It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Doyle on August 9, 2024. Mary was the daughter of Frances and Daniel Columbus of Port Dover. Mary is predeceased by her husband William (2007) of 59 years married, dear sister of Aidan Columbus and her twin sister, Helen (Ambrose) Doyle, her sister-in-law Eileen Doyle and brother-in-law Vincent Doyle (Margaret). She is survived and adored by her six children, Bill and Chris, Dan and Joan, Mary Angela and †Drew. Gordon, Theresa and Jack Pyke, Robert and Kate and Christine and Jamie Brooks. The beautiful aspect of twin girls marrying the Doyle brothers enriched our family and Mary had a special place in her heart for Helen and Ambrose’s children, Leonard and †Barb (Wellings). Proud and cherished grandmother to Emily (Daniel), Bill (Linh), Dr. Jim Doyle (Kate), Joey, Sarah (Mike), John (Kait), Danika, Sam and Jason. Mary was so proud of her thirteen great-grandchildren, Jake, Liam, Owen, Jack, Alicia, Brianna, Colin, Zara, Parker, Wes, Mason, Ivie and Avery. Following Mary’s school years in Port Dover and Simcoe, she worked at the Bank of Commerce in Simcoe. Upon marriage, she moved to Hwy 6 outside Caledonia and worked hard alongside her husband William on their dairy farm and provided her family with many happy treasured memories. Mary loved and enjoyed her neighboring friends in their farming community. Mary believed strongly in the sense of community and gave back often whenever she could. She was an active volunteer in many organizations and frequently advanced to the level of president or director. These organizations included the West Haldimand Hospital Auxiliary and she received the West Haldimand Life Member Award and Provincial Life Member Award. Mary was also a Director of the West Haldimand Hospital Foundation. She was also an active member and president of the Willow Grove Women’s Institute, the Friendly Club in Caledonia, St. Patrick’s Women’s League and the Haldimand Horticultural Society where she achieved a life membership award. Mary was a 4-H leader and coordinator of the Caledonia Blood Donor Clinic for many years, a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels, the Cancer Society and the HN Senior Support Services. She was humbled and proud to be selected the first Citizen of the Year in Caledonia and was chosen as Haldimand’s Senior of the Year the following year. We are so very proud of our Mother who was always willing to lend a helping hand, always kind, caring and considerate, witty as all get out, respectful and always loved and welcomed everyone into her home. This world as we know it will not be the same. A visitation took place at MILLER FUNERAL CHAPEL, 28 Caithness St. E., Caledonia on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, from 3 to 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass was held at St. Patrick’s Church, 107 Orkney Street, Caledonia on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., with interment to follow at St. Patrick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donation to the HN Senior Support Services or HN Horticultural Society would be greatly appreciated. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.millerfuneralchapel.ca
