It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mamie Herdman, age 81, of Miscampbell Township announce her passing on Monday, August 3, 2026, at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances. She was born at home in Crozier, Ont., December 31, 1944 to Nicholas and Aino Hill. Mamie attended Alberton #3 School for grades 1 to 8, the Fort Frances High School, and then the Alberta College of Art in Calgary.
Mamie was a gifted artist, seamstress, and woodworker. She used her creative ability to paint backdrops for the Borderland Ice Skating shows, as well as made elaborate props such as a giant alligator for the Peter Pan themed show, which housed a person inside and allowed them to move across the ice – it was a big hit. This is one of many examples of Mamie’s innovative and creative projects. She was well known for designing parade floats and costumes for various events.
At just 16, Mamie went to work at La Place Rendez-Vous as a chambermaid during the summer. When it was discovered that she could sew, she was then put in charge of making curtains for all the rooms at the hotel. Her seamstress ability cultivated at a young age and she became accomplished at sewing. She made many clothes over the years, which included formal dresses, costumes for skating shows, parades, and many Halloween costumes for her children. Later on she took pleasure in making quilts.
As for woodworking, she said, “It just feels natural, like I have always been doing it.” She had a great appreciation for well crafted woodwork, especially recognizing the beauty of a simple door handle that elevated a seemingly plain building. She enjoyed restoring old wood furniture, as well as creating original pieces of art out of wood.
Mamie lived most of her life in Miscambell, and could be found tending to one of her many flower gardens. Gardening was a passion of hers as well as planting trees. She loved being outside enjoying nature.
She had various jobs throughout the years but the one she enjoyed the most was being a mother. She will be remembered for her consistent presence in her children’s lives. Driving them to various activities, such as hockey practice, skating and gymnastics practice, volunteering to help out at their schools and chaperoning school trips, are just a few examples among many. She helped cultivate creativity in her children by encouraging their imaginations through various activities. She was always available to help indulge them in their interest and supported their ideas by helping to create a costume or to build a house out of boxes. Mamie was interested in all kinds of things, and passed down her desire to learn new things to her children.
She was predeceased by her parents Nicholas and Aino Hill; her grandparents Emil and Susanna Hill, John and Serafia Takkunen; several aunts and uncles; her brother Edward Hill; and her brother-in-law Norman Haver.
She will be remembered by her sister Irene Hill-Haver; by her children Ryan Herdman and Sonia Bookman, Neil Herdman, Jennifer Herdman and Hector Riquelme, Kristina and Brad Totten, Sean Herdman; her grandchildren Ella and Cameron Totten, Scotia and Isla Herdman, and Rhys Herdman. She will also be remembered by her nieces Candace Litwinenko, Trista and Micheal Davis.
There will be a Celebration of Life gathering on Saturday, August 15, at the Northridge Funeral home in Emo at 3:30 p.m.
Mamie had a great love of animals and had many different pets of the years. Therefore, if friends desire, in memoriam donations can be made to the local dog rescue RuffCue or any animal rescue of your choice.
