Obituary of Mary Cotton

COTTON, Mary A.of Owen Sound and Tobermory passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on Thursday, June 26, 2008 in her 87th year. Mary was predeceased by her loving husband Harold and will be deeply missed by her children Penny Curtis (the late Bill Curtis) of Brampton, Linda Rieger (Ray) of Port Stanley, Robert Cotton of Owen Sound/Tobermory and Valerie Cotton of Bolton as well as by her grandchildren Tracy Jones (Jeff), Terri Benwell (Rick), Karen Wolfenden (Geoff), James Curtis (Lara), Anne Curtis and Daniel Cotton-Koven. In her later years, Mary was especially delighted by visits from her great grandchildren Jessie, Kayla, Michael, Tyson, Caleb, Madison and Chloe.Mary was the daughter of the late Rev. Robert Smith and Dora (nee Fields) and was predeceased by her sisters Dora and Jenny and her brothers Herbert and Arthur. Growing up she lived in many small towns in the Eastern townships and Quebec and then attended McGill University and MacDonald Normal School in Montreal. After teaching for one year, she enrolled in the Canadian Women's Army Corps and while serving in London, England met and married Harold.Mary was a spirited, independent and intelligent woman. While raising her family, she returned to teaching and continued her education, graduating from Queen's University (1971) and qualifying as a primary educational specialist and teaching librarian. She was instrumental in designing and establishing elementary school libraries in Owen Sound. The young children loved story time with Mrs. Cotton and she had many devoted library helpers over the years.Mary had many varied interests (reading, music (piano), travel, knitting, bridge, rocks, ..) and like her husband Harold, continued to learn and take on new challenges. Mary and Harold were tremendous role models for their children, students and friends.Sincere appreciation is expressed to the staff of the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital for the loving care provided to Mary.Visitation will be held at the GEORGE FUNERAL HOME, 430 Mary Street, Wiarton on Sunday, June 29, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Monday, June 30th from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m. Interment Bayview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Alzheimer Society, Friends of the Tobermory Library or a children's charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Condolences may be left for the family through www.georgefuneralhome.com. I would like to Send Condolences Back to Notices Home | History | Services | Our Facilities | Notices | Contact Us | Links