Obituary of Mary Margarete McCann

On June 5, 2021, Mary Margarete McCann (nee Forbes) was welcomed into the loving arms of her parents Duncan and Zita, her sister Joan and her brothers Paul and John. Mary’s great love Edwin; her greatest pride MJ, Sean, Maureen (John Nethercott), Patrick (Christina Williams) and Michael (Nancy Fraser); and her greatest joys Liam, Mikayla, Katherine, Rory, Lauren, Brody, Ewan and Duncan will carry on her memory of a most loving wife, mother and grandmother. Mary is also survived by her sister Anne (Tom Ditchburn), brother Joseph, sister-in-law Sandy and her many nieces and nephews who loved her and felt love by “Aunt Mary”. Mary’s legacy will be one of grace, beauty, style, humour and the joy she brought to those around her. Born April 16th, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan and raised on a farm in Antigonish, Nova Scotia – Mary was a proud Maritimer. It was here, at the age of 18, she began a long and rewarding career in teaching and met her husband Ed, with whom she raised a family in Renfrew. Mary loved the students and colleagues she met during her tenure at St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School. Her love of learning inspired her to open what eventually became McCann’s Books and Records in Pembroke and to earn her BA (Psychology) at the University of Waterloo, where she met her kindred “Waterloo Girls”. A devout Catholic and generous community volunteer, Mary was proud to be part of the Renfrew Fair Board and was a founding member of the Renfrew Competitive Bridge Club. Whether she was singing in the hallways, dancing with Eddie in the kitchen or quietly quilting in the basement, she shared her love of the arts with her kids and students. Her fondest family memories were made on the slopes of Candiac, the backyard pool, baking chocolate chip cookies with her grandkids, and simply sharing a laugh with her family and friends; the more sarcastic the better. Mary’s joy and positivity will live on through those whose lives she graced. A visitation will be held at the Goulet Funeral Home, Renfrew on Tuesday June 8th from 1:00-3:00 and 6:00-8:00 pm. DUE TO THE CURRENT RESTRICTIONS REGARDING COVID-19, TEN PEOPLE ARE PERMITTED AT THE FUNERAL HOME AT ANY GIVEN TIME - FACE MASKS/COVERINGS ARE REQUESTED FOR THE FUNERAL HOME. (To RSVP for the visitation please reserve a spot on the funeral home website or contact the funeral home to confirm attendance at 432-2849.). A Private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Church, Renfrew on Friday June 11th. Donations in Mary's memory may be made to Hospice Renfrew. Online condolences/donations may be made at www.gouletfuneralhome.com