Obituary for
D. Mary Hackett (Hackett)
Hackett; D. Mary
April 5, 1931 – September 30, 2018
Pre deceased by her parents John Albert Hackett and Grace (Crookshanks) Hackett, brothers Adam, Earle , sister Elinor, sister-in-law Shirley and by her friend and companion Rita. Mary is survived by sister-in-law Eileen, nieces Ruth (Steve), Susan (Fred), Heather (Gary), Cathy (widow of Dieter), nephew David (Eileen) and families.
Mary was blessed with many good friends and will be missed by all especially, Mike and Fran Ruston and family and in particular Heather and Wilma who took wonderful care of her in her later years.
Born in Wallenstein, ON Mary was raised and educated in Southwestern Ontario moving to Kitchener-Waterloo.
Mary began her association with the The YWCA as a Camp Counselor in 1948 and after a few short years joined the Y activities in Kitchener-Waterloo as a Teen Program and Camp Sports Director which was followed by becoming as an Assistant Executive Director and Camp Director. In 1959 Mary moved to the Ottawa YWCA as Club and Camp Director of Camp Davern, an all-girls residential camp where she was affectionately known as “Skip”.
In 1970 Mary became the Executive Director as the YMCA and YWCA of Ottawa amalgamated and moved to its new facility on Argyle Avenue. Now, the Assoication boasts a program mix including extensive Child Care programs, a 300 bed residence, satellite branch operations, employment programs, a breadth of social programs for the diverse clientele it serves.
Over the years Mary has been recognized for her vision and perserverance including; In 1995, she was appointed a Companion of the YMCA Fellowship of Honours. In 2002 she received the Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Medal and has been honoured with the YM-YWCA Woman of Distinction Award – Lifetime Achievement category.
Mary was a woman of simplicity, grounded spirituality and a steadfast value system were admired and respected by all who knew her. She was devoted to the YM-YWCA and filled her “spare time” in many volunteer positions at St. Peter and St.Paul (formerly St. Georges) Anglican Church.
Heather and Wilma would like to thank Robertson House and Starwood Long Term Care for helping Mary live through the last year with dignity. The Rushton family and other members of the Church who helped along the journey. A special thank you to Reverend Jennifer Wickham for travelling here to fulfill one of Mary’s final wishes.
Friends are invited to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry 315 McLeod Street (at O’Connor) on Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 from 9 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 11 a. m. There will be a reception following the service. Interment at Beechwood Cemetery following the reception. Donations in memory of Mary appreciated to a charity of your choice
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de D Mary
Hackett Hackett 1931 2018.
Décès pour la Ville: Ottawa, Province: Ontario
