VAVASOUR, Mary Elizabeth
Passed away peacefully on February 20, 2015 in her 93rd year, Mary Elizabeth Vavasour, widow of Cyril S. Vavasour (St. John's, NL) and Jack Cocker (St. John's, NL). Dear mother of Paul F (Mary MacDonald), Kemptville ON; Andrew (Hilary), Oakville ON; much loved Granny Mary of Claire (Travis) Maxwell , Greely ON, and Peter (Raffaella) Vavasour, Oakville, and a loving and proud GG to Lauren & Megan Maxwell, and Julia & Daniel Vavasour. She was pre-deceased by her parents, George and Eva Baker, and sister Jean, in Brentwood, England, in 1940; and is well remembered by family in the UK and Canada. Mary was a member of the British Armed Forces during WWII and a proud war-bride going with Cyril and Paul to St. John`s, NL, in 1946 where Andy was born. She lived there until her move to Kemptville in 2012 but always remained a Newfoundlander at heart. She worked at Memorial University of Newfoundland for 27 years, primarily managing major fund raising programs to build the current campus, retiring in 1987. She acted on screen and television; was Treasurer of the Newfoundland Marine Archeological Society and was very interested in Newfoundland history, travelling with Cyril around the island collecting artifacts which she gave to provincial museums; provided on-stage properties for numerous St. John's Players stage productions; loved gardening, hunting, trout fishing, and a good party. A vital, fun-loving, caring woman, she will be missed by her many friends in Newfoundland, Ontario, and other parts of the world. A special 'thank you' to the staff and volunteers at Bayfield Manor in Kemptville for their wonderful care of Mary over the past two years. She and her family are deeply grateful. Condolences and tributes may be sent to Paul at 25 Emily Lauren Cres., R.R.#5, Kemptville, ON, K0G1J0. Cremation has already taken place. A Celebration of her life will take place at St. John's United Church in Kemptville, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015 and in St. John’s Newfoundland in late September 2015, further notice will be given nearer the time. In lieu of flowers, donations to Memorial University of Newfoundland or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.