Mary MacDougall - Kirlin
Death Notice
MacDOUGALL - KIRLIN, Mary -
Peacefully in her sleep at Queen’s Village in London, Ontario in the care of her daughter on Friday, February 5, 2021, Mary Margaret (MacDougall) Kirlin, nee Jones of Bellingham, Washington, formerly of West Vancouver, age 79.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Lynn Kirlin; children Clifford (Rachel) of Vancouver, Ryan (Jennifer) of Stockholm, Sweden, Gavin of Vancouver and Arlene of London, Ontario; grandchildren Mary-Kate and Maya in Sweden, Evelyn, Rowena (Gwen) and Alexandra in London, Ontario; sister Penny Jones (Alfred Wahl) of Leduc, Alberta; Michael MacDougall of West Vancouver and family; and by many nieces and nephews.
Mary was born in Calgary, Alberta to Dorothy (nee Manion) and Isaac Jones. She and her sister Penny were raised lovingly in Lethbridge, enjoying family weekends at Waterton Lakes. She excelled in her studies and attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington followed by a Master’s in Social Work at Smith College in Massachusetts. Mary had a long and rewarding career in social work in Ontario and British Columbia including child protection, adoption, counselling, teaching and leadership. From 1994-2009, she was the Executive Director of Catholic Family Services and Catholic Charities (Men’s Hostel, The Door is Open) for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Ahead of her time, she began offering online counselling services starting in 1999 as well as training professionals in online counselling through the University of Toronto up until recently. She also served as a volunteer for many community organizations throughout the years. Mary’s contributions were recognized with a Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2003.
Guided by her Catholic faith, Mary loved helping others and serving her community. She was intelligent, strong, selfless, compassionate, and sincere. Her warm blue eyes and big smile lit up every room she entered and every heart she touched. Her family, friends and colleagues could always count on Mary’s kindness and wisdom to help them through any life challenge.
The most amazing mom - Mary ensured her children had every opportunity to thrive and was there whenever they needed her. She was their greatest teacher: unconditional love, optimism, gratitude and patience. She was incredibly proud of all her children.
Mary loved being Nana to her bright and beautiful granddaughters. She also loved her Shih Tzu babies.
Perfectly matched, Lynn and Mary enjoyed lots of laughter, nature walks, good food and music, and their daily Starbucks.
Mary will always be deeply missed and her loving spirit will continue to guide us all.
“For it is in giving that we receive.” St. Francis of Assisi
A memorial service will be held in London, Ontario at Harris Funeral Home on Thursday, February 11 at 10 am (1 pm EST). For a ZOOM invitation to join family at that time or to view a recording of the service, please contact the funeral home: info@harrisfuneralhome.ca
Memorial donations: The Door is Open, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Vancouver https://support.rcav.org/catholic-charities/door-is-open/
To donate by phone, call 604-683-0281, extension 50324
Condolences
Anne and VInce MacDougall
February 9, 2021, 6:25 pm
VInce and I are heartbroken at Mary Margaret’s passing. She was one in a million and her generosity of spirit, time and wisdom touched so many. She certainly had a positive effect on our lives and she will be missed tremendously.
She was a wonderful Mom to all of her children and the pride she felt for each of them was always evident in her sparkling eyes when she talked about them.
We love you Mary Margaret and always will. A life is not fully lived unless one makes a difference in others’ lives. Mary Margaret certainly did that and continues to do so.
Much love and hugs to all the family. We are here for you anytime.
Joan Westergaard
February 9, 2021, 7:24 pm
Penny - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I grew to know her and her kindness when she stayed with us in Calgary years ago.
Marisa Ruggier-Andrews
February 15, 2021, 9:12 am
My deepest condolences to the MacDougall Family and to Marys husband.I was fortunate enough to work with Mary at the Archdiocese of Vancouver from 2007 until her retirement in 2009. I remember her so fondly as a trusted advisor and colleague. May she rest in peace.I am including a prayer that has brought me much comfort, and I hope that it brings you comfort as you mourn the loss of your dear mom and wife. For a Mother Who Has Died Dear Lord, relying on Your promises to us, I turn to You in trust that my mother is with You and that she is enjoying Your loving embrace. You alone know how she loved the best she could and how she faithfully endured the struggles that she faced. You know the graces You gave her and You know the grace she was for me and for so many. For all the ways she truly loved You, please reward her, Lord. May she enjoy the communion of all her family and friends who are with You. Lord, I know my mother loves us who are still here on earth. I ask that You might listen to her fervent prayers for us. Help me to grow into a new and deeper relationship with my mother now, as I long for the day when we will both meet in Your embrace freed from all that might have hindered our relationship on earth, knowing and understanding everything we did not know or understand here on this earth. I ask You this with faith in the resurrection, trusting my mothers love, and desiring that she know my love for her. Amen. You are all in my prayers.
Cecilia Hong
February 11, 2021, 10:40 am
To all members of Marys beloved family and friends. My deep condolences to each and everyone of you. Our dear Marys unforeseen quick departure took us all by surprise. This is indeed Marys unique way. She never wanted to trouble others to care for her but she will take all the trouble to care for others Our beloved Mary had been a wonderful witness of Gods Love and compassion. Her radiant smile will continue to live vividly in the heart of all those who know and love her. May she lift up your sorrow and grief and turn your mourning into joy and gratefulness for the gift of such a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, boss and friend. May she rest in eternal happiness with our loving God. All blessings to you. Cecilia Hong MIC
Ruth Jones
February 11, 2021, 12:09 am
Dear family of Mary-Margaret:
Known as Mary-Margaret by all of her Jones cousins, Mary was someone we all looked up to. She was the eldest of 31 cousins and the bar she set in acadmic achievements was a high one. We cousins were inspired by and proud of her many accomplishments. Plus, she was one of those bubbly girls who we all wanted to talk to and learn from. This memory of Mary-Margaret is indelible in my memory. May she rest in peace, and on behalf of her many cousins, our sincere sympathy and heartfelt condolences are extended to her sister and family, Penny & Alfred Wahl, and her children and grandchildren, who will miss her terribly.
Ruth Jones
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