Obituary of Mary Chalmers
It is with great sadness and relief that we announce our sweet mother Mary (Sy) Chalmers (nee Esraelian) left us today, July 21st to finally be reunited with the love of her life, Jack, who she dearly missed beyond measure since his passing in 2005, having been married for 50 years.
Those left to mourn and miss her are many, especially us, Jim (Dawn), Jackie (Rob), her dear sister-in-law Merilyn (the late Bill), her niece and God-daughter Linda (Rick), and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Madison and Henry. Mary is predeceased by her parents, Sarah and Mike, and siblings Dick, Alice, and Isabel.
Mary was in her 88th year and had been the youngest member of her family, having been born to Armenian immigrants Sarah and Mike. After completing high school, mom married our father, and began working at a bank. Mom began her life of joy with Jack and being mother to us. Mom was a very funny and feisty person, exceedingly loving and generous. For her, it wasn’t Christmas unless everyone she cared about got a card and gift from her. Mary loved to travel with Jack and her family, they made great memories on trips to Barbados, Florida and Dominican Republic; however, her home with Jack and her children was truly her happiest place. If you called and surprised her, at the end of the conversation, she would always tell you “You made my day” and that she loved with her famous goodbyes that took at least five minutes. Mary would tell whoever was on the other end that she passes on her love and prayers and to always give love to your cats or dogs for her. Mary had a love that even went as far as the birds she fed outside of her house for years, even when she fell ill, she reminded you “Did you feed my birds?” Every visit to Mom was followed up with “Don’t forget to text me or let the phone ring twice before hanging up to let me know you got home safely”.
A very heartfelt thank you to Mom’s dearest neighbours and other family, Dean and Diane, who gave our mother their all for over forty years—even in the wee hours to help her and her family. Simply put, we love you. Thanks also to Melodie for her insight and guidance when our mother became ill. Angad Walia, our LHIN Care Coordinator, your compassion and great assistance to Mary and us will never be forgotten. Heather, Mom’s sweet PSW, we thank you for the love and laughs for Mom and us, and we always greatly anticipated your visits because you gave us all joy with your presence.
There aren’t enough words of thanks for the special angels on Earth, the nurses, PSWs and staff at Deer Park Villa; Amanda, Jackie, Julia, Heather, Mikka, Ruby, Charity, Jamie-Leigh, and Dan. They all went above and beyond every single day of Mom’s stay there to dote on Mom, and give her respect, love, and compassion—and to us as well. We are eternally grateful to you all.
Family and friends will be received on Monday, July 25, 2022 from 12-2pm at George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines with a Funeral Service to follow at 2pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations to Deer Park Villa or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by Mary’s family.