Mary Verda (nee Procter) Thomas

Mrs. Mary Verda (née Procter) Thomas passed away peacefully at Huronlea Home for the Aged in Brussels on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. She was in her 92nd year.

 

She was the proud mother of Bob (Debbie) Thomas, David (Maureen) Thomas and Dianne (Roy) Sidders; the loving grandmother of Amy (Rob) Burkholder, Jamie Thomas, Sean (Toni) Thomas, Laura (Jordan) Hussey, Liesa (Joe) Switzer, Ashley Thomas, Matthew (Sara) Sidders, Neil Sidders, Scott (Yanling) Sidders and Troy (Nas) Sidders and the adoring great-grandmother of Emily, Sophia, Sean, Jenson, Evie, Elena, Knox, River, Austin, Carter, and Mary.

 

Mary was the sister of Charles (Grace) Procter, Ross Procter, George (Elizabeth) Procter and Ruth Alton and she will be missed by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mary was predeceased by in-laws Mary Louise Procter, Ken Alton, and special friend Ross Smith.

 

Mary spent a lifetime in nursing, starting in Wingham and then moving to Listowel, all the time staying the night supervisor. She was the Sunday school superintendent at Brussels United Church for many years, singing in the choir and taking care of the children in the congregation. She then attended Knox United Church in Belgrave again singing in the choir. 

 

She was known for her strawberry jam and maple syrup, which bore her name “Granny Mary”. She was an avid quilter and belonged to a local quilter’s guild. She loved to fly and was a private pilot. She enjoyed knitting and would take on any project, no matter how challenging. 

 

Her love of music shone in her ability to play the autoharp, accordion and the bagpipes. This love of playing the bagpipes led her to join the Brussels Legion and, in turn, the Legion Pipe Band, which allowed her to play in Edinburgh, Scotland as part of a massed band. 

 

Mary was a Legion member for 25 years, where she was known for her generous donations of unique items and busy hands, making pies and sandwiches for any occasion. 

 

Mary had a special friend in her life who let her dream big, and they ran a gift store together in Russeldale called the Country Spire. She loved to be busy and that included spending as much time as possible with her children and grandchildren. She insisted on morals and values that instilled trust and honesty. She was exceptionally proud of her family. She will be sadly missed by many.

 

A private, family funeral service took place on Thursday, June 30  at Knox United Church in Belgrave. Bruce Whitmore officiated.
In lieu of flowers or as expressions of sympathy, donations to Knox United Church (Belgrave) or the Alzheimer Society of Huron County would be appreciated.

 

Cards of sympathy may be sent to Box 558, Brussels, N0G 1H0.
Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca.