Mary Simpson

Mary Margaret Simpson (Schissler)

December 16th, 1944 to September 23rd, 2020

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend surrounded by loving family; peacefully passed away after a valiant fight at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute in Ottawa, Ontario.

Mary was born in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan to Reverend James Philip and Margaret Alice Schissler (Scully). Mary and her sister Maureen grew up in Swift Current, SK and Innerkip, ON where their father Rev. Phil was called to Presbyterian ministry. Mary found a love of youth ministry and served in various roles at Innerkip Presbyterian Church and the Synod of Southwestern Ontario.  Mary spent her summers on the shores of Lake Huron at the family cottage and just down the beach at Camp Kintail. Mary became a camp counsellor at Camp Kintail in the 1960’s helping share Christian values with the youth of the day. In 1967, while at camp, Mary met a young man at a young people’s retreat named Jim. Mary and Jim spent many hours together and fell in love on the shores of Lake Huron. A year later on August 1968 Mary and Jim tied the knot at West Flamborough Presbyterian Church.

Mary attended school in Innerkip and graduated Grade 13 at Huron Park High School in Woodstock, Ontario. Teaching children was a natural and skilled ability for Mary. Mary attended Hamilton Teachers college and graduated 1965. Mary specialized in primary education. Her teaching career spanned over 30 years, including time with the Ancaster Public School Board and the Carleton Board of Education in Ottawa.

Mary and Jim moved to the Ottawa area in 1968 to start their lives together, soon after building their family home on Lennox St. in the village of Richmond. They spent 35 years in the community. Mary and Jim became members of St. Paul’s United Church. This was the foundational rock that supported her in life, in their marriage and raising of their family. Mary was a lifelong, active and influential member of the UCW (United Church Women) and an Elder in the congregation. Over the years Mary would be found helping organize church suppers, pie making, fall fair dinners, Sunday school lessons and baking for coffee and conversation time after weekly service.

Mary and Jim raised two wonderful children, Bradley and Heather. These two rascals kept Mary busy with baking, knitting socks and sweaters or taking them on many activities. Mary has four wonderful grandchildren that have brought her endless amounts of fun and love.

Mary found friendship with her sorority sisters of Beta Sigma Phi over many years.

On retirement from teaching, Mary and Jim moved to the Ottawa River at Constance Bay and have been active members at Bethel-St. Andrew’s United Church in Fitzroy Harbour. Mary and Jim loved to travel the world by tour or cruise, visiting family both in Carleton Place and Orlando. Mary loved bird watching, knitting and conversing with friends and family at church and on their deck overlooking the river.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband Jim, loving son of Bradley (Patricia) and daughter Heather (Ralph). Deeply missed by her Grandchildren; Nicholas, William, Jacob and Amaya. As well as numerous cousins, extended family and dear friends.

Many thanks are extended to the Doctors, nurses and staff at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute in the care of Mary’s health.

Donations to Bethel-St. Andrew’s United Church Memorial or the University of Ottawa Heart Institute would be greatly appreciated.

Due to COVID maximum attendance restrictions, pre-registration for the visitation must be made. You can make your reservation at https://www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Mary Simpson .

or by calling 613-726-0292.

Family and friends may visit at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Road on Friday, October 2, 2020 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. A Celebration of Mary's Life for family only will take place in the Chapel on Sunday, October 4, 2020.

The Service will be Live Streamed starting at 11 a.m.