(1942-2024)
Mary Isabel Harkness, a longtime resident of Waterloo, handed away peacefully at Hospice Wellington on December 27, 2024, on the age of 82. Born in Palmerston, Ontario, on December 16, 1942, Mary grew up on her household farm, cultivating a lifelong love for animals and the countryside.
A devoted educator, Mary graduated from Western College with a Bachelor of Nursing and launched into a satisfying profession in Nursing Schooling. She started her educating journey at Okay-W Hospital and continued with Conestoga School, the place she mentored numerous aspiring healthcare professionals. She slowed down a bit in 1997 having fun with semi-Retirement having given up her full-time place. Not prepared to utterly go away her calling, she remained a invaluable asset to the school as part-time college in each Nursing and PSW applications for a few years.
Mary’s ardour for animals was unwavering. A testomony to her powers of persuasion whilst a toddler, she satisfied her mother and father to welcome a candy child SKUNK into their residence. Nicely, at the very least till it matured to the purpose that its smelly defence system was operational! To say her animals have been pampered is an understatement! Animals have been all the time a central a part of her life. Mary went to nice lengths to present them every part she thought they needed. Being a talented rider, Mary loved the joys of displaying her horses. She additionally discovered solace in driving her horses within the quiet of the countryside. Mary had a selected fondness for Shelties, a breed deeply linked to her Scottish heritage, she typically took in retired present canine. She rescued quite a few cats all through her life, offering a loving residence for a lot of undesirable animals. She all the time made positive to depart meals out for any strays or feral critters that may wander into her storage for a meal or shelter.
A gifted craftswoman, Mary was an lively member of the quilters guild. Whereas she ran her personal quilting enterprise, most of her beautiful creations have been lovingly crafted for her nephews and pricey mates.
Mary was predeceased by her mother and father, Wilfred and Isabel Harkness; her brother, James Harkness; and her beloved aunt Margaret and uncle Jim. She can be, predeceased by her lifelong greatest buddy, Brenda.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Doreen Harkness; nephews and nieces, Alan Harkness and Frank Wu, Doug and Charlene Harkness, John Harkness, James Harkness, and Wai Kin Chan; and their kids.
Mary will probably be deeply missed by her colleagues at Conestoga School, particularly these on the campus of the dwelling classroom on the village of Riverside Glen, who admired her unimaginable work ethic, fantastic humorousness, and her vibrant and unforgettable persona.
Internment will happen within the spring/summer season. Preparations entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
A tree will probably be planted in reminiscence of Mary I. Harkness within the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.
