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MARY DUCHARME Obituary
October 8, 1943 ~ November 30, 2024
Always the Queen, Mary Ducharme, age 81, held court for the final time at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont., on November 30th, surrounded by her loyal subjects and heirs - Kim, Dana, and Perry.
Mary was born in Emo, Ont., on October 8, 1943, the second oldest of seven children born to Frances and Pete Naturkach. Raised in a hardworking Ukrainian family, Mary was more than ready for the royal treatment when she met her knight in shining armour, Jack Ducharme, a proud farm boy "from off the farm." Fiercely devoted to each other, they built a loving partnership that generated impressive soirees and amassed a devoted following of loyal friends. The house that Jack built was an impeccably stylish, and welcoming place where guests could always drop by for a glass of wine, a stately snack, or a spirited cocktail. Mary's spicy pretzels and chocolate balls became legendary, always anticipated at holiday gatherings. Check in for the royal recipes.
Loyal, creative, and hard-working, Mary embodied the values instilled in her by her parents. Over the years, she worked at the Town of Fort Frances, Bell Canada, and later the Fort Frances Clinic. When not working, Mary could often be found holding court at Kitchen Creek Golf Club, where she was a long-time member. She expanded her golf reign with good friend Linda in Deridder, Alabama, and later, after Jack and Mary became 'snowbirds,' they enjoyed their time in Mesa, Arizona, surrounded by good friends and family in the warmth of the sun.
Mary was the epitome of class and elegance. Known for her impeccable fashion sense and keen attention to detail, she was always dressed to perfection for any occasion. Hosting and entertaining were some of her greatest joys. She remained loyal to Friday night appetizers and cocktails, whether for just her and Jack or for friends and family. The "Birthday Club" gatherings, where Mary hosted regal charcuterie spreads for Cindy, Sharon, Rosemary, and others, were highlights for many years. Mary's love language was undoubtedly gift-giving - her thoughtful, personalized presents were part of her magic and charm.
In her later years, Mary found peace and comfort in a good book from her favorite local library or a challenging Sudoku puzzle. She remained steadfast in her passion for golf, spending hours watching the sport on TV, often alongside The Shopping Channel and The Young and the Restless (Y&R). Victor Newman even made an appearance for her birthday last year! Though she'd never fully admit it, Mary found companionship and joy in spending time with her children's pets, sneaking them treats or speaking to them affectionately. She also embraced new technology, becoming text-savvy and regularly sending Bitmoji sticker greetings to start or end the day.
Mary will always be remembered for her strength and resilience in overcoming adversity, particularly with her health challenges. Despite a heart transplant, asthma, and cancer, among other struggles, she lived a life of purpose and determination. Her unyielding willpower allowed her to accomplish anything she set her mind to, always with magical precision.
Mary was predeceased by her loving husband, Jack Ducharme; her parents, Frances and Pete Naturkach; her parents-in-law, Leo and Kip Ducharme; sisters Irene Harrison and Shirley Sether; and brother- and sister-in-laws Harvey Ducharme, Ken Harrison, Jim Sether, and Naomi O'Cheek.
She will be deeply missed by her children Kim (Pat), Dana (Jeff), and Perry (Margaret); her grandchildren Carly, Samuel, Chloé (Kevin), Jackson, Paige, and Abigail; her siblings John, William (Heidi), Gary (Paulette), and Vicky (Dave); and her brother- and sisters-in-law Diane (George), Linda (Lyle), Ray (Shelley), and Micaela (Doug). She will also be remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews, and their families: Darcy, Erin, Leigh, Jason, Christine, Casey, Stephen, Tony, Lisa, Darren, Terri, Patrick, Leanne, Amanda, Lauren, Raelle, Brad, and Tyler.
The family extends their deepest appreciation to the medical staff at La Verendrye Hospital for their unwavering care and compassion in Mary's final days. Special thanks also go to her Nurse Practitioner, Cathy Bock, for her dedication and going above and beyond over the years. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Laxton and Dr. Mitchell for their expert and sensitive care in managing Mary's final days. The family is grateful to friends Mary, Wendy, Delaine, Carol, and Margaret-Ann for their continued support and friendship in recent years.
The Queen has completed her journey. As per Mary's wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations be made to the Fort Frances Public Library in her honour. They also ask that you raise a glass and offer a toast "to Queen Mary," celebrating a life well-lived, wherever you may be during Friday night cocktail hour. Although Mary's presence will be profoundly missed, we take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with "her Jack". Returning to her court where her Love has awaited her arrival.
Tsarstvo yiy nebesne "Her kingdom is Heavenly."
Always the Queen, Mary Ducharme, age 81, held court for the final time at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont., on November 30th, surrounded by her loyal subjects and heirs - Kim, Dana, and Perry.
Mary was born in Emo, Ont., on October 8, 1943, the second oldest of seven children born to Frances and Pete Naturkach. Raised in a hardworking Ukrainian family, Mary was more than ready for the royal treatment when she met her knight in shining armour, Jack Ducharme, a proud farm boy "from off the farm." Fiercely devoted to each other, they built a loving partnership that generated impressive soirees and amassed a devoted following of loyal friends. The house that Jack built was an impeccably stylish, and welcoming place where guests could always drop by for a glass of wine, a stately snack, or a spirited cocktail. Mary's spicy pretzels and chocolate balls became legendary, always anticipated at holiday gatherings. Check in for the royal recipes.
Loyal, creative, and hard-working, Mary embodied the values instilled in her by her parents. Over the years, she worked at the Town of Fort Frances, Bell Canada, and later the Fort Frances Clinic. When not working, Mary could often be found holding court at Kitchen Creek Golf Club, where she was a long-time member. She expanded her golf reign with good friend Linda in Deridder, Alabama, and later, after Jack and Mary became 'snowbirds,' they enjoyed their time in Mesa, Arizona, surrounded by good friends and family in the warmth of the sun.
Mary was the epitome of class and elegance. Known for her impeccable fashion sense and keen attention to detail, she was always dressed to perfection for any occasion. Hosting and entertaining were some of her greatest joys. She remained loyal to Friday night appetizers and cocktails, whether for just her and Jack or for friends and family. The "Birthday Club" gatherings, where Mary hosted regal charcuterie spreads for Cindy, Sharon, Rosemary, and others, were highlights for many years. Mary's love language was undoubtedly gift-giving - her thoughtful, personalized presents were part of her magic and charm.
In her later years, Mary found peace and comfort in a good book from her favorite local library or a challenging Sudoku puzzle. She remained steadfast in her passion for golf, spending hours watching the sport on TV, often alongside The Shopping Channel and The Young and the Restless (Y&R). Victor Newman even made an appearance for her birthday last year! Though she'd never fully admit it, Mary found companionship and joy in spending time with her children's pets, sneaking them treats or speaking to them affectionately. She also embraced new technology, becoming text-savvy and regularly sending Bitmoji sticker greetings to start or end the day.
Mary will always be remembered for her strength and resilience in overcoming adversity, particularly with her health challenges. Despite a heart transplant, asthma, and cancer, among other struggles, she lived a life of purpose and determination. Her unyielding willpower allowed her to accomplish anything she set her mind to, always with magical precision.
Mary was predeceased by her loving husband, Jack Ducharme; her parents, Frances and Pete Naturkach; her parents-in-law, Leo and Kip Ducharme; sisters Irene Harrison and Shirley Sether; and brother- and sister-in-laws Harvey Ducharme, Ken Harrison, Jim Sether, and Naomi O'Cheek.
She will be deeply missed by her children Kim (Pat), Dana (Jeff), and Perry (Margaret); her grandchildren Carly, Samuel, Chloé (Kevin), Jackson, Paige, and Abigail; her siblings John, William (Heidi), Gary (Paulette), and Vicky (Dave); and her brother- and sisters-in-law Diane (George), Linda (Lyle), Ray (Shelley), and Micaela (Doug). She will also be remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews, and their families: Darcy, Erin, Leigh, Jason, Christine, Casey, Stephen, Tony, Lisa, Darren, Terri, Patrick, Leanne, Amanda, Lauren, Raelle, Brad, and Tyler.
The family extends their deepest appreciation to the medical staff at La Verendrye Hospital for their unwavering care and compassion in Mary's final days. Special thanks also go to her Nurse Practitioner, Cathy Bock, for her dedication and going above and beyond over the years. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Laxton and Dr. Mitchell for their expert and sensitive care in managing Mary's final days. The family is grateful to friends Mary, Wendy, Delaine, Carol, and Margaret-Ann for their continued support and friendship in recent years.
The Queen has completed her journey. As per Mary's wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations be made to the Fort Frances Public Library in her honour. They also ask that you raise a glass and offer a toast "to Queen Mary," celebrating a life well-lived, wherever you may be during Friday night cocktail hour. Although Mary's presence will be profoundly missed, we take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with "her Jack". Returning to her court where her Love has awaited her arrival.
Tsarstvo yiy nebesne "Her kingdom is Heavenly."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Dec. 7, 2024.
Memories and Condolences
for MARY DUCHARME
2 Entries
Vickers Heights Community Association
December 8, 2024
Expressing our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Queen Mom. Vickers Heights Community Association
Claudia Shlapski
December 7, 2024
So sorry to hear of your mom´s passing Kim! Sounds like she was a pretty amazing woman, and I know you will cherish many memories of her. Sending you, Carly, and your family my deepest sympathies as you go through this difficult time. Take good care of one another
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