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MARY B. PERFECT

Date of Passing: Aug 15, 2012

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MARY B. PERFECT It is with the most profound sadness her family announces the passing of Mary Brewster Perfect at her home on August 15, 2012. Mary's memory will be forever cherished by her loving sister Margaret M. Mackling, nephew Len Mackling (Dawne), niece Kelly Dawne Vipond (Ryan) and new great-grand-niece Iya Vipond. Also dear to her heart were her cousins in Canada, the United States and England along with special friends David and Paul Hurl, David Morgan, Mark Sigson and their families. She was predeceased by loving parents Robert and Mary Elizabeth Perfect and brother-in-law John E.C. Mackling. Born in Pilot Mound, Mary spent most of her life in Winnipeg where she attended United College, Winnipeg Normal School and the University of Manitoba where she earned both a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Education degrees. Her thesis One Hundred Years in the Rural Schools of Manitoba has been referenced as a major contribution in educational research. She was an Isbister Scholar, recipient of the W.A. McIntyre Proficiency Award, Member Emerita of the University Women's Club and recipient of the Doug Kemp Award, Manitoba Historical Society, in recognition of her exceptional service in the promotion of our rural heritage with the Centennial Farm Program. Mary's professional career as a teacher spanned over 47 years as a classroom teacher, vice-principal and principal of Daniel McIntyre, Grant Park and Sisler. She taught mathematics, phys-ed and enjoyed the challenge of choreographing Gilbert and Sullivan Productions. She valued education and throughout her long career encouraged and mentored her students to achieve their potential finding great joy in their achievements. During her lifetime, Mary travelled extensively throughout Canada, the US and on the continent, but her favourite place was her Caledon Hill cottage at Clear Lake. Mary B. Perfect was a gentle, elegant and sensitive person with a sharp wit and keen sense of humour. Mary had a unique presence. And in the end, Mary died as she lived, with grace dignity and honour. Heartfelt thanks to our dear friends and neighbours who provided their love and support, and to the Palliative Care Program and Medox Health Services for their compassionate care. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Ave. (across from Brookside Cemetery). Should friends so desire, donations in Mary's memory would be appreciated by The Deer Lodge Centre Foundation, 2109 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3J 0L3 or the Elizabeth Dafoe Library, Canadian Studies, University of Manitoba, 66 Chancellors Circle, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 (in Gimli 642-7124) nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 18, 2012

Condolences & Memories (23 entries)

  • Not many teachers still have a place in your heart because of who they were as gentle, and thoughtful people - thank you Miss Perfect. (DMCI 1963-65) - Posted by: Ihor Pona (Former Student) on: Aug 16, 2021

  • Some people in you formative years leave you with seeing how treat others - she was that person. Moments in time, but a lifetime of deep memories. Thank you, Mary B. Perfect. - Posted by: Ihor Pona (Former student 1963-65) on: Oct 03, 2020

  • I WAS A FORMER STUDENT...AND RECONNECTED WITH MISS PERFECT AT SEVERAL DMCI REUNIONS..AND ALSO THRU CHRISMAS CARDS AND SEVERAL RAE AND JERRY'S LUNCH DATES...SHE WAS WONDERFUL INSPIRATION...AND WILL TRULY BE MISSED - Posted by: CONNIE (SKREPNEK) MCCORMICK (FORMER STUDENT) on: Sep 09, 2012

  • I will always be thankful to have been in Miss Perfect's math class back in the late 50's. Since I came to Korea she has been interested in what I am doing and has kept in touch through Christmas cards. But most memorable was her insistence that when I was in Winnipeg we have lunch together. They were wonderful lunches with good food and conversation. I will truly miss her on my next visit to Winnipeg. She was not only a teacher but a good friend. - Posted by: Margaret Storey (student DMCI in math class) on: Aug 28, 2012

  • I was an Exchange Teacher from England in 1983/4 and taught at Sisler High. I was extremely lucky to join an outstanding group of teachers and doubly lucky as Mary was asked to take on the role of Principal for that year. She was charming, professional and very supportive. We kept in touch over the years and exchanged letters at Christmas. She even stayed with us on a visit to Europe many years later. She was always excellent company with a great sense of humour. She was an outstanding teacher and principal and I will always remember her support. - Posted by: Peter Coleman (English Exchange Teacher 1983/4 at Sisler) on: Aug 26, 2012

  • On behalf of the Manitoba Genealogical Society,I want the family of Mary B. Perfect to know how much we have used Mary's thesis in our work of assisting people who are seeking their family history. It has been of immeasurable assistance to us and has often provided clues to where people lived so that their descendents can proceed with further research. I never met Mary Perfect, but I have often thanked her in my mind for having the perseverance to proceed with a thesis that has meant so much and has contributed greatly to the history of our wonderful province. Her book lives on in our library! - Posted by: Kathy Stokes (President, Manitoba Genealogical Society) on: Aug 22, 2012

  • May you rest in peace Mary it was wonderful knowing you all these years and a pleasure. And may I say to you Margaret you were absolutely an angel the way you looked after your sister. My deepest sympathy to all family members. - Posted by: Tino Passante (Hairstylist) on: Aug 21, 2012

  • I had the privilege of knowing Mary for many years. I had lunches with she and Margaret at Rae and Jerry's and out in Halifax and it was such a treat to spend time with a real lady....intelligence, grace and class personified. She will be missed. - Posted by: Joan Cleghorn (Friend Dental Hygienist) on: Aug 21, 2012

  • Miss Mary B Perfect has touched my family's life not only once but three times. She was my mother's Pany Miller's Phys Ed teacher. Then she became my vice principal as well as my brother Kevin's. I have upmost respect for her. She always came across as a very classy woman, whom was very dedicated to her students and their education. She always amazed me that everytime I ran into her, she would always remember me. I have an awesome picture of her and I from 2008 at the Hotel Fort Garry at the 85th school reunion. Rest in Peace Miss Perfect, your memories will always live on with me, as well as many former students I'm sure. Love and condolences to her family. - Posted by: Marilyn "Mouse" Fraser (former student) on: Aug 20, 2012

  • She was indeed PERFECT. Elegant, classy, great teacher, gracious and generous. As my homeroom teacher in Grade XI, she gave me and many others not only a lifetime skill and love for mathematics, but most of all, kindness and self-respect. RIP, Miss Perfect - Posted by: Joan (Walker) Kristjansson (Former student (1957-60, Daniel); ) on: Aug 20, 2012

  • Miss Perfect was the teacher across the hall from my home room and Math teacher, another special educator, Jessie Rettie. Although I was never in her class. Miss Perfect (and she seemed "perfect " to me) took the extra effort to learn our names. She was elegant and caring and, when I became a teacher, both she and Miss Rettie were my role models. When I saw Miss Perfect at later Daniel reunions, she had changed so little and she still remembered my name! Rest in peace, Miss Perfect, and know that your name and example lives on in all the students whose lives you graciously touched. Barbara (McMullin) Johnston - Posted by: Barbara (McMullin) Johnston (Daniel McIntyre student) on: Aug 20, 2012

  • I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mary Perfect, who will always remain one of my most inspirational teachers. Math drills may fade but the memory of such a great and dedicated teacher will live on. Rest peacefully, "Miss Perfect". - Posted by: Graham Reynolds (Former Student at DMCI (1965-66)) on: Aug 20, 2012

  • What more can one say about this elegant woman and gifted teacher? She is a mirror image of her mother who walked with grace and spoke with charm on her way along Ingersoll to church. I'm so pleased to read about Miss Perfect's very full life. She deserved every award and more plaudits than these small tributes can express. - Posted by: Judith Blythe (Student in 1950's, neighbour (957 Ingersoll)) on: Aug 20, 2012

  • Miss Perfect personified the word perfect. Such class, grace and poise is rarely found, you always knew you were in the presence of a great lady. She easily commanded the respect of all students who were lucky enough to be in her class. Thank you Miss Perfect may you now Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Karen Bingham ( Cummings) (Student) on: Aug 20, 2012

  • Miss Perfect was my all time favourite teacher. I have such pleasant memories of her classroom and think she instilled a love of mathematics in me. My heartfelt condolences to her family. - Posted by: Judy Gaudreau (Daniel Mac pupil circa 1956 - 59) on: Aug 19, 2012

  • Mary was an incredible teacher; a no-nonsense person who expected her students to excel. Her most memorable line for me was the time she told one of the fellows in our maths class that she "did not want his failure on her head." She was determined to have everyone pass. I don't know what the passing rate was for her classes but I hope it was high. She deserved that. - Posted by: Laurie Robson (A maths student in Mary's class at Daniel McIntyre High School in the 1950s.) on: Aug 19, 2012

  • 'Miss Perfect' has always been remembered as a very favourite Math teacher of mine at DMCI. I even took up a career of teaching Math! Thank you Miss Perfect for who you have been to me -and hundreds of others. Your kind, gentle, intelligent and inspiring manner continues. - Posted by: Irene (Demchuk) Parnell (former student) on: Aug 19, 2012

  • I did not know Mary well, but I feel fortunate to have been able to spend a few occasions with her and to understand her effect on those who knew her better. She was indeed elegant, had great intelligence, insight and compassion. I wish I had known her better. To Mary and her devoted sister Margaret I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration. With love, Jan. - Posted by: Janice Skene (Neighbour to Margaret and forunate to have known Mary) on: Aug 18, 2012

  • My condolences to you and your family on the death of your sister Mary Kay Gannon - Posted by: Catherine Gannon (friend) on: Aug 18, 2012

  • I had the great pleasure of being a mathematics student in Miss Perfect's classes during the period 1957-1960. Not only was she a wonderful teacher, but her warmth and encouragement were very much appreciated. - Posted by: Ray Chesin (Former student -- Daniel Mac) on: Aug 18, 2012

  • Miss Perfect was a teacher and vice principal when I attended DMCI. This wonderful lady is the reason I did as well as I did in High School - she is a lady I always looked up to and she was a great influence in my life. To her students, no one could do wrong. The last time I saw Miss Perfect was on a Saturday afternoon a few years back at the DMCI Reunion - as soon as I saw her, all I could do is cry.. I won an award in my graduating year called "The M B Perfect Award" for female athlete of the year - I could not have been prouder. RIP, Miss Perfect, you had a bigger influence on my life than one could imagine. My condolences to this beautiful lady's family. - Posted by: Helen Rzeszutek (former student DMCI) on: Aug 18, 2012

  • A very classy lady and a wonderful teacher and principal. - Posted by: Tanya Cutting (ex-student) on: Aug 18, 2012

  • Miss Perfect was my Math teacher at Daniel McIntyre high school. She truly was elegant, a wonderful teacher, and I've never forgotten her. At one of the Daniel school reunions I was amazed when she said she remembered me! I'd like to thank Len Mackling, whom I met later in life, for letting me know how she was doing. - Posted by: Shelagh Dennis (Former student) on: Aug 18, 2012

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