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Mary ATKINSON Obituary
73 years, passed away peacefully at her home on Pelee Island, in her garden digging flowers for a friend, on Tuesday, September 17, 2013. Beloved wife of Roger Poisson for over 45 years. Loving mother of Britta K. Poisson (David), Kristen R. Poisson (Donna Swanson), Joshua M. Poisson (Catherine). Proud and cherished grandmother of Jack Orion Poisson, Jade Strowbridge, Katherine Richard, Maximus, Zachary and Isabelle Poisson. Always loved and never forgotten by her father Sheridan Atkinson (Susan). Predeceased by her mother Mary Louise Atkinson. Dear sister of Donald Atkinson (Margaret), Sagewalker (Anthony Wilson), Brenda Atkinson, Valerie Geroux, Tina Sigsworth-Stadler (Ed), Ted Atkinson (Susan), Patricia Atkinson. Survived by numerous nieces, nephews and grandnieces and nephews. Mary Lou was a dear friend to many who enjoyed the arts and spending time on the island. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Pelee Island Royal Canadian Legion Br. #403, on Saturday, September 21 at 12 noon. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Pelee Art Works Building Fund, Pelee Island R.C.L. Br. #403 Building Fund or the Pelee Island Clinic. Family and friends are invited to share their words of comfort and remembrance at
www.reidfuneralhome.ca
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
35 Entries
Mary Lou Christmas 2012
October 10, 2013
So very wonderful to read these beautiful tributes to my sister. On behalf of ya elf and my family I thank you and will cherish all that has been shared
David Dalziel
October 5, 2013
I'll miss the banter...
Sandra Lariviere
September 22, 2013
I had the pleasure of meeting Mary Lou through her passion for Pelee Island and all those who resided there and visited, and their right to quality healthcare.
Mary Lou was a member of our formed committee through the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network to address the healthcare issues on the island.
Mary Lou's passion and energy contributed to recommendations and implementation of some positive changes in the healthcare services on the island.
Mary Lou even happily opened her home for us to stay at for one of our community engagement sessions.
It was a pleasure meeting and working with Mary Lou. She was a very caring soul and will be sadly missed.
Our condolences to all her family from the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network.
Bob/Catherine Walker/Green
September 22, 2013
Brenda and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. I'm sure she will leave a large void, but will live on in your hearts through wonderful memories. May your friends and family hold you up in prayer.
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Nancy Drew & Robert Brun
September 21, 2013
Our condolences to Roger, Britta, Kris and Josh and family, friends and all of who had the pleasure of spending some time with this vivacious and insightful woman. Mary Lou's brilliant spirit shines on!
Jane Christmas
September 20, 2013
Mary Lou had a wild energy that was intoxicating. I cannot believe that my wise, dear friend has moved on. And yet I cannot help but be thankful for the gift of having known her. To Roger and all her family, may you be uplifted by joyful memories of a woman who was truly extraordinary and inspiring.
Judy Mills
September 20, 2013
Brenda - thinking of you and your family. Mary Lou was a blessing in this life, and will continue to bless from her new place. Love and Light. Judy & Tom
Paulah (Edwards) Dauns
September 20, 2013
Mary Lou you gem of a woman... There are no words. You filled your world (and ours) with love and light and we are better for having bumped up against you in the sea of life. Godspeed my friend.
Liz & Frank Mikol
September 20, 2013
Each Soul leaves a legacy of Love. Each memory a bridge to comfort and connect one heart to another forever.Mary Lou will never be forgotten because she lives in so many hearts.It was an honor to be her neighbour and friend.May her family find peace in knowing what an impact she made on so many lives.She truly was a special lady.
Darlene and Richard Masse
September 20, 2013
Mary Lou my friend you will be missed. I will always smile when I think of you. So much fun and laughter. Our prayers are with Roger and your family.
Laurie Komon
September 20, 2013
Mary Lou your energy your spirit your enthusiasm your love of life will be sadly missed I am so blessed to have worked with you in Theatre many years ago Too soon for your light to be gone My heart is with your family and friends who are all better people to have known you and had you in their lives we miss you Mary Lou
Love Laurie Komon
Jane Cassady
September 20, 2013
Brenda, You spoke so lovingly about Mary Lou, it feels as if I knew her. I carry you in my heart and know you will emerge from grief even wiser than you are. Love, Janie
September 20, 2013
Pamela Heidt (Lewis)
September 20, 2013
I first met MaryLou when I joined the 'Plays for Living' troupe back in 1987? She let me use her life story for a project in a class I was taking at the University. She always made me laugh. She is a gentle soul.
lynda lyman
September 20, 2013
as soon as i heard how you left
i thought to myself
‘'You would”
you taught me
‘'We're only here for such a short time “
you told me
“It's like a play
we each arrive at different times in the play
say
i arrive act seven scene five
and
exit act twelve scene four''
you said
‘‘We are do our best
with our time on the stage''
and
that you did my dear friend mary lou
dear friend to many
your smile
your spirit
the twinkle in your eye
the wisdom in your words
the love in your heart
the truth in your speech
the light in your soul
your passion for your world
will be remembered
now
and all ways
peace love and thank you
Joy Purdy
September 19, 2013
Dear Brenda, "A sister is a gift to the heart, A friend to the spirit, A golden thread to the meaning of life". (Isadora James)
Love and hugs to you my dear friend.
Mark Lapczenski
September 19, 2013
I am so very sad for Mary Lou's family and friends. She was so fun to be around. Just had a great time with her at the winery durning the tall ship weekend and at the art show. I will always think of her when my feet hit the ground on Pelee. My deepest sympathies to Roger and the rest of the family.
Ray Dancer
September 19, 2013
It was an honour, and truly a pleasure to know Mary Lou and spend time with her. I will miss your funny stories, insights to my soul and most of all your laughter. My thoughts are with you and your family Roger.....
Cathie Quennell
September 19, 2013
Aunt Mary Lou- you lit up the room when you entered it! So I see it fitting to light a candle in your honour!
Jeanine Mason
September 19, 2013
I will be forever grateful for the time I was fortunate to have spent with Mary Lou, a true inspiration and mentor! My deepest sympathy to Roger and family.
Wendy McCormick-Hollingsworth
September 19, 2013
Sincerest sympathies to the entire family.....
Amanda Derrig
September 19, 2013
Roger, Joshua, Kristen, and Brita....you are all in my thoughts and prayers. My heart has been heavy for you all and for Pelee. As I reflect on my time shared with Mary Lou and you, my heart starts to lighten and smile with all the wonderful memories.
May peace be with you.
September 19, 2013
Mary Lou, my friend, my hero, I will miss you forever. Condolences to Roger and all the family. Roger, your island family will support and love you.
September 19, 2013
We just saw Mary Lou 2 weeks ago. She had not changed a bit. Still fun, crazy, interesting, wise, vivacious, spiritual, beautiful, fascinating...and on and on. Although we had not seen her for a while, but when I saw her, we picked up where we were the last time. The laughter and stories ere exhilarating. We will miss those, what are now, precious moments. Doug and Annette Topliffe
Lori Gesing
September 19, 2013
Oh you will be so missed. I hope your tap dancing you beautiful, wonderful soul.
Karen Andersen Miller
September 19, 2013
I can say I had the pleasure of knowing this truly dynamic woman and enjoying our friendship. She remains a heavenly being and sweet spirit. She will be missed in our local community and has left behind many legacies. Her happy voice and laughter will be heard in the whisper of the Pelee passage winds and the lapping of the waves on the lake shore. We will hold the many memories of Mango in our hearts and they will usually cause an infectious smile, while we remind ourselves to never be afraid of sharing our passion, enthusiasm, zest for life or flare for the artistic. My condolences to Roger, and to Mary Lou's extended family and friends at this tender moment.
Jim Morand
September 19, 2013
All my best thoughts and wishes to Roger and Family.
Mary Lou was a wonderful person and a positive influence in my life, and the lives of all she touched.
The world is a better place because of you.
I will miss you.
September 19, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
Ron and Lynn Tiessen
September 19, 2013
May Mary Lou's light continue to shine on Pelee and wherever she has gone...we will miss you dear friend and neighbour, Mary Lou! Our sincerest condolences to Roger and the whole family.
four of the founding mothers one Total Recal
Christine Aiken
September 19, 2013
So very saddened to hear of MaryLou's passing. She was a gift to all who met and spent time with her.
Blessing from Hamilton, Christine Aiken
As I put my Father to rest tomorrow, I'll think of Mary Lou and Roger, Brenda, Valerie, Donna prayers to you!
Jim & Tracey MacPherson
September 19, 2013
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Roger, Joshua and all the family as we get word of the passing of Mary Lou.
The boat and Pelee Island will not be the same without her warm smile being a part of it. Our prayers are with you, especially at this time.
In deepest sympathy,
Jim & Tracey MacPherson & sons.
September 19, 2013
Roger & Family
Our condolences to all of you at this sad time. Every time we saw her she was always bubbly and happy.
Sincerely,
Thom & Marilynn St. Pierre
Irena Knezevic
September 19, 2013
Even your exit was in style, Mary Lou, picking flowers for a friend. My heart goes out to Roger and family.
Heather Beare - Garrett
September 19, 2013
My heart goes out to her family and friends. Mary Lou helped me find my spiritual love of myself and Pelee Island. I will always cherish her for that.
Dave & Liz Clarke/Macdonald
September 19, 2013
So sorry to hear the passing of Mary Lou . Her bright smile this past Labour Day weekend will be etched in our memories of the wonderful host and person she was.
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