MARY DOWSON
Jan. 25, 1931 – Jan. 25, 2024
It is with great sadness that I, Jane Wynne, announce the death of my partner and great friend Mary Dowson. Born in the small village of Wigginton in Hertfordshire, England, Mary lost her parents Margaret Grange and John Walton Dowson at a very early age. She emigrated to Canada in 1951 to be with her brother Richard Anthony Dowson (Dick) whom she adored, and her friend June Rathwell. She lived in Montreal, New York, Toronto and finally Collingwood.
Mary had two passions in life, tennis and travelling, and she managed to combine these loves through her many years with British Airways and later as a dedicated volunteer with Tennis Canada. She was the very best friend anyone could have and we travelled the world together as long as she was able.
Denied the education she would like to have had, Mary made up for it by continually studying and researching a huge. variety of subjects. She would say that she knew a little about a lot. This made her a good conversationalist and she loved to spend time entertaining her friends even if it was just for a cappuccino and a scone. A strong woman whose favourite saying was that “it’s not the gales but the set of the sails, that determines the course of your life”. She had the most wonderful sense of humour, was full to the brim with fun and will be remembered by all who knew her as a strong woman who lived life with a positive attitude, always caring for others over herself.
Mary would have wanted me to name and thank all the many close and wonderful friends and neighbours that she made through the years. However, they know who they are and how very much she treasured them.
Mary died peacefully on her 93rd birthday after a long battle with Giant Cell Arteritis and a short battle with a rare cancer in Campbell House, Collingwood’s wonderful hospice.
A private ceremony of her life will be held later when flowers bloom in the garden she loved.
To honour Mary’s memory a donation to the Campbell House Hospice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Affordable Cremation Services. www.affordablecremation.ca.