Mary Kirksby Astephen
Born In: England
Born: December 19th, 1921
Passed in: North Sydney
Passed on: July 16th, 2015
It is with heartfelt sadness we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, Mary Kirksby Astephen, at the age of 93, on Thursday, July 16, 2015 at the Northside General Hospital.
Mary was born in Little Hampton, Sussex, England on Dec. 19, 1921, the daughter of the late Reginald Kirksby and Vera (Howard) Bowes.
Mary was a faithful member of St. Joseph Church, North Sydney. Mary was devoted to family life and was most happy surrounded by the love of her children and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren, whether it was sailing on the water, sitting by the water or the many family gatherings they had together. She loved to swim and was an avid walker and until recently could be seen walking on many streets throughout the town. For many years she volunteered at the Northside General Hospital Canteen. Mary was an Honorary Life Member of the Northern Yacht Club and was a member of the Race Committee for many years. She was a proud member of the War Brides of Cape Breton. Mary was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
She is survived by her loving family, her five daughters, Teresa (Larry) Costello, Niagara on the Lake, Barbara (Jack) MacLean, Shelburne, Clare (Albert) Bishop, North Sydney, Stephanie (Stan) MacDonald, Sydney, Paula (Leo) MacDonald, Antigonish; her six sons, Francis (Nancy), Mendon, Mass., Peter (Judy), Halifax, Michael (Brenda), North Sydney, John (Patsy), Sydney, Denis (Cynthia) and Bernard (Rita), both of North Sydney. Also surviving are her 33 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Marg Hilcox , Rose Zukowski, Georgie Astephen and many nieces and nephews.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Stephen Astephen, infant son Paul and sisters, Jean Lawrie and Ailsa Grayson.
Visitation for Mary will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Church with Rev. Patrick O’Neill officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Church Improvement Fund or the Northside/Harbourview Hospital Foundation or the Northside Community Guest Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com.
“I’m in the evening of my days…”
