Mary Helen NIX

NIX, Mary Helen (nee Paterson) At last peaceful, Mary Helen (Molly) Nix, at Bethsaida Retirement Centre, Orangeville passed on to meet her Saviour on Friday, October 25, 2019 in her 99th year. Molly was born June 8, 1921 in Port Hope, Ontario. She was the oldest child of Frank and Eva Paterson and is predeceased by her younger sister, Pauline Reid (Hugh) and younger brothers, Jack Paterson and Bill Paterson (Barbara). Molly attended MacDonald Institute (now part of Guelph University) finishing in 1941 having been trained as a dietitian. While there, she met and subsequently married the love of her life, Garnet Nix. They were married in 1943 before Garnie was sent to Britain as a soldier in W.W. II. Molly and Garnie leave three children, daughter Nancy Burnside (Bob), son Fred (Franca de Angelis), and Peter (Margaret Woodfall). There are seven grandchildren; John Burnside (Kirsti Domay), Jennifer Miedema (Joe), Sarah Mailhot (Marc), Matthew Burnside (Keri), Graeme Nix (Michelle), Yuri Woodfall, Roan Nix. There are 18 great-grandchildren; Grace, Jack and Ava Burnside; William, Mary, Emily and Thomas Miedema; Samuel, Vivienne, Nathan, and Ruthie Mailhot; Andrew, Jessica, David and Allison Burnside; Sheridan, Maria, Jacqueline Nix. Tola Sar (Chris Pickrell) is a special member of the family and there is also one great-great-grandchild Isabelle Miedema. Molly and Garnie lived in Thistletown, ON briefly after the war, moved to B.C. for 11 years, and then back to Willowdale, ON where they ultimately retired. Garnet had worked for Canada Packers for over 50 years starting in the mail room (before university) and leaving as a Vice President. They moved to Orangeville almost seven years ago when Molly's Alzheimer's required more care. About five years ago, Bev Hillier became a regular care-giver. Garnie in his 97th year and after 73 and a half years of marriage, passed on leaving Bev and her ""angels of care"" with Molly. The family, of course did their share and are so grateful to Dr. Ken Derksen and the palliative team in these last days. A Celebration of Life will be held for Molly at the Dods & McNair Funeral Home, Chapel & Reception Centre, 21 First St., Orangeville on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., starting with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Memorial donations to Headwaters Health Care Foundation or Gideons International would be appreciated by the family. A tree will be planted in memory of Mary in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest at the Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville. The annual dedication service will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.dodsandmcnair.com