MARY ELIZABETH WREN (BODGER)

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MARY ELIZABETH WREN (nee BODGER) Peacefully at Greater Niagara General Hospital in Niagara Falls, on Friday, January 6, 2006, and surrounded by those who loved her dearly. Precious mother of Anne and Bruce Knicley of St. Catharines, and Llyn Wren of Winnipeg; beloved grandmother of Karen and Al Mallett, Wendy and Andrew Flood, Jill and Carmen Morinello, John and Lucy Willms, and Pamela and Graeme Barton; and great-grandmother to Jason, Alexandra, Theri, Nicholas, Danielle, Owen, Kingsley and Charlotte; cherished sister-in-law of Roberta Wren and Vera Bodger; Revered aunt of Lorne and Carol Proudlock, and Leslie and Jim Stanton; and dear great-aunt to Andrew and Melissa Proudlock; Esteemed cousin of John David and Ann Bodger (Wales), and Maureen and Michael Perkins (Wales); Good friend to the staff and residents of Queenston Place Retirement Residence in Niagara Falls. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Albert Wren, MPP (1961) and by her much-loved siblings, Tegwen Proudlock and William Bodger. Born in Pontypridd, Wales, she loved to visit home in earlier years. Mary's love of music, family, and the kindnesses she showed to others throughout her life, are true characteristics of Welsh custom. As one of the first woman prinicipals in Ontario, Mary had a deep commitment to education. She taught in Sioux Lookout, in Hudson, and in Thunder Bay, spending many years at Gron Morgan High School before she retired. She was a positive role model and leader with a profound respect for native culture. Mary was a member of the Retired Teachers of Ontario, the Order of the Eastern Star, active in Brownies, Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, The Anglican Church, and the Library of Sioux Lookout. Mary is resting at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St., St. Catherines. Visitation will be held from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Monday, January 9 and 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, with funeral liturgy celebrated in the chapel directly following at 4:00 p.m. sharp. Cremation will take place following the service. Memorial donations may be made to: Family and Children's Services (St. Catharines) and The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto). She was a grand lady.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2006