Tribute

Mary Jean Charette (neé Haglund)

Mary was born on in Minton, Saskatchewan on June 1, 1928 and died at hospice in Ladysmith, BC, on December 7, 2018. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, and children Stanley, Helen, and Raymond. Mary is survived by her sons David (Virginia), Gerry (Arlene), and Ron (Jamie), grandchildren Renée (Marc), Nicholle (Jeff), Natalie, and Janelle and two great-grandchildren.

Mary had an adventurous spirit – as a young woman she moved to Ocean Falls to work in the mill office. She met her husband of 43 years, Frank, in Regina and they raised six children while moving around the country (and the world) as a military family. She later attended Teacher’s College and was a proud alumni of Queen’s University, where she studied art history. Mary worked as a teacher and later, school librarian, at St. Peter’s and St. Mary’s schools in Trenton, Ontario.

Mary was an avid reader – eventually burning through three Kobos – and was undefeatable at Scrabble, Jeopardy, and Trivial Pursuit. With an incredible memory, and a strong sense of humour, Mary was an exceptional storyteller. She loved Star Trek, travel, fierce political debates, and spending time at the cottage. She had a feisty spirit – even going white-water rafting in her 60’s.

She was generous with her family and causes she believed in. She could be stubborn – but was also open-minded and fair. Her family and close friends will miss her.

A service, celebration of life, and interment at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Trenton, Ontario will follow at a later date.