Mercy Esther Rattigan, née Voakes, age 96, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at her residence at Vigi Dollard des Ormeaux. Born in Sus, England to Nehemiah and Emily (Smith) Voakes, she was the second youngest of 7 children. She was a children’s nurse when she married John Rattigan in 1944 (1983) and emigrated to Canada as a war bride in 1946.
Left to love and honour her are her daughters, Barbara (Lawrence) Lee, Debbie (Roy) Douglass, son in law, Mel Ferguson, daughter in laws, Suzanne Butler (Richard) and Susan Rattigan; 10 grandchildren; Christopher (Nicole) Lee, Robyn Ferguson, Karin Ferguson, Angela Rattigan (Braden), Michael Lee (Frances), Darryl (Jas) Rattigan, Jennifer (Carlo) Douglass-Pagano, Heather (Shadd) Blackketter, Ryan (Michelle) Douglass, David (Holly) Rattigan; 18 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her son, Tony (1999), her daughter Susan (2018) and her son, Stephen (2019)
Mercy remained close to her English roots, especially her brothers and sisters and their families.
Mercy’s life revolved around family and friends, community, and church. She and John moved their young family to the tiny village of Ste. Genevieve on the west island of Montreal in 1954. It was here Mercy gave her best to the community.
Mercy was one of the founding members of Ste Genevieve United Church in 1958. She was a dedicated church member and for many years was actively involved with the UCW and the annual fundraising Christmas Bazaar. Mercy started the first Brownie and Girl Guide group in Ste Genevieve with her dear friend Ella in the mid 1950’s when she realized there was nothing in the way of organized activities for girls in Ste Genevieve. Mercy’s commitment to friends and community kept her involved in vital charities, including the March of Dimes, Heart and Stroke and Meals on Wheels. She exemplified, in so many ways, the values of a kind and caring community.
Mercy especially treasured the time she could share with her children and grandchildren. Family gatherings were her joy. She also delighted in sharing a good chuckle or some interesting fact she had discovered.
Mercy loved her family above all else and taught us the meaning of true family values in all she did.
A Celebration of Life will be held later when family and friends can safely gather.
If desired a donation can be made to Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Voluntas (514-695-7979, voluntas.ca).
2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de RATTIGAN Mercy Esther nee Voakes
December 19..
Décès pour la Ville: Kirkland, Province: Quebec