Spence (Smith), Mary Isobel was born in Toronto to Frank and Mabel (MacDonald) Smith on July 21, 1924. Mary died peacefully at the Windsor Elms Village, on Wednesday, April 20, 2016. How would one describe Mary? She was a gardener, a volunteer, a pharmacy technician, a singer, a knitter, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a vibrant woman. Mary grew up in the city. Because of her father’s work, the family travelled around much of eastern Canada. They settled in Halifax during the Second World War. There she met and married Dick Spence, a man from the country. After thirty-five years in the city, Dick found his farm and they moved to Belmont, Hants Co. Mary, being an innovative city girl, looked at the sheep on the farm and decided that she better figure out what to do with the wool. Being a lifelong knitter, she learned how to dye and spin wool. Her projects are cherished by all who have one. Mary was a gardener. Every home she lived in was surrounded by gardens. Her gardens were admired by all who passed by or lived near. She helped to establish the gardens at Haliburton Place. At the Windsor Elms, she spent time every day tending the gardens outside Fundyview. Mary was a volunteer. Certain things were very important to her, education being primary. So when the children were young, she was a member of Home and School. One of the projects she was most proud of was the construction of the Windsor Library. She was an original member of Friends of the Library and worked tirelessly to help make sure that it was built. Friends of Haliburton, Hants Community Hospital Auxiliary and Meals on Wheels also benefitted from her enthusiasm. She was an inveterate canvasser for numerous charities. Mary took great pride in her work in the pharmacy. She loved helping people to understand their medications. Throughout her career, she worked for several pharmacies in Halifax and ended her career at Lawton’s in Windsor. Music was extremely important in Mary’s life. She sang in numerous choirs, and played piano. She enjoyed the music opportunities provided at the Windsor Elms until the last few weeks of her life. Mary was predeceased by her parents and husband. She is survived by her sister, Gloria (Ken) Mader, Halifax; her children, Sheila (Dave) Penney, Susan (Fraser) Spence-Campbell of Falmouth; Ruth (Mark) Daye of Halifax; John (Margaret) of Newmarket, Ont.; and foster daughter, Suzanne (Andrew) Irvine of Caledonia, Ont.; her grandchildren, Sean (Treva) Penney, Michelle (Jeff) Chapin, Rachel (Tom) Goldie, Julia (Philip) Hardwick, John (Katie Nodding) Campbell, Mark Daye, Bradley (Ariane Tye) Daye, Erik (Susie) Spence, Karla (Rob) Diermair, Andrea (Mike) Sikorski, Diana (Carey) Mulholland, Sandy (Sara) Irvine, Stephen (Jenn) Irvine and Sarah (Brian Ramos) Irvine; step-grandchildren, Gordon Campbell, Graeme Campbell, Ellen (Steve) Warren; step-grandchildren, Gordon Campbell, Graeme Campbell, Ellen (Steve) Warren; numerous great-grandchildren and special friend, Ralph Chouinard, Southbury CT. A celebration of Mary’s life was held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2016, in the Ste. Croix United Church, St. Croix. The Rev. Krista Anderson officiated. A private family committal was at the Ste. Croix Cemetery, immediately after, followed by a reception in the church basement. Arrangements are under the care of Lindsay’s Windsor Funeral Home, 194 King Street, P.O. Box 2218, Windsor, B0N 2T0. The family would like to thank the staff on Fundyview in the Windsor Elms Village for the wonderful care they gave to Mary during her last year. Donations may be made in Mary’s memory to the Windsor Elms Palliative Care, the Windsor Elms Community Garden, the Stephen Lewis Foundation or a charity of your choice. To add your condolences, click on “Contribute” at, www.lindsaysfuneralhome.com