Mae Aiken
Agnes Minnie Mae Aiken (nee Roulston) passed away at R.V.H. in Barrie, Ontario on November 28, 2022 in her 87th year. She is predeceased by her husband of 65 years James Andrew Aiken (big Jim) and her son James Robert Aiken (wee Jim). She is survived by her daughters Joedy Deadman (George) and Lynne Aiken (Jack MacTaggart). She was a proud Nanny to Chris Deadman (Sara), Alex Deadman (Jordy), Hannah MacTaggart (Will) and Abbey MacTaggart. She was a great grandmother to Charlie Deadman. Mae was born and raised on the 3rd Line of Innisfil, Ontario to parents Susan and Joe Roulston.She is survived by her brother Bob Roulston and sister Maxine Roulston-Thompson. She is alsosurvived by her sister-in-law June Roulston (Don) and brother-in-law Donnie Dion (Carol). She is predeceased by her sisters Betty Coburn, Teena McKee, Ethel Robson, brother Don Roulston and her sisters-in-laws Phyllis Poechman, Marie Heit, Sheila Ferguson, and Carol Dion.
Mae was a lifelong learner. She attended Bethesda Public School and graduated Grade 12 with honours from Lefroy Continuation School in 1953. She worked hard and received her Ontario Grade 13 diploma working through self-taught correspondence studies while raising her children throughout the 1970’s. She was a diligent student and a role model for her family. She was especially proud of teaching herself Grade 13 Calculus; receiving honours for her efforts. Just recently, she received a certificate of Irish studies and was a school penpal at Kingsmere.
Mae had fond memories, told, and wrote many poems and stories of growing up on the farm with her family and childhood friends on the 3rd Line. Her writing described a fascinating life that was simple and hard but full of adventure and wonder. This was a life before electricity, studying by the light of the coal oil lamp, travelling by horse and buggy or cutter to Cookstown on Saturdays, the heat of the woodstove, whistling in the fields, playing the mouth organ, sleigh riding on the hills and skating on the ponds, sleeping on straw ticks, hall dances, listening to Reader’s Theatre on the Radio, eating what you grew and wearing what you made, telling stories of the Irish, of Leprechauns and the Will o’ the Wisp. Mae had a true gift. Minnie Mae was employed both in and out of the home including the Barrie General Electric, sewed baby harnesses and hockey equipment at Cooper Weeks, provided Home Daycare and later worked both on the floor and in the office at Seeburn and McGoey Brothers’ Insurance. She also excelled at sewing, knitting, baking, gardening, canning, quilting, and reading. Mae had a great sense of humour and love of jokes. She kept in touch daily through her computer also Facetiming and texting on her ipad. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. Mae was a Sunday School teacher, a Brownie leader, baseball scorer and Mother to the Beeton Girl’s Hockey team.
Maezie and Jimmie enjoyed their busy life working, socializing, and raising their children in Beeton on the Aiken corner of Church and Prospect and on the 8th Line of Tecumseth Township. They eventually retired at “The Farm” in the bush outside of Magnetawan interacting with new friends and nature of the north. It was here that the surrounding lands became the “Magic Mountain, the Dancing Rock, Bunny Playland and the Swimming Hole” for her beloved grandchildren. Burks Falls then became the place to enjoy the simple life with close friends and family. Following Jim’s passing,Mae moved back to the area to live at the Kingsmere Retirement home in Alliston. She especially enjoyed activities offered there including many concerts, Music on the 6th Floor, Word Games, daily walks, dining with the girls and watching the geese on the pond.
At Mae’ s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral. Condolences to the family may be sent through Rod Abram’s Funeral Home.
Rick vanLoenen says
Just heard of Maes passing , Joedy and Lynne I have such fond memories of your mother. Her awesome xmas and Thanksgiving dinners were always spectacular.
The days she drove me home from Tottenham leather tannery we would have such good laughs. Mae always loved to laugh.
What a great lady.
Condolences Lynne and Joedy.
RIP Minnie Mae..
Don and Marilyn Jacobs says
We have just learned of your Mothers passing and sending our sincere condolences. Hugs to you Jodie and George.
Leo and Tara McGinty says
Dear Joedy, Lynney and families, please accept our heart felt condolences at this time. I have been extremely fortunate to experience a close relationship with Jim and Mae and family over my entire life. I will always cherish the many great memories. From Mae knitting a special outfit when our daughter was born, to her shepherd’s pie and apple pie she would make if she knew I was going to be around. She had great stories to tell and always wanted updates of Beeton.
I can only imagine that her and Big Jim are now engaged in a game of cribbage and a new log is now being kept on the wins and losses!
God Bless.
Leo and Tara
PAUL FRASER says
My condolence too all of the Aiken family ,
I will always remember big Jim and Mae stopping in to my hunting camp ,they would always check in when driving by , just for a visit or too check up on my camp , we became good friends over the years , Mae always had new knitting for my kids and grand kids , always so nice to see her smiling face , Big Jim was always up for a whiskey , they will be missed so much , but we will always be able to tell great stories about them both , they live a great life together and did have a lot of fun , they did what people should do , live is very very short , do what they did ENJOY LIFE TOGETHER ,
RIP MY FRIENDS
Theresa Krause says
Dear Lynne,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mae was a dear sweet lady. I am so happy to have gotten to know her. I will always remember her kind heart, twinkling eyes and her bright orange knitting needles! I will dearly miss our friendship.
Until we meet again Miss Mae.❤
Susie Robinson says
To Joedy & Lynn and families..Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.She was a lovely woman,very friendly .My Sincere Condolences..
Brad and Barb Walkem says
Joedy, Lynne and families, we were so very sorry to hear of Aunt Mae’s passing. Sending our deepest sympathies to you all. May your sweet memories help you through this difficult time.
Terry Sullivan says
A Beautiful Amazing Woman! RIP May, kick your feet up and relax for once! My Condolences to all the Aikens Family!
Natalie Copp says
Joedy, Lynne and your families –
So sorry to hear about the passing of Mae your Mother, she was working at McGoey Bros Ins. when I started there many years ago she was a good friend and we had lots of fun together. I have a poem she wrote for me and I cherish that.
My condolences to all of you and my thoughts and Prayers are with all of you at this sad time. I have lots of memories of Mae and love that smile. Natalie
Clancy Bailey says
Lynney and family, my deepest condolences for your loss. Mae was a wonderful lady. I am forever grateful that I was able to meet Mae and enjoy many special times at Kingsmere. I will always cherish the times we had and I will remember Mae for her kindness, smiles, stories from way back when and for her great taste in music. Mae you will be missed. Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
– Clancy
Ray and Brenda Lisk says
Mae was a spirited lady, always interesting to talk to.
She was a great asset to hockey and baseball in Beeton.
She worked with my mother at Cooper Weeks.
Mae will be missed by all who knew her.
Dorene Lemire says
Dearest Joedy and Lynne and families. Very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Wonderful lady. Enjoyed my visits every time we went north to see Jim and Mae and always felt very welcome.
marc ronan says
sincere condolences from the Ronan Family
Perry Coleman says
Jody, Lynne, & families. Our sincere condolences on the passing of your mom. She was a great lady, and even after moving west she kept in touch with family news and stories. Her letters and emails will be missed.
Ann & Perry Coleman.
Cathy Elsner says
Our sincere condolences to Joedy and Lynne and your families. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Cathy (Lisk) and Dieter Elsner
Betty (Robinson)Decaire says
Sending our deepest condolences to all of Mae’s family —she was quite a feisty lady & story teller ,especially stories about Beeton , which I always enjoyed !!!
She never forgot anyone or anything ..R.I.P Mae & keep doing your handiwork in heaven .Thinking of U all at this sad time ..Sincerely Bob & Betty(Robinson)Decaire
Tom Jackson says
Jody, Lynn and to your families. My condolences for your loss. Mae was one of the people who help keep kids busy in our small town, baseball, hockey. The volunteer, the person who stepped up or gave the gentle Nudge to help make it happen. You never appreciate the effort as a kid till you find years later. Forever grateful
Tom Jackson
Karen Boyd says
Sending my deepest sympathy. My thoughts are with you all.
Chris Gould says
My deepest condolences to the family Mae was such a wonderful hockey Mom to the girls hockey team. Often driving Lynney and I in the VW to the next hockey game sharing the seat laughing the entire time. Such fond memories that I will cherish.
Chris Gould
Barbara Hacker says
Our sincere condolences to all, on your Mothers passing. Mae was a lovely lady. Always enjoyed a conversation with her at the Lisk reunions. She will be missed.
Barbara (Lisk) and Paul Hacker.
Alex Trottier says
My deepest condolences for your loss.
Gary and Susan Coleman says
Dearest Jody and family—Your Mom and Dad we very well known and were part of the fabric of our small town. Your Mom was a very special and lovely woman who was so easy to chat with anytime she was met. When your folks moved North they looked for a dog who would match their new lifestyle in the bush and our Springer “Rally” found himself a new home with them. Your dear mother will be missed by those who knew her but she has left a lovely legacy that will be remembered by many. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Marie Halladay says
I will always remember Aunt Mae and Mom (Ethel) giggling at the kitchen table over things they had done in the past when younger.
Gail Pearson says
Mae was a great friend and generous to a fault. I enjoyed many years of adventures and stories. She was a real people person. She loved her family and was a devoted friend. You taught me alot and I will truly miss you.
Love you Mae
Gail and Dave
Kevin and Kim Dermott says
Our very sincere condolences to the family
Maxine Roulston-Thompson says
My deepest sympathy to all of Joedy’s family and all of Lynn’s family. Being her youngest sister, Mae was my confidant, & dance teacher. We had many long talks on the phone. Sure glad I got to visit her in June. Something she did not like was her name & she was even more pissed off when she found out Mae was spelled May!!! At least that was her story. She also hated flying. I believe she got drunk once to make the flight to Edmonton to see Jim Jr. Secrets? No. She liked a good laugh.
R.I.P. Your Sis Maxine
❤️ YA & HUGS