Obituary of Mary McLean

MARY McLEAN Born February 9, 1924 in the Okanagan Valley to the late Dunbar McLean and Laura Benz. Died November 16, 2018 at Kensington Gardens, Toronto. Mary was predeceased by her brothers John Dunbar and William Ernest and friend and fellow artist Jack Nichols. Mary leaves nephews and nieces, Shelagh, Keith (Beth), Doug (Poly), Derek (Wendy), Alison (Arnold), James (Sarah); and cousin Peggy Schultz. Great-nephews and nieces number eleven; “great-greats” seven. Mary graduated from the U of T in 1946, OCE in 1951 and taught briefly at Stoney Creek, Thornton Hall and the nascent National Ballet School before turning to a lifetime of caregiving and watercolour painting. She cared for her adopted parents Alice (Uzzie) and Percy McRae, Dorothy (Baba) Wreyford. Aunt extraordinaire, the life of any party, children were spellbound by her. Many thanks to Sonia Arano for 12 years of steadfast service. With her sister Merlinda she kept Mary stimulated and comfortable. Admiration and gratitude to the staff of Kensington Gardens for their devotion and loving care. Donations in Mary’s name can be made to www.kensingtongardens.org to continue to provide such care. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 15th. Wear BLUE! Mary’s favourite colour. Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.