Mary Louise (Grant) KILLAM – age 72. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother on August 24, 2019 after a brief illness. Born in Woodstock, New Brunswick, she was a daughter of the late Robert Mowat Grant and Elizabeth Grantham (Richardson) Grant. Mary Louise graduated from Woodstock High School and then attended Acadia University where she studied music. While at Acadia, she met her beloved husband Gary Killam. After their marriage in 1969, they lived in Scott’s Bay NS where they welcomed their first daughter in 1970. In 1973 they settled in Yarmouth where their second daughter was born and Gary began a long career as the Physics teacher at Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School.
While raising her family, she taught piano and was Organist and Choir Director at Yarmouth Zion Baptist Church. Later she became Organist, Choir Director and Secretary at Beacon United Church, where she and her family attended for many years forging many lifelong friendships. In retirement, Mary Louise began attending Holy Trinity Anglican Church where she volunteered as Organist and Choir Director for some time.
Mary Louise gave a lifetime of service to her community, contributing greatly to many organizations over the years. She followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a passionate member of the IODE, serving as Secretary of the local Leif Erikson Chapter for 34 years, as well as being on the Provincial Executive including two years as Provincial President.
She has been instrumental in many other organizations that she worked tirelessly for, including: V.O.N. (Board Secretary); Milton Improvement Society (Board Secretary); John & Douglas Kindergarten (Chairperson); Yarmouth County Museum & Archive (Board Secretary and Historigram Editor); Yarmouth Community Fuel Fund (Coordinator); Meals on Wheels (Volunteer); Yarmouth Choral Federation Board (Member); Girl Guides of Canada (Guider, Camp Advisor and Yarmouth Area District Commissioner).
In recognition of her years of volunteering she received many awards, such as the National Prestigious Award for Voluntary Services for years of dedication to the V.O.N. (2017); Nova Scotia Provincial Volunteer Award for Yarmouth (2014); Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).
She is survived by her daughters, Anstice (David) Atkinson, Yarmouth, Sybil (Stephen) Power, Port Williams; sister, Anne Empke, New Market, Ontario; grandchildren, Liam, Emma, Sophie, Gavin, Garynn. She was predeceased by her loving husband Gary in 2000.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home and Crematorium, Yarmouth. Visitation will be held Tuesday August 27th, 2019 from 7-9 p.m. at Sweeny’s Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, August 28th, 2019 at 2 p.m. from Holy Trinity Anglican Church with Rev. Tory Byrne officiating. Interment will take place in Riverside Cemetery in Hebron. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory may be made the Tri County V.O.N. (www.von.ca/en/donate-now), or the Community Fuel Fund. Online condolences may be sent to : Sweenysfh@eastlink.ca or you may sign the guestbook online at: www.sweenysfuneralhome.net
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Saturday August 24th 2019
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mary Louise Killam..
Death notice for the town of: YARMOUTH, Province: Nova Scotia