Fortune, Mary Lee
Mary Fortune (nee: Rushford) died peacefully in her 73rd year, with her family by her side at Matthews House Hospice Alliston, on September 26, 2021.
Mary is the beloved wife of Jim Fortune, loving mother to Kent and Scott and dearly loved grandmother of Jack. Remembered with love by her sister Barbara. Predeceased by her parents John and Mahala, and her brother Reginald . Forever in the hearts of nieces Geniesha, Nancy, and all of her extended family and friends. Sadly missed by her faithful companion Kaylee. A special thanks to Eileen and Donna for their unique friendship.
Mary was born in Toronto on January 15, 1949. Tall for her age and era; she excelled in track and field. In grade 9, unaware of the long future ahead, she’d walk home from school with friends, including a young Jim Fortune. They started dating in 1966 and were married in the summer of ’69. With their honeymoon interrupted by sunburn so severe she could barely move; she never forgot her sunblock again. Still recovering, she started her teaching career a week later at Weston Memorial Junior Public School. Compassionate and artistic, Mary was known by many as a great teacher, and she dedicated herself wholly to her profession. She cared deeply about her students and teaching, especially the arts. Many will remember the corn husk dolls she taught her students to make, and her family remembers the countless hours preparing the materials; the corn silk laid out to dry on every windowsill. At report card time; a multi-week affair in her home, Mary would agonize over every detail. She said she took so much care to determine each grade and write each comment because “what I say here my students will carry with them forever”. In a school most of her life, Mary never truly left teaching behind and took great joy in seeing her students grow up in the community. Her family hopes her memory will live on in the hearts of the children she taught.
Following Mary’s wishes cremation has taken place. A family Memorial will be held at a later date.
For those who wish; donations to Matthews House Hospice Alliston would be appreciated by her family. Condolences and special memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
One family, together in the beginning and together at the end, always.
Service
A family Memorial will be held at a later date.
Joyce and Bob Johnson says
Our heartfelt sympathy Jim-Kent-and Scott. I remember Mary as a caring artistic lady. Her love of family was always first . May she rest in peace.
Gord & Carol Ball & Family says
Our sincere condolences on Mary’s passing. Mary taught both of our son and daughter at Tec. North and have commented how what a nice lady she was, always very caring, dedicated and compassionate.
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time,
Jane MacKichan says
Jim, Kent and Scott
We are so very sorry for your loss. Mary was a lovely person who was always kind and caring towards others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jane & Mitch MacKichan
Larry and Carol-Lynne Smilsky says
Jim and family- we were so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. It brought back lovely memories of our times as neighbors in Cookstown. We are still using the clock and the cubbyhole display case that I think you made to display some of Mary’s cornhusk dolls . I remember our daughter bringing one of those dolls home from school once.
Our deepest sympathies-
Cam Lindsey says
To Jim, Kent and Scott… So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She was such a caring and wonderful person. Mary was personable and kind. My condolences for your loss and for all that knew Mary. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Charles R Lisk says
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. I have a lot of great memories of our hockey events with Mary and your boys. Condolences to your family Jim…
Hal & Madelyn Rutledge says
Dear Jim, Kent and Scott
We are so very sorry for your loss. Mary was such a beautiful person who was always kind and caring towards others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Ray and Brenda Lisk says
Jim, Kent and Scott,
We are saddened by your loss. She lived a life of compassion and dedication.
We had many joyful travels with the Old Stinger group.
Thinking of you,
Ray and Brenda Lisk
Donna and Tony VandenBroek says
Dear Jimmy, Kent and Scott, please accept our deepest condolences. There are no words to describe how very sorry we are for your loss. Mary meant so much to so many. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, a dedicated teacher, a talented artist, a wonderful neighbour and so much more. But most of all, to me, she was a great friend and I loved her dearly. I will always hold close to my heart all the precious memories I have of Mary. I am so grateful for her many years of unwaivering love and friendship. She was a beautiful, kind, compassionate soul and life will never quite be the same without her. Rest in Peace, my dear, sweet friend.
MaryDel & Don Rosie says
We are very sorry to hear of your loss of Mary .Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Bernice Arnold and David Arnold says
I am sadden by Mary’s passing. She was my son’s grade 4 teacher and he absolutely loved her. She was a wonderful person who was genuinely caring and compassionate. My condolences to Mary’s family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Rivera Family says
Our sincerest condolences to the Fortune family