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Mary passed peacefully at Ed’s House hospice in Cobourg, Ontario surrounded by the love of her devoted husband and family.
Mary Louise Philp married Albert Henry Willis 74 years ago and celebrated their endless love with close family on July 31st at Empire Crossing in Port Hope. Their children, forever grateful for their love and support, are Margaret Louise (Glenn Ruppert), Nancy Anne (Daniel RW McKenzie), Albert Garnet (Patricia Dianne Conners), and Garth Philip (Jocelyn Oliver Villaneuva.)
Mary will be greatly missed by her adoring grandchildren: Suzanne Mae Platt, Amanda Irene Platt, Cristine Marie Willis, Derrick Albert Willis (Shantell King), Ashlee Diane Willis, Sadie Jane Larkman and Sy Stafford Larkman, and by her great grandsons Dylan Harold Willis, and Cullen Albert Willis and his half-siblings Kyarra King-Willis and Talon King.
Mary was the eldest child of Everett Philp and Irene Chestnut, big sister to Morley (Gloria Cruse) and Keith (Audrey Cole.) Mrs. Albert Willis was a trusted confidante of her husband’s family in the villages of Cold Springs and Camborne: parents Clarence Willis and Violet Brown, siblings Ruth (Nesbitt/Johnson/Kewley), Reginald (Marie Timlin), Eva (Dale Thompson), Elva (Hayden West), Jean (Ivan West.)
Nephews and nieces, neighbours and friends, and many of her children’s friends enjoyed her gracious company and open ear when visiting the farm kitchen throughout the decades. Mary particularly enjoyed family homecomings when we all sat around the big dining room table.
Mary was very active in her community and her church, a leader by example, a trusted treasurer. She had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing with the Sweet Adelines and Church choirs. She was her husband’s ever-present support; they made a great team and led a busy farming life into their 90s. Twenty years ago, they created the Cold Springs Bethlehem Walk. While Mary lived a pastoral life, she was worldly-wise and tolerant. She encouraged her children, grandchildren and friends to do what made them feel happy and fulfilled.
The family would like to thank Empire Crossing and Ed’s house for the care and compassion Mary received during her time spent with them.
Love is the answer! Trust the Love; Share the Love. May she rest in the Peace of Everlasting Love.
Visitation will be held at MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King St. E, Cobourg on Friday August 19th from 10am – 12pm with a memorial service following at 12pm.
Interment will take place at Camborne Cemetery at a later date.
Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. And as per Mary’s wish, perform kind deeds for your family, neighbours and strangers. Bloom where you are planted, then spread the love.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Community Care Northumberland
Dear Albert; I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. I always loved the company of you both at the Bethlehem Walk meetings and your always smiling faces. Mary began the walk and I know where she is and who she is with right now. We will all miss her. She was a gem. May her sweetness live in our hearts. Nancy Dalgarno
Dear Dan, Nancy and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.Cherish the wonderful memories you have of your dear Mother and may they bring comfort now and in the days ahead.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Paul's United Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Paul's United Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Paul's United Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Paul's United Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Sending so much love to the family during this difficult time. She will be so so missed.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Our condolences go out to the whole Willis & Philip families. Mary was an unforgetable community figure. Our Hearts are with you.
Keith, Denise and family. My sincere condolences on the loss of you sister and aunt. You are in my thoughts. Sue
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, our thoughts and prayers are with you all
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Uncle Albert, Maggie, Nancy, Garnet, Garth and Families. We are so sorry to hear of Aunt Mary's passing. Loving memories of all our family gatherings will forever keep her in our hearts. We have lost a true Grand Lady. Love Always
My sincere condolences to the Willis family. Thoughts are with all of you at this sad time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Paul's United Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Paul's United Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Paul's United Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Alzheimer Society (PKLNH)
I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She was certainly a big part of Coldsprings and my memories of growing up there . The first thing I think of her, is her beautiful smile . My sincere sympathy to all of you .
Sending sincere condolences to Albert and his family. Mary was a wonderful person. Alway there when we needed her.
What a grand lady she was, remembering her for her involvement at Camborne Church. Praying for comfort for your loss ..
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Albert and Family : Unfortunately I will not be able to attend and personally express my condolences on friday, condolences on Mary's passing, you will all miss her greatly ! Doug Mann
Dear Albert and family. It is with great sadness that I hear Mary has passed. Please accept my sincere condolences. You have many years of memories to help comfort you during this sad time. Sending prayers and love, Elaine
Sending our sincere sympathy to all of the Willis Family.
I am so sorry the loss of ur mom wife and grandmother she had a way to make anyone feel special very great woman she will be missed by lots Love Tina Clarke
Our condolences. Mary was such a lovely and kind person.
Thoughts and prayers are with you Albert and your family. Mary was such a wonderful woman.
We are very sorry to hear about Aunt Mary. She was such an amazing woman. There are so many fond memories of the many celebrations at the Cold Springs Hall. Aunt Mary will always be remembered in our hearts. Love Craig and Marylee Philp
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
I’m so sorry for your loss Suzanne.
My condolences to you and your family Suzanne. Thinking of you all.
We are so sorry for your loss our prayers are with you all xoxo
So sorry Albert to hear of Mary's passing , our thoughts and prayers are with you and family . Our condolences to everyone .
Our sincere condolences to the family. We rented off Albert and Mary for years and they were always good to us Thoughts and prayers From Joan Pearce (late Gord) and family
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Paul's United Church
To Albert and family our condolences. Mary was a wonderful addition to what ever you folks got involved in. Thanks to you and Mary for bringing the Bethlehem Walk to the community and getting so many people involved.It sure brought the township and area together. Thanks so much.- Doug Linton
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Mrs. Willis was a great lady. My condolences at this difficult time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Evy and Terry, Butch and Tricia, and Rick, send our love and hugs to Uncle Albert and our cousins and their families. There was a special bond between our Mom and Aunt Mary and Uncle Albert which filled Mom's last year with treasured memories. We will be forever grateful to them for their kindness. Sincere condolences to you all.
Many fond memories of Mary's beautiful singing voice in Camborne Church where my mother often served as her accompanist. My thoughts are with the family at this time.
Dear Albert and family, It was an honour to care for Mary and provide support to you. On behalf of staff and volunteers, our deepest sympathy.
Sending my deepest sympathy Nancy for the very sad loss of your dear Mom. What a long happy fulfilling life she lived🙏🏻 Tracey
I have fond memories of spending summer holidays at my first cousin's farm (my mother was Inez Willis) and while Mary never publicly expounded on her belief in God, it was obvious that her Christian values shone through in her day to day living and Helen and I consider it a blessing to be, not only related through marriage, but her friends.....Clayt Spears, Selkirk, On.
Albert and all the Willis family..My thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow, along with my wishes that the memories of Mary bring you peace, strength, and comfort.
Albert and all the Willis family..My thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow, along with my wishes that the memories of Mary bring you peace, strength, and comfort.
My sincere condolences to Mary’s family , she was a lovely lady and good friend. As we plan the Bethlehem Walk for this year her thoughts and wishes will be foremost in our mind.
My sincerest condolences to Albert and the rest of the family. She was a special Lady indeed and will be missed.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Cobourg Retirement Residence (for Resident's Fund)
My sincere condolences from Rick and I on the loss of a gentle lady. I cannot imagine her ever having a cross word with anyone. She was always so pleasant. She has left her mark on the community and in her family. Thinking of you all at this time.
Our sincere sympathies. My father (Errol Bickle) and I thoroughly enjoyed a visit at their home on our last trip to Canada. My dad passed in November of last year.
Sincere condolences to Albert and the Willis family. Mary will be deeply missed by family and friends.
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. I was a community care driver for Mary and Albert. Such a beautiful couple. I will miss her very wise conversations
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Alzheimer Society
My sincere condolences to the Willis family. When Ray and I were treasurers for the church Mary and Albert were so helpful and we had great visits with them.
My condolences to the Willis family. Mary was a fine person who's smile would always brighten the day. May she rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to all the family. Mary truly was a super role model of love and kindness, always willing to listen and to lend a helping hand when needed. She was a blessing to her home community.