorry to hear of your loss.
Connie Degrace
Barb
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughs are with you all during this difficult time. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Betsy Agar
I have never known “Mrs Ball” without a smile. My earliest memories are set in the Ball home where children were free to play. She will be much missed, but her love and compassion and patience lives on in “the Ball girls” and their families.
Terry & Brian Dyson
Barb,Sue, Val & Nancy
I know the loss of a Mother leaves a huge void in your life and an unbearable sadness and hurt, but know in your hearts that she will forever live on through you, her devoted and loving children. Your love and devotion allowed her last wishes to be granted and she will always rememeber having you there with her. I hope you find peace in this sad time and remember to lean on your family and friends as we are now here for you. My deepest sympathy on your loss.
Pat. Kaus
Barb and Family – I am very sorry about the lost of your Mum. My
thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. You and your sisters have been there all the way through her difficult ordeal, which I’m sure made it very comfortable and peaceful for her.
Barb, we are all here for you at work…
Janet McCormack (nee Kope)
Dear Susan and Gino, Valerie, Barb and Nancy and family,
My deepest sympathies to you all. Your mom was a very lovely lady and I am sure she will be sorely missed by you all. It is never easy to lose a loved one but you will always have the fondest memories in your heart.
My thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
warmest regards,
Janet
Kay Parkinson
Mary has been a part of my family for nearly 30 years. Her obvious love and devotion to her family was evident throughout her life. I’m glad she has been apart of mine I will miss her smiles. Love to all of you.
Janice Agar & Family
Your Mom was a wonderful lady. Over the many years that our parents have been friends, we were very fortunate to have had your parents, and your family, as important influences in our lives. We are so sorry for your loss.
Love from, Janice, Mike, Ava & Georgia
Kelly (MacDonald) O'Brien
Barb, Sue, Valerie & Nancy & Families
I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to you and your family at this very difficult time, your mom was one of the best, she helped so many of us in our early years and we will never forget that – she has helped us to become who we are today! A wonderful lady!
Cherish your wonderful memories of your mom, she will be sadly missed by all of us but know that she will no longer be in pain and again with your dad.
Sorry I am unable to pay my respects in person as I have a family surgery taking place tomorrow.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Mary, rest in peace!
Kelly xoxo
Cindy Clark
Dear Susan&,Gino, Barb,Val,Nancy and families
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families
So sorry to hear about the loss of your lovely mother
Every memory is precious
love Cindy
John & Lisa Gibb
Dear Susan & Gino,Val,Nancy,Barb and families
Our deepest sympathies to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!! Love from the Gibb family.
Erin Connolly-Brezinski
My heartfelt condolences are sent to all of Mary’s family, including her daughter, Val, brother, Larry and wife, Cassie and their children, Olivia, David and Lauren. I first met Mary at my sister, Cassie’s wedding to Larry Chapman – Mary welcomed my whole family and we had so much fun at the wedding – Frank got my sense of humour. All the get-to-gethers at the cottages on Otter Lake were always so much fun. Mary was a great friend to my mother, Maureen (Larry Chapman’s mother-in-law) and enjoyed travelling with the Chapman clan down to Mexico over March breaks. They were great company for each other.
May all your memories carry you all through this tough time and know that Mary has joined her beloved husband, Frank and other family members, including her mother, Olive. I am sure she has met my father, Joe, already. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Take time to remember and grieve. Take Care!
Erin Connolly-Brezinski (Cassie (Larry Chapman’s wife)’s sister)
XOXOXOXO
Laura Andrews
Dear Barb, my condolences to you and your family on the loss of your dear mother. May you find strength and support from each other and friends during this difficult time. I hope in time the sharing of fond memories will bring comfort and serve as a celebration to your mothers wonderful life.
Kim Bonomo
Sue, Val, Barb & Nancy and Family
Your mother, was truly and angel who has now joined your father in heaven. I did not see your mother often, but when I did she always had a kind word and a smile. Michael-Angelo and Mikaela treasured any time they spent with Mrs. Mary. A picture of Mrs. Mary and themselves at halloween proudly sits on their dresser. I woke last night and my head was filled with memories of our scrapbooking weekends. She radiates through all of you, treasure your memories. Your mom was loved by all.
God Bless
Kim
Mary Buchanan (Minialoff)
Dear Val, Sue, Gino, Nancy, Barb and families
Your Mom was such a gift to so many of the children of this town and to many of us who would just see her walking the dog or just around the town she always made it seem like home here in Nobleton. Your family is always someone when I think of you I smile you are such a wonderful, strong and faith based family, my heart truly goes out to all of you at this time. Your mom was always so sweet and kind full of smiles. She will be truly missed by all of us. I am so sorry for your loss, this town just wont be the same without her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time
Mary and family
xoxoxo
Elizabeth Doucette
Dear Nancy and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad, sad time. You and your sisters have been amazing daughters giving such comfort to your Mom through her illness.
My heart goes out to all of you.
Deepest sympathy,
Elizabeth
Marlene & Jim Thompson
Our sincere condolences . Marie always lit up the room around her and will be remembered for the lite .
M&J
Rosemary Walker
Our families have been close for what seems my whole life. New Year’s Eve at the Ball’s was as normal for us as Christmas Day at home. Your Mom was special and will be so missed. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rosemary
Sylvia and Gary White
Dear Barb, Susan, Val, Nancy, Larry and your families — We were so sorry to hear of Mary’s death, but we are glad she stayed with you and all her friends as long as she could. Mary was so special in so many ways – we met her as one of our first neighbours when we moved to Nobleton and got to know her through all the things she was involved in, and through all of you. Mary and Frank will always be remembered by us as “great folks” who enjoyed their family and friends and were more than willing to help when there was a need. We were fortunate to know them both..
Our prayers are with all of you – Sincerely, Sylvia and Gary White
Kathy & David Lloyd
Larry and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. How hard it is to say goodbye to someone so special. May your happy memories help you through this time of sadness.
Marcia Morris
Mary’s girls and families, Larry and Cassie and family,
We first met Mary at Larry and Cassie’s wedding and spent more time with them when visiting Otter Lake. Mary and Frank were generous enough to allow us to stay at their wonderful cottage one weekend with Larry and Cassie, before Larry and Cassie purchased their own cottage on the lake. Mary and Frank were just the nicest people you could ever know, welcoming, friendly, gracious, generous, kind, loving … they were truly good people. Throughout the years most of our visits were at Otter Lake where we began a tradition of annual ‘family weekends’ in July. Often we would walk over to the Ball’s cottage to visit or they would come by boat to visit us. Mary was such a lovely lady and a joy to be around; she and my mom, Maureen, enjoyed their trips together where there was always much laughter and good times. Mary will be missed by many who have been lucky enough to know her and love her, but we will all remember her in our hearts. We are thinking of you at this sad time.
Marcy, John, Blaise & Cindy, Brody & Todd Morris
Nadia, Aric & Drew
We never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
xoxoxo
Jenifer Merritt
Mary’s family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed your Mum’s friendship when I lived in Nobleton, she was such a warm and beautiful lady. it was a privilege to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
God Bless, Jenifer
Anne & Steve Ashford
Dear Barb, Sue, Val and Nancy,
Heart felt condolences girls. “Aunt” Mary and “Uncle” Frank were a huge part and positive influence on my life during my younger years. They both are and will remain greatly missed.
Sadly, Anne and I are unable to attend the funeral as I am still working abroad in the Cayman Islands.
Our thoughts are with you and your families.
Sincerely,
Steve & Anne Ashford
Sharron Ball Trudel
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.Your mother , my aunt was such a beautiful person and had such a big heart ..we remember many plesant & happy times with both of your parents over the years.i am sorry i cant be with your family but needless to say i am with you in thoughts and prayer, you have so many happy memories of your mom amd memories are for ever .
Deepest sympathy
Sharron Ball Trudel
Susan Wooldridge
Barb, Sue, Val and Nancy,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. She was truly a wonderful lady and I am so glad to have known her.
My love to all of you at this sad time.
Sue
Rev. Eleanor (McDougall) Russ & Rev. Bev (McDougall)Thompson
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of Mary. We both remember her, the family and Larry from Nobleton United Church. Even though we have both traveled far from Nobleton, in visits back to the church, she was always so welcoming. She was kind and caring and committed to her family and her faith. Blessings, (Rev.) Eleanor (McDougall) Russ & (Rev.) Bev (McDougall) Thompson
Lisa (Fry, Hopper) Cameron
Dear Barb, Susan, Nancy, Valerie, and Larry
I have just learned of your tremendous loss, I am so very sorry…
As well, to have missed being there to pay my respects (and give you all a hug!).
My memories go all the way back to being a child and running next door right into Aunt Olie’s home!
She was the epitome of kindness and so much more! A true staple in the community of Nobleton and will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. I wish you peace!
Lisa Cameron and family
John and Deb Anderson
Mary dearly loved her family, friends, church and community as she was dearly loved in return. We will miss her very much.
Gord and Marg Adams
Our sincere condolences go out to all of Mary’s family. We have been away all week and unable to attend her funeral. We have many fond memories of Mary and she’ll be forever in our hearts.
Lynda Laceby
To the whole family,
My heartfelt condolences to you all.
I had no idea that your mom was so ill so it was a complete
shock when I heard of her passing.
You will miss her but I’m sure you have many wonderful memories.
She is at peace now,
Sincerely,
Lynda Laceby
Ray Cooper and Lois Groombridge
Susan and Gino, our condolences to you both in the recent passing of your Mom. Keep thinking of all the wonderful memories and times you had with her. Our prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Ray and Lois
Linda & Mark Muylaert
Dear Val, Nancy, Sue, Barb & families,
When we heard of your Mom’s passing, our hearts filled with such deep sorrow for all of you. The thing I will most remember about your Mom was her smile. Her warmth, kindness and wonderful heart came through that beautiful smile. It was like a ray of sunshine and could brighten any day. We pray that your wonderful memories will bring you comfort and that the pain in your hearts will be eased a little knowing that your wonderful Mom & Dad are together once again. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda & Mark Muylaert
Earl and Margaret Grommbridge
To the Ball family
No matter how old we are…losing a parent is awful….your mom was so loving and friendly and will be greatly missed…
Keep all your precious memories close to your heart and know that she is resting in gods hand forever and ever.
Your friends
Earl and Marg Groombridge
Donna Scott
Sue and Val,
I was shocked when I heard that your mom had passed. She was so kind, and always had a smile on her face. She will be missed by many, and Nobleton will not be the same without her.
I know that Betty was a good friend, and now they will be visiting again.
I don’t get the news as quickly, living in Kitchener.
My condolences to your families.