MARY IRENE (BRIGNALL) CLINKER

Peacefully, with family by her side, Mary Irene Clinker passed away on Friday, April 21, 2017 in her 95th year at Rainycrest Long-Term Care in Fort Frances, Ont.
We feel so blessed to have been able to share this journey with her over the last five weeks of her life, reminiscing, making new memories, and sharing much love, laughter, hugs, kisses, and tears.
Mary was born on July 26, 1922 in the family farmhouse in Oxdrift, Ont., the youngest child of Martha and Benjamin Brignall.
Mary grew up on the farm and attended the one-room schoolhouse at Glengoland from Grades 1 through 10. She then moved to Dryden, Ont., working for room and board, while she completed Grades 11 and 12.
On Feb. 10, 1942, Mary married Frederick John Clinker. They celebrated 55 years of marriage together before Fred passed in March, 1997.
When Mary left her earthly home, she was holding the same photo of her “Freddie” that she had slept with for the past 20 years.
Mary is survived by her sons, Ernie (Lynda) and Robert (Karen); daughters, Janice Wright (Robin) and Loralin; son-in-law, Jacques Fyfe; brother-in-law, Ernest Clinker (June) of Uxbridge, Ont.; 15 grandchildren, Carole, Michel, Diane, Sherry, Gary, Steven, Trevor, Amanda, Cheryl, Jeffrey, Tamsyn, Marcus, Rhys, Brodie, and Marlee; 27 great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.
Mary also is survived by nieces and nephews in England and Canada; as well as her lifelong friend, Violet (Snyder) Stansfield of Dryden, Ont.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, Martha and Ben Brignall; mother- and father in-law, Annie and Fred Clinker; brothers, Ross, Wes, Cliff, Newt, Doug, and Jack, and sister, Ida; her infant son, Fred (1942); daughter, Carol Elizabeth (Betty, 2008); and great-grandsons, Dustin (1991) and Nicholas (2007).
She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Fred (1997).
Mary and Fred lived in Dryden until 1952, when they moved their family to Fort Frances after purchasing the “old” bowling alley in the downtown. In 1960, Fred and Mary built the present bowling alley in the east end.
Mary worked tirelessly at the bowling alley from 1952 until 1978, and then became “The Tupperware Lady” for 18 years, selling the most Tupperware provincially numerous times.
During their retirement years together, Mary and Fred enjoyed travelling. They travelled extensively in the United States and Canada, visited relatives in England, and went on four cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska.
Many of her holiday destinations throughout the years were so she could spend time with her grandchildren, and create the close and loving bonds with them that they will remember.
Mary was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 64 years. She also was a member of Knox United Church and the Rainycrest Auxiliary.
She received a service award for her role as a board member and volunteer of the Sister Kennedy Centre, where she enjoyed socializing and playing cards. Mary also enjoyed participating in the Senior Games.
Mary had a very generous heart. Over the years, she was quick to invite others to the family dinner table. From the time of moving to Fort Frances, she met many people and forged lifelong friendships. She often commented that she was the last to remain of the group of friends in Fort.
Mary was a hard-working woman her entire life. She will be remembered by all for her wit, great sense of humour, and spontaneous laughter. Mary loved her family deeply. Her sister, Ida, lived with the family for many years.
Mary was so proud of the legacy she and Freddie created. She raised her children, and then as each of the grandchildren arrived, she did whatever she could to help out. She enjoyed each of the relationships she had with her grandchildren, often travelling great distances to greet the new ones as they arrived and help care for them.
GG always enjoyed spending time at the cabin, where she spent many hours playing checkers and cards with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a fierce competitive streak and never “caved” into letting the grandkids win!
Mary moved to Columbus Place in July, 2005 and then to Rainycrest in June, 2016. During her nine months at Rainycrest, she spent many hours looking out her window for deer and hummingbirds.
She came to love many of her caregivers and they loved her. Mom always was appreciative for the time spent with her and the help she received.
The family had the opportunity to provide one last party for GG. Her children, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren gathered one last time at Rainycrest on Saturday, March 18 to celebrate their love of GG with her. Many others were able to visit or speak to her on the phone. For this we are truly grateful.
A service to celebrate Mary’s life was held Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Knox United Church in Fort Frances, with Rev. M.J. Leewis-Kirk officiating.
Interment will take place in the Riverview Cemetery Columbarium in Fort Frances later this year.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Knox United Church or to the charity of your choice.
“See you later, alligator. . . .”