MARY ELIZABETH LEE (THORNTON)

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MARY ELIZABETH LEE (nee THORNTON) November 4, 1938 July 8, 2012 After a wonderful, adventurous life, Mary Elizabeth Lee went to be with her Lord and Saviour from the comfort of her home in Perth, Ontario on Sunday, July 8, 2012 surrounded by the love of her family. Mary was born on November 4, 1938 to Helen Thornton (nee Mellor) and Stuart Thornton in Winnipeg. She grew up in Winnipeg, attending Balmoral Hall School and enrolling in University of Manitoba following grade 11. It was there, as a member of St. John's College, that she met the love of her life and best friend, Patrick Lee. And that is when the true adventure began. They married on May 31, 1958 and began their married life in Eriksdale, Manitoba eventually moving to Windsor Park in Winnipeg and to Portage la Prairie. During these years, Mom raised her family of four daughters in a very gentle manner and gained the respect of many with her quiet strength. A subsequent move to Kamloops, BC resulted in further involvement in the church and the formation of many wonderful and lasting friendships. In 1984, Mary and Patrick took a huge leap of faith and moved to Uganda to live and work with the Ugandan people. Mom, in her usual quiet but strong way, stepped whole-heartedly into this new adventure sharing her many skills teaching groups of women to knit, sew and cook and working as Treasurer for the diocese. She had an amazing ability to influence and care for all people becoming lovingly known as Momma Mary to many Ugandan children and adults alike. After six years of great adventures in Uganda, they returned to Winnipeg where Mom took great delight in her new role as loving Grandma. In 2005, they decided to head east to Perth, Ontario. The next few years were exciting as Mom proved her reputation as one to never sit still by joining several women's groups and forming wonderful friendships in the community of Perth. Sadly, these years were also filled with tragedy as her eldest daughter, Sharon Elizabeth, struggled through a journey with cancer and Patrick was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2010. Both Patrick and Sharon passed away in the latter months of 2010 shortly after Mary had received her own diagnosis of ovarian cancer. She faced these new challenges with her usual grace and quiet strength. By the end of 2011 her cancer returned but through to her final days, she was determined to beat it and get up and do things . Her beautiful smile continued to warm our hearts right up to her final day. Mary passed away peacefully in her home with her three daughters and one granddaughter by her side. She is survived by daughters, Sandra Lee of Pickle Lake, ON; Laura Anne Fink (Christopher) of Calgary, AB and Suzanne Wray (Jeffrey) of Winnipeg, MB as well as Sharon's husband, Rama Mkakatu of Perth, ON. She is also survived by six grandchildren of whom she was extremely proud Amanda Wray, Daniel Fink, Katie Wray, Andrew Fink, Bryan Wray and Baraka Mkakatu. Mary was also predeceased by an infant daughter, Barbara, in 1969. And, of course, we cannot forget her faithful canine companion, Kobi, who will miss her desperately. For those wishing to make a donation in Mary's memory, donations can be made to the Fisher Branch Kalagala High School in Uganda (through the Diocese of Rupert's Land) or a charity of your choice. Mary, Mom, Grandma, Bibi, Momma Mary we will miss you, but we will carry on with your love in our hearts. Funeral service and interment will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 23 at St. John's Cathedral, 135 Anderson Avenue. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 (in Gimli 642-7124) nbardal.mb.ca
Publish Date: Jul 14, 2012

MARY ELIZABETH LEE (THORNTON) After a wonderful, adventurous life, Mary Elizabeth Lee, age 73, went to be with her Lord and Saviour from the comfort of her home in Perth, Ontario on Sunday, July 8, 2012 surrounded by the love of her family. Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband the Right Reverend Patrick Vaughan Lee, Retired Anglican Bishop Diocese of Rupert's Land, Manitoba in September, 2010, her cherished daughters Barbara in 1969 and Sharon in December 2010, and her brother Michael Thornton. She was the loved mother of Sandra Lee of Pickle Lake, Ontario, Laura Anne Fink (Christopher Fink) of Calgary, Alberta and Suzanne Wray (Jeffrey Wray) of Winnipeg, Manitoba and mother-in-law of Rama Mkakatu; special and proud grandmother of six very accomplished grandchildren, Amanda Wray, Katie Wray, Bryan Wray, Daniel Fink, Andrew Fink and Baraka Mkakatu. Mary will be sadly missed by her many friends and all her family. She will also be sorely missed by her faithful canine companion, Kobi. A funeral service and interment will be held in Winnipeg. A full obituary will follow. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 (Gimli, 642-7124) nbardal.mb.ca
Publish Date: Jul 11, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 14, 2012