PERRY, MARY MARGARET “MARGO” (nee SMYTH) - March 17, 1938 to June 28, 2014 - Margo died peacefully in Thomas Hall, Parkland, Fredericton, surrounded by her husband, five of her eight children and step-children, and three of her ten grandchildren, after living with Parkinson’s disease for seventeen years and melanoma for six years, to the latter of which she finally succumbed. The eldest child of John and Katharine “Kay” (McArthur) Smyth, Margo was born and educated in North Bay, Ontario before leaving for nurses’ training at Toronto General Hospital (class of 1960), followed by her DPHN from University of Western Ontario in 1962. She worked in nursing and public health nursing for a number of years in Ontario and Quebec, and around the births of her first three children. After moving to New Brunswick with her second husband in 1976 she enrolled part-time in St. Thomas University, graduating with her BSW in 1985. Thereafter she worked in the Social Work department of the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital for fifteen years until her Parkinson’s necessitated early retirement. Margo was predeceased by her parents, by six aunts and by her sister-in-law, Jill Smyth. She is survived by her loving partner and husband of more than four decades, Dr. Paul E. Perry; son, Dr. Timothy G. Snell (Margie); daughters, Jennifer G. (Snell) Duguay (Mitchell) and Carolyn L. Snell (Chris Wilby), all from an earlier marriage; also stepsons, Rev. C. Mark Perry (Barbara), The Ven. Alan T. Perry (Noel); stepdaughters, Lisa F. (Perry) Quaiattini (Michael) and Sara M. Perry, all from Paul’s earlier marriage, and daughter, Katharine “Kate” J. Perry (Kyle Rostad). Her beloved grandchildren, all of whom survive her, are Christina Perry (Mark), Emily and Nicola Perry (Alan), Mitchell “Bud” and Hannah Duguay, Jonathan and Matthew Snell (Tim), Abigail and Nicholas Campbell (Carolyn), and Jenna Im (Sara). Also survived by sister, Carolyn (Smyth) Smith (Glen) and by brother, John Smyth, as well as several nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews and numerous cousins. Margo was a quiet, thoughtful and caring woman who gave generously of herself to family and friends alike. She was widely admired and loved by friends from all periods of her life, many of whom have already shared personal reminiscences as well as condolences. She was intolerant only of the suffering of others from any source, whether health related, by financial uncertainty or by social injustice of any kind. One could truly say that she lived the Christian ideal life in which she so strongly believed. It would be a mistake to think of our home as a stuffy and pious one, however. On the contrary open and honest communication about all subject matter, enlivened by loads of laughter and good humour prevailed. She is mourned by all of the members of her large family and her many friends, all of whom she loved unfailingly and by whom she has been so loved in turn. We would like to acknowledge the thoughtfulness and caring of all Parkland staff over the past four years and to particularly thank the staff of Thomas Hall for the excellent care they provided during the last month of Margo’s life. She felt respected as a person in all encounters with your superb staff, and family members were particularly impressed by your philosophy of care and your attention to detail.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of McAdam’s Funeral Home, Fredericton. Cremation has already taken place. No visitation is planned but a funeral service will take place, in accordance with Margo’s wishes, conducted by The Rev. Canon Elaine Hamilton at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, Forest Hill Road, Fredericton, at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 2, 2014, followed by a light luncheon in the church. In lieu of flowers contributions to the Parkinson Society Maritime Region, or to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Personal condolences can be left at www.mcadamsfh.com, 458-9170.