Mary Ann Morris

Mary Ann Morris (nee Singlehurst), age 82 years, resident of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully at home on September 21, 2022, after a long battle with lung disease. Born on January 18, 1940, in Winnipeg, she moved with her family to Ottawa as a young child.

A loving mother and grandmother she loved nothing better than spending time with all of her boys. Going for bike rides and trips to Dairy Queen with younger son Barry gave her constant joy and were some of her fondest memories. Her two special grandsons Isaac and Sebastian held a huge place in her heart. They will remember Nana for their shared love of ice cream, puzzles, and their adventure to Mexico.

Mary was raised in the Glebe with her older sister Jane and her twin brother John, and she fondly recalled being the tomboy with John and competing in all manner of sports and activities with his friends. She continued her love for athletics and higher education by attending Queen's University where she met her future husband David on the first day of orientation.

Armed with a teaching degree Mary moved to Toronto to begin her career as a Phys Ed and Math teacher. Her competitive spirit on the fields served her well in the classroom where she worked hard to help the young women in her classes achieve their dreams.

However, it was her own sense of adventure and desire to make her own way that took her to a hobby farm in Kaministiquia (outside of Port Arthur now Thunder Bay) in the late 60's following her marriage. For almost 15 years Mary worked to build a home and community for her two sons and a range of friends, extended family, student borders, and foster children. She became a fixture at the Kam Community Centre and made lifelong friends with other families (Flavell's and Krause's to name just two).

Following a move into the city to be closer to Barry Mary started on a whole new career at the Children's Aid Society. She soon became a key contributor to the operations of the organization and managed the move into a new office building.

Mary never lost her desire to teach and work with young people, which was exemplified by her long tenure as Cub Master at St John's Church. She also devoted long hours to Habitat for Humanity by organizing volunteers for the home builds and other fundraising events.

But Mary's main passion and love throughout her life was to create art in all its various forms. She rarely dabbled and would jump right into her next project with all her energy. From her role as stage manager with Cambrian Players to a member of the spinning and weavers club and finally her acclaim as a master of stained-glass Mary loved to share her knowledge and skills by teaching night classes and leading workshops. Her stained-glass creations were highly admired and became prized gifts and treasures for all who received them.

Post retirement Mary and David moved to Desert Hot Springs to enjoy the sun and to get away from the cold winters. Never one to sit idle she rediscovered her love of golf, came to love the long hikes thru the High Desert, and took classes to learn Spanish. They also were able to travel extensively to visit friends across North America and farther afield in Europe. Exploring her Scottish roots on the Isle of Barra remained one of her favourite trips.

My mother had an amazing ability to make close friendships from all stages and parts of her life. She worked hard to maintain these friendships, and she was so generous with her time and love. It is a tribute to her how many of these people she still called friend at the time of her passing. There are so many, and she truly loved you all. There are a few that she wished to recognize, and she will miss them all dearly: Di & Jim, Ellen & Robert, Vera & Jim, Heidi, Lorna, Heather G., Sharon, Susan, Heather M., Ruth, and many more.

Mary was predeceased by her husband David and her beloved son Barry. She is survived by her twin brother John (Fran), her son Kevin (Diana Schreier), her two grandsons Isaac and Sebastian, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all of the health care professionals and workers that provided care to Mary during her illness. Her table mates at Chartwell Glacier Ridge and all of the staff at the facility have been a wonderful support to Mary over the past six months.

As per her wishes Mary has been cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers my mother would ask you to complete two simple actions: share your passion and pass it along for the next generation and call a friend to say hello. If you wish to make a donation in Mary's memory the George Jeffery Children's Foundation would be the preferred charity.

Condolences may be made
through www.nwfainc.com