Mary Redfern

Mary Redfern

1930 - 2024

Mary Redfern, 94, recently of Carleton Place, Ontario peacefully passed away on August 21, 2024 at Forest Hill LTC in Kanata, Ontario.

Mary was born on March 4, 1930 to the late Peter Nowak and Sophia Skiaika in Montreal, Quebec. In 1946, Mary met her handsome “man in uniform”, James (Jim) Phillips Redfern upon his return home to Montreal from WWII. They were married in 1949 in Montreal and were inseparable until his passing in 2002.

Mary and Jim re-located to Ottawa, Ontario to start their life together. In 1952, the joys of parenthood were bestowed upon them with the arrival of their daughter Linda Anne.

While on a short transfer to Dayton, Ohio, U.S., Mary and Jim welcomed a new addition to “the perfect family” a son, Tom Phillips in 1957.

Back in Ottawa, Mary, besides looking after 2 perfect children, began working part-time as a switchboard operator at Bell Telephone Company. As the kids grew older, Mary started a full-time career at Revenue Canada and worked her way up to a supervisory position where she was much loved and respected by her co-workers. Upon retirement, Mary and Jim continued to live in Carleton Place.

Mary was an avid crossword puzzle champ and couldn’t throw out an Ottawa Citizen unless the daily crossword was completed. Her sense of humour, wit, and clever play on words was shown often through her off the cuff “zingers” and her enjoyment of writing poetic personal messages for any occasion. She loved to play euchre with her gang at the condo. A collector of pretty things, Mary couldn’t throw anything out even if it was broken, she could repurpose anything into something useful or decorative.

Mary was predeceased by her husband (Jim) after 53 years, and sisters Jean Cornellier (2016) and Wanda Christian (2022). 

She is survived by her children, Linda and spouse David Corke of Greely, and Tom of Cornwall. Also, her much loved grandchildren, Jennifer Frost and Joe Corke (Lisa Kennedy) along with her treasured great grandchildren Lily, Molly, and Ben Corke, Paige and Logan Frost. Niece Susan and nephews John and Michael.

Mary spent her last years at Forest Hill LTC. She was cared for with dignity, patience, kindness and grace by the staff on the fifth floor. She loved you all especially a certain “Cookie”.

While Mary is no longer with us, she has gone to join Jim, who probably is saying “What took you so long?”

Family and friends are welcome to attend a graveside memorial service and inurnment with Father Stephane at St. James Cemetery, Carleton Place on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 1:00 pm.

Donations to the Dementia Society of Ottawa would be immensely appreciated.  

 Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

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