Mary Percival lived a full and exciting life. She grew up in Muskoka, completed her education at Trafalgar Castle in Whitby and later graduated from Moulton College, in Toronto. Mary’s attachment to Algonquin Park started in the early 1920s with her first visit to Taylor Statten Camps. Her love of the out of doors, kindled by the north wood’s spirit of camping became her lifelong devotion. The family has had a summer cottage lease in the park since 1947. Mary studied Commercial & Fine Arts, Dress Design, Illustration and Interior Design in New York. Her first one-woman show was in 1946 at ‘Lord & Taylor’ where she worked as Interior Window Designer 1945-47.
Mary’s true beauty spread to their four daughters Karyn (deceased 2000), Heather, Sandra and Cynthia after she was married to Keith in 1947. They lived in British Guiana, South America (now Guyana) for three years, amongst the jungle, along the Demerara River. In 1954 they moved to London, England and returned to Canada in 1958, living in Rosemere, Quebec, north of Montreal. Throughout their moves and travels Mary handmade many of her children’s clothes and she had a tradition of hand painting their Christmas cards for over 60 years. Living in Montreal, Mary’s foundation of creativity continued with her talents and expertise being utilized by the Women’s Committee of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and with her arts group. She continued playing violin with a local orchestra and she loved to be physically active. Mary was a regular tournament golfer, bonspiel curler and she was an avid downhill skier, going every winter weekend into the Laurentian Mountains.
In 1978 Mary designed their family dream home when they settled, amongst long time friends, in Mono, near Orangeville. On the farm, she loved the birds, the gardens and the wild creatures that came to visit. Mary’s painting continued to flourish as she studied with watercolour artists and shared several mother-daughter shows with her daughter Karyn in the 1980s and 90s. Mary and Keith’s extended travels, for over 30 years, were colourfully documented in dozens of sketchbooks, many of which were later completed as full size paintings. Mary’s life is reflected in her diverse assortment of images and unique locations.
Mary’s fondest place to be was their cabin on Canoe Lake, in Algonquin Park. Just as Mary adored the world’s wild places, it was here that she felt most at home amongst the habitat of nature, trees, lakes and wild animals.
You never forget a person like Mary. She was always happy, optimistic and energetic. Mary was a patient and peaceful lady. Beyond being talented with her hands, Mary had a heart that just never quit. Mary you are the breezes, the crisp morning air, and the ripples of waves on shorelines. We remember the happy times; they will shape our reality forever. Thank you for your sunshine. Your family shall never forget you. Your ever loving; Keith Percival, Heather and Guy Bull, Sandra and Wally Kaczmarek, Cynthia Percival and Jim Colquhoun, John Ardill and Joanne Grant; Colin, Brigitte and Rowan Ardill; Ian, Sarah, Mackenzie and Madison Ardill; Lindsay, Chris and Payge Warner; Lauren Bull; Justin Kaczmarek and Brennon Kaczmarek.
Thank you to the kind souls at the Headwaters HCC who eased her way in her final days.
Mary, who passed away peacefully on October 8, 2010, will rest at the Kettleby Cemetery, King Twp., Ontario with an immediate family graveside service. At Mary’s request, donations may be made to ‘In Memoriam’ to ‘Friends of Algonquin’, Box 248, Whitney, Ontario K0J 2MO (613) 637-2828 ext 239 or through Egan Funeral Home Baxter & Giles Chapel, Orangeville (519) 941-2630 or www.EganFuneralHome.com
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Elspeth Mackenzie
It’s been so long ago, back in Rosemere, Quebec. However, I still remember your Mother’s generous and creative spirit. Humorously, I remember beening invited over to eat, and drinking sour milk. Mary could no longer smell because of a car accident that had left her without her sense of smell.
The family is in my prayers during this sad time.
love Elspeth (Elbie) Mackenzie
RaDeana Montgomery
Hi Cynthia
Sorry to hear about your mother’s passing.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time of sorrow and grief.
RaDeana Montgomery
Glenna Ferguson
To Cynthia and Family,
I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am about the passing of your Mother. Please know that I am thinking about you in this time of sorrow.
My Deepest Sympathy.
Glenna Ferguson
Lorna Hyde-Whipp
We are so sorry for the loss of Mary ..we loved her, such a great lady ..but she lived life to the full …Lots of wonderful memories
love to all the family
Lorna and Mollie Hyde-Whipp xx
Brenda and Brian Blair and family
Dear Keith, Heather, Guy, Lindsay, Lauren, Cynthia and Sandra and families.
We are so very saddened to arrive home from Thanksgiving weekend to hear of your great loss of your lovely mother and friend. There is so much that we’ve shared ad families and friends over many years. Our arms surround you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today and through the agonizing days ahead. May only the greatest memories replace the tears in days to come. She certainly “painted” the landscape with her brush this weekend and the sky held some beautiful sunsets for this time of year as she entered those Golden Gates above. Once we heard of her passing there was no doubt “why” we enjoyed all this knowing who was welcomed into God’s hands. The love of her hands will be cherished always. All our Love, Brenda and Brian, Ryan, Heather and Kyle Blair – Kincardine.
When I lost my dad earlier this year – we were comforted by this poem below…
Miss me, but let me go
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free
Miss me a little – but not too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me – but let me go
For this is a journey that we must all take
And each must go alone
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan
A step on the road to home
When you are lonely, and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me – but let me go
Those we love don’t go away,They walk beside us every day,Unseen, unheard, but always near,Still loved, still missed and very dear.
sharon
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing, she was such a loving and amazingly talented woman. What a great legacy she leaves behind for her wonderful family. Hope that happy memories help you through this sad time.
Sharon (HLO)
S. JO ANne Kelly Rudy
Dear Sandra and Wally:
To you and those you love my most sincere sympathy at this time of great loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you – with love to one and all
Jo ANne
Sheena
Keith, Heather, Cynthia and Sandra and family.
I just now found out about Mary’s passing. She was such a kind, caring,talented and out going lady. She loved living life to the fullest and I will miss her dearly. My thought’s are with you all. May she rest in piece.
Nigel Brachi
I was sorry to hear of Mary’s passing… my Mum back in England told me, and I think she heard the news from Cynthia, via Clare. I just thought I’d take the time to say something on behalf of Mum: I know she treasured her friendship over many many years with Mary and Keith, the letter and the occasional phone call across the pond. I know her thoughts – and mine – are with the family at this difficult time.
Nigel