Mary Donna Garbutt

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of an incredible mother, grandmother, great grandmother and best friend Mrs. Mary Donna Garbutt (nee Knauss) who passed away peacefully on Friday December 11, 2020 after battling a sudden illness at the age of 75.

Mary was born in Port Arthur, ON on March 5, 1945 to parents Kenneth and Pauline Knauss. She spent her entire life in Thunder Bay where she gave birth to her only daughter, Dawn, and then soon after, met her lifelong partner, Stuart. Mary worked for Lakehead University in the library Acquisitions Department for 25 years. During this time, she also volunteered with her union OPEIU Local 81/96 where she held many executive positions and then later became the local president. She attended many national and international conventions with the union where she created many special memories. When Mary turned 50, she decided to take an early retirement, which she was very proud of. After retirement she spent most days with her daughter and three of her grandchildren. Once the kids started school Mary started volunteering there to spend more time with them. She was also a long standing member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5 and was the chair of the Poppy Campaign for many years. She was extremely passionate and dedicated to our veterans and the work she was doing. Shortly after that, she started volunteering at the 55 Plus Centre assisting with various activities, events and groups. Not surprisingly, she became very passionate and dedicated to the Centre and took on multiple leadership roles serving in various capacities on the board including president for both the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre and the Centre's cafe board of directors. She always poured her heart and soul into everything that she did. In April of last year, Mary was nominated for the City of Thunder Bay's Citizen of Exceptional Achievement Award and received the Good Citizen Award for all of her outstanding volunteer contributions over the years which she was very proud of.

Mary enjoyed volunteering but more than anything, she enjoyed spending time with her family. Some of her most cherished memories were with her family spending summers together on ‘Alcatraz', her family camp on Surprise Lake. Since she was a little girl right up until this past summer, she spent every single summer out there creating happy memories. Mary also loved travelling. During the winter months, Mary and Stu would travel South, stopping at every casino they could find along the way. Whether it was a union convention, a trip to Disney World, a cross country drive, or a weekend in Grand Marais, she was always ready for an adventure.

Lovingly remembered by husband Stuart of 39 years, daughter Dawn Dumoulin, stepsons Andrew (Kim) and Richmond (Kathy) Garbutt; Grandchildren Clayton Mutschel, Amanda (Kyle) Cavers, Paige Garbutt, Ashley (Scott) Edwards, Stephanie Dumoulin (Kyle), Lindy Garbutt and Corey Dumoulin; Great grandchildren Peyton, McKenzie, and Kathryn; Sisters Helen Rekrut and Jane King; Niece & Nephews John, Michael and Donis; Cousins; Andy and Bill Pryndik, Bev Drinkwalter, Julio Kiceluk, Kenneth McQuaig, Marilyn Lindfors, Kathie and John Pryndik and their families. Mary is predeceased by her parents Kenneth & Pauline Knauss as well as good family friend, Edward Frost; Brothers in law Peter Rekrut and Bob King and numerous other relatives.

At this time, the family would like to thank all the dedicated staff in the Intensive Care Unit at the TBRHSC for their compassionate care of Mary during her final days. If so desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary's name to the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre.

Online condolences may be made at
www.sargentandson.com