Death Notice
MacDOUGALL – KIRLIN, Mary –
Peacefully in her sleep at Queen’s Village in London, Ontario in the care of her daughter on Friday, February 5, 2021, Mary Margaret (MacDougall) Kirlin, nee Jones of Bellingham, Washington, formerly of West Vancouver, age 79.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Lynn Kirlin; children Clifford (Rachel) of Vancouver, Ryan (Jennifer) of Stockholm, Sweden, Gavin of Vancouver and Arlene of London, Ontario; grandchildren Mary-Kate and Maya in Sweden, Evelyn, Rowena (Gwen) and Alexandra in London, Ontario; sister Penny Jones (Alfred Wahl) of Leduc, Alberta; Michael MacDougall of West Vancouver and family; and by many nieces and nephews.
Mary was born in Calgary, Alberta to Dorothy (nee Manion) and Isaac Jones. She and her sister Penny were raised lovingly in Lethbridge, enjoying family weekends at Waterton Lakes. She excelled in her studies and attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington followed by a Master’s in Social Work at Smith College in Massachusetts. Mary had a long and rewarding career in social work in Ontario and British Columbia including child protection, adoption, counselling, teaching and leadership. From 1994-2009, she was the Executive Director of Catholic Family Services and Catholic Charities (Men’s Hostel, The Door is Open) for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Ahead of her time, she began offering online counselling services starting in 1999 as well as training professionals in online counselling through the University of Toronto up until recently. She also served as a volunteer for many community organizations throughout the years. Mary’s contributions were recognized with a Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2003.
Guided by her Catholic faith, Mary loved helping others and serving her community. She was intelligent, strong, selfless, compassionate, and sincere. Her warm blue eyes and big smile lit up every room she entered and every heart she touched. Her family, friends and colleagues could always count on Mary’s kindness and wisdom to help them through any life challenge.
The most amazing mom – Mary ensured her children had every opportunity to thrive and was there whenever they needed her. She was their greatest teacher: unconditional love, optimism, gratitude and patience. She was incredibly proud of all her children.
Mary loved being Nana to her bright and beautiful granddaughters. She also loved her Shih Tzu babies.
Perfectly matched, Lynn and Mary enjoyed lots of laughter, nature walks, good food and music, and their daily Starbucks.
Mary will always be deeply missed and her loving spirit will continue to guide us all.
“For it is in giving that we receive.” St. Francis of Assisi
A memorial service will be held in London, Ontario at Harris Funeral Home on Thursday, February 11 at 10 am (1 pm EST). For a ZOOM invitation to join family at that time or to view a recording of the service, please contact the funeral home: info@harrisfuneralhome.ca
Memorial donations: The Door is Open, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Vancouver support.rcav.org/catholic-charities/door-is-open/
2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Mary MacDougall – Kirlin 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:London, Province: Ontario